1853 Enfield powder charge

[musketman]

Help!!!! I have a replica 1853 Enfield, 3 band, .58 cal musket and I would like to know the correct powder charge for a .500grain maxi ball that would allow me to be close on my rear ladder sight?

Thanks, Musketman

[filmokentucky]

Depending on which source you read, the correct charge was 60 or 68 grains of ffg under a Minie weighing about 550 grains. I use 70 grains of GOEX ffg under a 560 grain Minie and the sights work fine. I use a Minie intended for the Springfield rifle muskets and the tighter fit seems to have a beneficial effect on accuracy without making ramming too much of a chore. These guns are a pleasure to shoot and make fine hunting arms where allowed.

[Ramrod]

I think the original British charge was 2-1/2 drams under a 560 grain paper patched bullet. 70 grains and the .560 minie, or the 560 grain TC Maxi Hunter is about as close as you can get.

[musketman]

Hey,
        Thanks for the info!!!!  Can't wait to get started!!!!

[dbm]

You'll find plenty of information on Managing the Enfield on my web site at:
http://www.researchpress.co.uk/targets/enfieldm01.htm

Hope this helps,

David

[Ramrod]

Yes, that is the most informative Enfield sight on the web. I keep it bookmarked, just have not visited it lately, so I wasn't 100% positive on the original load. Thanks David for making the results of your long experiance available to us all.
P.S. I have been using cheap tractor grease until I get some waterpump grease. Working O.K. so far.

[dbm]

The article on managing the Enfield has now been updated to include a number of the original illustrations. It can be found at:

www.researchpress.co.uk/targets/musketry/enfieldmanagement.htm

Note the new url of the page. There is a redirect set up from the old page so previous bookmarks should work.

David