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+---- Thread: picket vs slug rifle (/thread-1918.html)
picket vs slug rifle - bruce moulds - 06-16-2016
I still cannot come to grips with what a picket rifle is.
could someone please explain this in simple terms that an idiot like me can understand?
keep safe,
bruce.
RE: picket vs slug rifle - Cody Smith - 06-16-2016
I am glad you asked, I don't know either.
RE: picket vs slug rifle - GavenAZ - 06-16-2016
I was able to look up a picture of the picket bullet.
http://moosemoulds.wix.com/mm2013#!wilkinson/c1msz
RE: picket vs slug rifle - MikeR - 06-16-2016
Try a Google image search for picket bullets. They are a conical bullet with no cylindrical body to align the bullet with the bore. Often patched with a cloth patch much like a round ball muzzle loader rifle. Also used in cap and ball revolvers with out a patch. The trick is to get the rifle loaded with the point of the bullet centered with the bore so the bullet will exit the muzzle straight so the gasses don't upset the bullets flight.
RE: picket vs slug rifle - bruce moulds - 06-16-2016
gaven and mike,
thank you for that.
it looks like a transitional thing between round ball and a slug rifle type bullet.
they would obviously be harder to get to shoot due to bullet alignment issues, and the thick patching material.
looking at picket rifle bullets with no knowledge, you could be forgiven for thinking they were greasers with a big groove.
keep safe,
bruce.
RE: picket vs slug rifle - mikeg - 06-16-2016
What were the twist for picket and slug guns, I have a 37# 50 cal that I always thought was a round ball gun.
RE: picket vs slug rifle - MikeR - 06-17-2016
If it is a picket rifle it most likely would have a false muzzle to assist in getting the bullet aligned properly for best accuracy. Also gain twist was very common in picket rifles according to Ned Roberts.
RE: picket vs slug rifle - MikeR - 06-17-2016
Some quick research indicates picket rifle twists are usually 36 to 48 inches. If the twist is faster the rifle most likely is made to shoot slugs.
RE: picket vs slug rifle - Rick Mulhern - 06-23-2016
Go here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Pickett+rifle+bullets&tbm=isch&imgil=83R0HOnwAAFvmM%253A%253BVbUh3ruCyo4EZM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.regimentalheadquarters.com%25252Fproduct%25252Fcivil-war-pickett-or-country-rifle-bullet&source=iu&pf=m&fir=83R0HOnwAAFvmM%253A%252CVbUh3ruCyo4EZM%252C_&usg=__6ZwfCZc-qjEIms3sQTZRlYNhLUo%3D&biw=1911&bih=1012&ved=0ahUKEwj41_SJoL_NAhWMQSYKHdxuA-gQyjcIOw&ei=ymlsV_jKGoyDmQHc3Y3ADg#imgrc=ogTH9kioTi9idM%3A
With basically no bearing surface to promote twist....I don't see how one could hit a barn using them!