Having just acquired a like-new Narragansett Arms reproduction of the Ferguson rifle, I'm preparing to shoot it - but some significant information does not seem to be readily found:
What was the original powder charge for the Ferguson military rifle (I realize that this is controlled by the space between the chambered ball and the front of the breechblock, and so is a fixed quantity which may or may not be the same as in the replica)?
What lubricant, if any, was applied to the ball?
And what lubricant, if any, was used on the threads of the breech block?
Any tips/tricks or advice from someone who has experience with the Ferguson would be appreciated!
mhb - MIke
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Experience with early modern replicas, made before the proper screw and thread pitch of the breechblock were rediscovered, seemed to indicate that while reloading was rapid, it seemed to be necessary to first lubricate the breech screw (originally with a mixture of beeswax and tallow) or else the (replica) rifle would foul so much that it needed cleaning after three or four shots. However, through the research efforts of DeWitt Bailey and others, the properly made reproduction Ferguson rifle, made according to Patrick Ferguson's specifications of the 1770s, can fire beyond sixty shots.
According to Forgotten weapons vid that I just looked at they used a .65 caliber ball first off for the most accurate shooting.
Then after the rifle was fouled (How many shots did not say) change to a .61 caliber ball the load they used in the video was 75gns of 3F Swiss (No liability accepted in the use of this load only repeating what was on the video)
used a .65 caliber ball first off for the most accurate shooting.
Then after the rifle was fouled (How many shots did not say) change to a .61 caliber ball
Because you could carry a bunch of both and be able to tell the difference when you were firing by order...
I don’t have any experience with the Ferguson rifle itself, but I used to shoot a model 1863 sharps carbine in competition. I used a cooking oil spray(Pam) to lubricate the breach block. I could fire the carbine all day without having to remove it between events. As far as lube for the I would experiment with the different types that are out there. Measure the bore and then get a few sizes of balls and see which one is most accurate.