Parker Hale P53

Muzzle and breech loading black powder firearms. Military and sporting.
Shooting, loading, collecting and historical study.

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joseyclosey
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Parker Hale P53

Post by joseyclosey » Wed Jun 24, 2015 3:46 am

Well I finally bit the black powder bullet yesterday with the purchase of a PH Pattern 53, 3 band rifle. I still need to collect a bit more BP kit but managed to get a bit of shooting at 50m yesterday with my limited resources and help from friends. I had previously cast and lubed Lee and RCBS Minie bullets, so with limited kit I was ready to go and had a very enjoyable few hours shooting. A bit more practice and development with the minies obviously required but I'm pleased with the results of my first attempts.
I think I may be able to get into this BP malarky after all.
A few pics from the day.

Joe :D
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DuncaninFrance
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Re: Parker Hale P53

Post by DuncaninFrance » Wed Jun 24, 2015 4:56 am

Fantastic Joe, once in you can't get out you know :mrgreen:

I have thought about starting a BPSA help line - BLACK POWDER SHOOTERS ANONYMOUS - :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Duncan

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Niner
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Re: Parker Hale P53

Post by Niner » Wed Jun 24, 2015 10:33 am

Welcome to the club. What was the range? What charge of powder were you using?
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joseyclosey
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Re: Parker Hale P53

Post by joseyclosey » Wed Jun 24, 2015 2:27 pm

Range was 50m and load info is on the target Robert, I just used a lee scoop for the powder which gave just over 61g of Swiss No. 3 black powder.

Joe
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Niner
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Re: Parker Hale P53

Post by Niner » Wed Jun 24, 2015 3:06 pm

Sorry for not reading the target penciled in info closer. 60 grains is what I use in mine out to 100 yards. If I remember right 60 grains was the original military load a 150 years ago as well. That long barrel helps old eyes get the sights lined up too.

Looks like you have a loading rod separate from the ram rod. That's good. Most bought loading rods aren't really long enough though. I made one for mine years ago. Just had to buy the metal tip for the end. Regular hardware store half inch dowel worked for the shaft.
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Aughnanure
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Re: Parker Hale P53

Post by Aughnanure » Wed Jun 24, 2015 7:12 pm

Welcome aboard!

"The smell of black powder is sweet,
And the hickory ramrod hath charm."

Although in your case, as yet, it's steel :bigsmile:
Self Defence is not only a Right, it is an Obligation.

Eoin.
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Re: Parker Hale P53

Post by joseyclosey » Thu Jun 25, 2015 2:35 am

I don't use the rifles ramrod, I got a flexible 48" Pro Shot rod in with the deal and it works fine for loading and cleaning.

Got my eye on a Pritchet mould group buy that is on the cusp of coming to fruition with Swede Nelsons NOE. Hopefully I'll have the patience to build some paper cartridges of the Enfield type.

Joe
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DuncaninFrance
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Re: Parker Hale P53

Post by DuncaninFrance » Thu Jun 25, 2015 5:00 am

He's on the slippery slope guys :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:
Duncan

What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch? -- W.C. Fields
"Many of those who enjoy freedom know little of its price."
You can't fix Stupid, but you can occasionally head it off before it hurts something.
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DuncaninFrance
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Re: Parker Hale P53

Post by DuncaninFrance » Thu Jun 25, 2015 8:18 am

Duncan

What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch? -- W.C. Fields
"Many of those who enjoy freedom know little of its price."
You can't fix Stupid, but you can occasionally head it off before it hurts something.
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joseyclosey
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Re: Parker Hale P53

Post by joseyclosey » Thu Jun 25, 2015 9:26 am

Cheers Duncan ;)
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