I bought this Isaac Hollis 8 Bore Big game rifle - no clue what to load

[buckstix]

I bought this Isaac Hollis 8 Bore Big game rifle - no clue what to load

Hello All,

I bought this 8 Bore Big game rifle at the last Poulin Auction but I have no clue what to load for it.

Bore measures .850" and I bought some .830" round balls. Now I need to find out how much powder to use and patch thickness.

any suggestions?

http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/8bore-000.jpg

 

[Nevada Smith]

Well, I believe 360 grains of black powder is too much:

Search for "8 bore black powder rifle load," e.g.

 

[Nevada Smith]

FYI:

"A Master Class on the Muzzle Loading Percussion Rifle - Part 3 Developing An Accurate Load"

and Part 4 Load Development Continued

 

[buckstix]

Thanks for the reply. I've pictured some of the proofs for interest. There is a small J.N. stamp in front of the wedge cage. I wonder if anyone knows anything about this stamp.

Per suggestion from a different forum, I used an old tapered plum bob with various grit papers (120 to 600) to bevel the muzzle. When I removed the barrel from the stock, I found that the wedge was years ago broken with half missing. (see pics) Not sure if this is a shooting issue or not.

http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/8bore-proofs.jpg

 

[Josh P]

Your ability to locate and follow through on the procurement of items for you collection is impressive. I appreciate you sharing the fruits of your labor. It’s fun to see!

 

[buckstix]

I repaired the wedge with silver solder

 

[Sarg]

I repaired the wedge with silver solder

View attachment 686415

Well done, good idea to fix now !

They must of made a lot of these as a quick search found 3 for sale or sold recently, two look a fair bit rougher than yours, I think one is yours was at Lewis Drake ?

Near all the same, one has a patch box how ever !

 

[buckstix]

yes, mine was for sale with Lewis Drake, but went to Poulin auction as part of the Lewis Drake collection. I bought it for 1/4 what Lewis Drake was asking. I saw the 2 other similar ones when researching and both were much rougher than mine, and sold for more than mine. Bore on mine is excellent. I have a mold coming so I won't have to mess with spit & patches. The mold will allow a hollow base to vary the weight.