1861 Springfield mini-ball mould

[Bill S]

I'd like to shoot an obscure looking 1861 Springfield that has a bright barrel. I'm thinking I should start by buying the bullet mould.

Which mould would be the best choice to cast mini balls for a vintage 1861 Springfield barrel? The Lyman 460 gr looks good to me because of the conical cavity but I am not sure that the Lee or RCBS do not have that as well. What is the best bullet diameter to make?

The gun is a no name special contract rifle that looks like it might have been made by colt. Only markings on the lock is the date "1864".

Thanks!!

 

[Booner]

I'd like to shoot an obscure looking 1861 Springfield that has a bright barrel. I'm thinking I should start by buying the bullet mould.

Which mould would be the best choice to cast mini balls for a vintage 1861 Springfield barrel? The Lyman 460 gr looks good to me because of the conical cavity but I am not sure that the Lee or RCBS do not have that as well. What is the best bullet diameter to make?

The gun is a no name special contract rifle that looks like it might have been made by colt. Only markings on the lock is the date "1864".

Thanks!!

Oh Mr. Bill, where to begin?
First, we'll assume three things; that the musket has been checked out and is in good enough condition to shoot, that it is not currently loaded, (You'd be surprised how many of these old muskets have been stored in a loaded condition), and it has a decent bore.

I would suggest you go do a search of the North-South Skirmish Association's (N-SSA) website for possibly the best information available for what you want to do.

But at this point, if all you want to do is shoot the old girl a few times, instead of buying a mold, finding a source for --pure- lead and casting your own, search the web for a source of ready made miniballs cast in various diameters. If memory serves me, I think Dixie Gunworks offered them in various calibers at one time, but I know there are other companies out there that sell them. I know Dixie used to sell swages in various diameters, because that's where I purchased mine. So buy some miniballs and purchase the swages so you can find what works best in your musket. With a set of calipers, you can get a better idea of the size of your muskets bore and then swage the bullet down a few 1'000 of an inch smaller. Lube the bullet with a mixture of bees wax and Crisco. Use -only- black powder, maybe between 50-60 grains of 2f for the best accuracy.

Good luck

 

[mofederal]

I would say that Dixie Gun Works is a good choice, but only after you have a gunsmith fully check out the rifle.

 

[Bill S]

Thanks for the pointers! I'll cast my own bullets and I have a variety of lead. Some very soft pure lead and some harder stuff but im not sure what it was mixed with.

I will look for info at the N-SSA site and Dixie
Gun Works.

I'll let you know what I decide on.

Thank you.

 

[UCVRelics]

@Booner and @mofederal have given you some GREAT advice and insight. The only thing I can add is, I would bench test fire it at least 5 times before you put it to your shoulder.

 

[Bill S]

@Booner and @mofederal have given you some GREAT advice and insight. The only thing I can add is, I would bench test fire it at least 5 times before you put it to your shoulder.

Thanks - Your advice will surely be taken. In addition I'll replace the nipple and carefully check for corrosion and thread damage.

 

[Wellwords]

I don't have any help for you on the bullets, but... Would you mind posting a picture of the Springfield rifle? I've been wanting to see more pictures of them for a while now.
Thanks!!