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Re: Whitworth Rifle..........
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 2:29 pm
by Niner
The bolster on your new rifle has what looks like a cleanout screw. Other makers of reproduction Whitworth rifles have what looks like a filled in hole where yours has a screw...like the Pedersoli example I'll attach. Have any idea of the history of the bolster screw? Is it correct to original British target rifles?
Re: Whitworth Rifle..........
Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2024 1:19 pm
by DuncaninFrance
A vent cleanout screw.
Not a necessity, but having a straight line for cleaning when gunked up can be helpful, not having to angle around the dog leg from the nipple.
It may be a legacy from the point in time where the nipple lump was welded or braised in place, then drilled out in two operations; one for the bore to the chamber and a connection bore from the top (which would then be step-bored and threaded to accept the nipple.
Re: Whitworth Rifle..........
Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2024 4:09 pm
by DuncaninFrance
Some Images from today.
Re: Whitworth Rifle..........
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2024 4:48 am
by DuncaninFrance
Getting there!
Re: Whitworth Rifle..........
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:19 am
by DuncaninFrance
And some biuts to be going on with from a very kind friend in the UK.
Re: Whitworth Rifle..........
Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2024 3:14 am
by DuncaninFrance
Casting bullets is harder than you think!
The mold is steel and so once up to temperature should stay there without much trouble.
Unfortunately the exit hole in the pot appears to be damaged and is only allowing a small pour so the lead is cooling in layers with this result.
Going to have to pull the pot apart and replace the inner and valve rod which I have in stock.
Re: Whitworth Rifle..........
Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2024 3:23 am
by DuncaninFrance
Another little piece of the 'jigsaw' in place.
Hex ramrod made from a length of 8mm aluminium tube, a wooden draw knob and a hex bolt held captive in the rod by a pin.
7€!
Re: Whitworth Rifle..........
Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2024 10:56 am
by Niner
Is the ramrod that came with the rifle hex? Can't tell from the photo. Is the one you made actually made hex from round or just smaller diameter round to go down the barrel?
Re: Whitworth Rifle..........
Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2024 8:29 am
by DuncaninFrance
The original is round but some twat has sawn the threads off it so it is too short!
The one I made has a hex bolt fitted in the end which is just the right size for the bore.
Re: Whitworth Rifle..........
Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2024 2:28 pm
by joseyclosey
I found it better to use a dipper when casting .577 and .451 for my P H rifles Duncan. Nice looking rifle, good luck with it.