Huntsman breechplug diameter

[Keith Lewis]

I just found out that there are two diameters of breechplug threads. Mine is the smaller 5/8 inch. I understand there is also a 7/8 inch one. Does anyone know why the change was made and which is the newer style??

[snicker]

Keith,

The 5/8 is the newer breech plug.  I bought my Huntsman about 5 years ago when they only had the 24" barrel and it has the 7/8" breech plug.  Don't know for certain why the change but they probably did it to beef up the breech area to allow the use of more powder for the 26" barrels.  My Huntsman is only rated for 100 grains of powder.

[Keith Lewis]

I also wondered if it was to give more room for the scope base screws also. I suspected that the 5/8 was the later one but my Huntsman is a second hand one and I was not sure how old it is. Mine also only has a 24 inch barrel which I would prefer the longer one but I got a pretty good deal on the rifle so I am happy. I just ordered the 25ACP breechplug which I already have in my Omega and when I did that is when I found about the two diameters. Thanks for the information.

[snicker]

More room for the scope base screws is also a possibility.  Personally, I like the 24" barrel.  Seems to balance a little better for me.  Where you are a 26" might do better for longer shots, all mine are under 75 yards and most under 50 yards, normal for the Tn woods.  Currently using 80 grains of BM3 with a T/C Cheap Shot 240 gr sabot, have a Simmons 2X7 scope on it and it will cloverleaf at 50 yards.  Also use a TC takedown ramrod so I don't have to use the terrible factory rod.  It breaks down into 4 pieces and I just carry it in my vest pouch.  It's one ugly gun up close but shoots really well.  Good luck with yours.

[50 Calshtr]

Keith,
   If you would could you please tell me how long the new breech plug is and if it has an unthreaded shank on the forward end how long that is and it's diameter.  I've been toying with the idea of getting one and chambering it for a 577/500 #2 black powder express.
Thanks.

[Keith Lewis]

I will do the measuring when I get a chance. I would however; caution use of the Huntsman receiver for a rifle that is relying on the breech face of the action for stopping the energy of the case on recoil. From what I understand the Huntsman has a slightly less strong receiver from what the centerfire NEF rifles have just because in the black powder muzzleloader there is no case to recoil back into the breech face. All the recoil is taken up in the pin that attaches the barrel to the action. I'm sure others that are more into these rifles can give you more information.

[50 Calshtr]

Keith,
   Thanks for the reply and warning.  I'd be getting a new barrel thru the barrel program using a SB2 frame I currently have which came with a 270 barrel. Pressures on this black powder round max out in the low 20,000 psi range so it shouldn't be a problem even with the larger cartridge head diameter.
Have a good weekend.

[Keith Lewis]

OK here are the dimensions of the stock breechplug. Mine is the smaller thread so: Working from the big end to the tip here are the measurements The big end where the carriers fit is (all dimensions are inches) .880 diameter it is .325 long and at the base of the big section the thread starts and OD of the thread is .621 the threaded portion is .750 long. There is a short section between the thread and the base of the big end which is not threaded and it measures .550 diameter and .105 long. After the threaded portion there is a non threaded tip which measures .550 dia and .195 long. Overall dimention of the plug from end to end is 1.400.  Hope this is what you want and also hope you understand it.

[50 Calshtr]

Got it, Thanks!