Ferguson rifle

[mhb]

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

Information

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[CINDERS]

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)

[browningautorifle]

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...

[gsimmons]

You write the bullet diameter on the paper cartridge.

[browningautorifle]

You write the bullet diameter on the paper cartridge.

And you'd be able to stop a read them...select the right one...neat...

[Jim]

Ques.)You write the bullet diameter on the paper cartridge. ANS) And you'd be able to stop a read them...select the right one...neat...

It would surely be more practical to have two cartridge pouches?

There is a much simpler and more practicable solution though, I don't know how the Brits actually addressed the problem.
During the Civil War Yankees carried different rounds in their ammo pouches- standard and 1 or 2 cleaner rounds. The cleaning rounds were simply wrapped in different color paper. A quick glance told the soldier which they were.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Oh my! Just when I was thinking that I really don't need another rifle... along comes THIS !!!!

A real show-stopper at any meeting!

[Patrick Chadwick]

Oh dear! I searched the internet - several years (and thousands of dollars) too late to get one!

But one can dream...

[Patrick Chadwick]

It would surely be more practical to have two cartridge pouches?

[browningautorifle]

more practical

I'm sure you guys are missing my point and looking at it from a range practise viewpoint...