Brown Bess service loads and accuracy

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Tower75

Brown Bess service loads and accuracy

#1 Post by Tower75 »

Hi guys and girls.

Thought I try to post this again.

Check this video out - apologies if seen - been out for a while

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trgZmM9f ... IQ&index=1[/youtube]

What I thought was interesting is that they are using "service loads" in thier modern repros. A Brown Bess service charge in the days of Wellington and Napoleon was a ball of .67-.69 (depending who you read) and a charge of 6 drams - 160grains!

The most I've used is 100 grains in my Pedersoli when I load from paper cartridge. I put 110 grains in the cartridge as about 10-20 grains will be used in the pan. Now, taking a random stab at assumption, modern repros *should* be stronger then originals, but I'm not sure if I would trust 160 grains in mine. If I knew for a FACT that it was safe... I would ;)

Anyone else tried a service load in thiers?
John25

Re: Brown Bess service loads and accuracy

#2 Post by John25 »

If you google 'WS Curtis' you will find a web site and articles by Bill about the Brown Bess

http://www.researchpress.co.uk/firearms ... /index.htm

Bill knows probably all there is to know about the 'Bess'

He will be delighted to answer any of your questions.

:cheers:
Tower75

Re: Brown Bess service loads and accuracy

#3 Post by Tower75 »

Cheers, John.

Really like the RP website.

I was just amazed how much black-stuff they throw down their pipes.

Kinda wanna try it now... and see if I can do 3 a minute... and tape it... and upload it and get laughed at by you guys :lol:
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Ovenpaa
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Re: Brown Bess service loads and accuracy

#4 Post by Ovenpaa »

John25 wrote:If you google 'WS Curtis' you will find a web site and articles by Bill about the Brown Bess

http://www.researchpress.co.uk/firearms ... /index.htm

Bill knows probably all there is to know about the 'Bess'

He will be delighted to answer any of your questions.

:cheers:
He is very knowledgeable, in fact he is one of only three that I have as a twitter feed to my mobile. he does post on here from time to time and I have a feeling he has a link to this forum from his site. :good:
/d

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Killakobe

Re: Brown Bess service loads and accuracy

#5 Post by Killakobe »

:goodjob: any????
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dromia
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Re: Brown Bess service loads and accuracy

#6 Post by dromia »

Welcome Killa Kobe. :wave: :grin:

Why not introduce yourself in the New Members forum?
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ResearchPress
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Re: Brown Bess service loads and accuracy

#7 Post by ResearchPress »

ovenpaa wrote:
John25 wrote:If you google 'WS Curtis' you will find a web site and articles by Bill about the Brown Bess
He is very knowledgeable, in fact he is one of only three that I have as a twitter feed ...
The web site is mine, although Bill has given me some articles. So far as I know Bill does not have a Twitter feed, although I do from my Research Press web site.

Ref. the Brown Bess service load, I understood that the cartridge included allowance of powder for priming. So, cartridge torn open, pan primed and closed, remainder of powder poured down barrel, ball and wadding (cartridge paper) loaded.

David
www.researchpress.co.uk - www.facebook.com/ResearchPress
Firearms, long range target shooting and associated history
John25

Re: Brown Bess service loads and accuracy

#8 Post by John25 »

David,

I wish I had one, but I wouldn't be able to do it justice and there is only so much money and room in the gun cabinet.

Mind you, a real Bess should be on display.

Bill is a very interesting bloke to talk to, I haven't seen him for ages.

He was only Slightly disdainful when I told him about my desire to have a Baker.

Your website is very informative and (I hope you don't mind) when I worked in the Range Office, I directed a number of people to it.

:cheers:
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ResearchPress
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Re: Brown Bess service loads and accuracy

#9 Post by ResearchPress »

John, I am pleased that you find my web site informative enough to recommend to others.

David
www.researchpress.co.uk - www.facebook.com/ResearchPress
Firearms, long range target shooting and associated history
John25

Re: Brown Bess service loads and accuracy

#10 Post by John25 »

Credit where it's due.

:cheers:
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