TC makeover II

[Blackfeet]

The next part of this project starts as an open request for information. One of the barrels from these Hawken's has a section about 6 inches in from the muzzle that has  minor to moderate pitting. I speculate that the previous owner was a 'clean in the sink' type and didn't dare to make a mess by accidentally pulling a quart of yuck onto the floor and so stopped short.................just speculation. Maybe he/she just had short arms?
Whatever the case, I am considering cutting the barrel but would like to know what information or experience the board members have about short .50 cal barrels with 1-48" rate of twist. I generally shoot PRB but would consider other options if better results are possible. What barrel lengths, loads, and etc.

For the record, the pitting isn't very bad and the barrel shoots quite well. (I know, I should leave it alone ........ and I may)

[Watauga]

  Yep Leave it alone.

[mongrel]

Leave it be. A pristine bore is a wonderful thing and a joy to behold, but not a necessity from the standpoint of performance.

My theory is -- run a dry patch down on a cleaning jag. If you can't feel the pitting, if the patch doesn't snag, tear, or jump as it passes through the offending area, there's really not a problem.

[Blackfeet]

Ok, Ok Sheesh   All can relax, the barrel is in a safe house at an undisclosed location and the hacksaw has been dismantled and the blade and frame locked up in separate tool boxes. I hope that someone is so quick and has a use for a 'Rescue' (needs a good home) 50 cal TC Barrel that is as stated, actually a very fine shooter just in case the urge returns to make a carbine.....................

So, If one was to happen across a barrel that better suited the application,..............does anyone have any experience, or knowledge on the subject?

[mongrel]

Various CVA/Traditions rifles had 24" barrels and are considered to be very good shooters. Lyman still markets their Deerstalker model with a 24" barrel. These all have 1-48" twist. FWIW Traditions seems to do quite well with their little "Tennessee" model, which has a 24 1/2" barrel and 1-66" twist.

The obvious drawback to a short barrel is a decrease in sight radius, therefore (at least theoretically) some decrease in accuracy, and a definite decrease in velocity.

Sam Fadala's "Black Powder Handbook" gives a lot of data that would be of interest to you in regard to this question.

[Hawken50]

  Dont feel bad Blackfeet.Our founding father Ol Dryball was a connisuer of the hacksaw.Dont think he ever met the barrel that he couldnt shorten.

[Blackfeet]

Dont feel bad Blackfeet.Our founding father Ol Dryball was a connisuer of the hacksaw.Dont think he ever met the barrel that he couldnt shorten.

I had gotten that impression from some of the old posts but didn't find much info on the results. I will look for Mr Fadala's book as I have seen it mentioned on several subjects. 

What next? maybe I will turn down a 32 cal GM so it isn't so dang heavy, not shorten though, I can't find the toolbox key.....................

[Red Badger]

Various CVA/Traditions rifles had 24" barrels and are considered to be very good shooters. Lyman still markets their Deerstalker model with a 24" barrel. These all have 1-48" twist. FWIW Traditions seems to do quite well with their little "Tennessee" model, which has a 24 1/2" barrel and 1-66" twist.

The obvious drawback to a short barrel is a decrease in sight radius, therefore (at least theoretically) some decrease in accuracy, and a definite decrease in velocity.

Sam Fadala's "Black Powder Handbook" gives a lot of data that would be of interest to you in regard to this question.

Ya mean the little .50 Tennessee I got from Dennis wasn't one of his modifications... now I'm depressed!   

It actually shoots better tha some of my other centerfire rifles.... I like it in heavy brush country....