I need some opinions! I am considering a TVM Southern style rifle for small game and can't make up my mind on caliber size. My goal is to shoot jack rabbits effectively out to 75-100 yards. I have considered calibers from .36 to .45. I hunt deer and elk with a Hawken style in .54, but want to carry something a little lighter in weight rifle for the smaller game, maybe squirrels, but mostly rabbits. In my country long shots are a given. I am considering a 13/16 to 7/8's barrel around 36" and go from there. What do you think and thanks for you help and advice.

"aim small, miss small"

Well, Sage Rider, I can tell you I'm no authority on this topic but of course I have an opinion. My understanding of RB ballistics, at least what I think I've been told, is that a .40 is a very flat shooting caliber. Now, I think I may have heard that here at the fire but maybe not. Anyway, I myself own a .40 barrel for my T/C because of this information I came by. Have never shot it at ranges beyond 50yds myself. So FWIW, that's my input.

BTW, what's your specific locale? I live in the PNW also, E. WA. Lots of sage brush here. You close by any chance?

I have a .32 Southern and it will knock the snot out of tree rats for sure. That said I have never used it for game beyond 25-30 yards. I've heard a .40 is a really good shooting cal. but I can't say so from experience. If I had to pick, I'd say get the .40, and you won't be disappointed in a TVM Southern. Best regards. Rockerhound

seems like we just had a discussion on small game calibers--you might search for it. That said, the .32 is probably too light for your stated needs--the .36 would work fine IMHO. The .40 is a "tweener" round, too big for squirrels and too small for deer, but used for both by alot of folks [Davy Crockett supposedly killed 106 bear with his .40 one year in Tenn, 'course he treed or cornered most with dogs, shot real close-up and finished alot with his knife]. I own or have owned a .32, .36, .40, .45, .50, .54, .58 and .62. The .40 is illegal here in Lousyanna to hunt either small or big game, so I gave it to my son in Arky land where it is legal--.40s are accurate and I cannot fault them except to say "tweener". I wish I had kept my .36, but I traded it off years ago--it was a tack driver at 100 yds, but I was shooting homemade picket bullets. My .32 is a great squirrel rifle and I would not hesitate to shoot game up through 50 lbs with it--but not at 100+ yds. The .45 is my most accurate rifle [[actually I just got another .45 and have not been able to get to the range with it], the the one I trust most for 100 yd shots. But it really is a deer rifle and a little overkill for jackrabbits and such. Anyway this is a windy way of saying the .36 would be my small game choice, but a .40 would do it if legal there.

I vote for the .36.
I have a Traditions Crockett .32 that is a great little rifle. Great for squirrels, and has taken called in coyotes and a bobcat, but they were called in and less than 50yds.
I think the .36 would give you a little more mass for those 100yd shots, but still be a good squirrel choice.

First, remind yourself that, ballistically, a round ball is comparable to that of a brick. Weight is needed to carry longer ranges. A .45 will do quite well to 100 yards. But a .40 or smaller is akin to trying to throw a feather. They just run out of legs at about 50 yards. Any of the small calibers will do you well up to 50. Also keep in mind things, they are achaning these days. Quality ramrods are hard to come by. Meaning, a really tiny rod for a .32 or .36 could be a risky thing to use in the field. They are even hard to find to purchase.

I was told,in deer camp,"If you have a big rifle and want to shoot small game and not destroy much meat" you just shoot real close to their nose and the bullet going by sucks all the air out of their lungs and they sufficate then all you do is go pick them up!!!!!!
As you wrote you have a 54 so why not go to the other end of the power curve and get a smaller one? I'd go with the 36 just cause!!!!!! small enought to get the job done and nice to carry.
I"ll be taking my 45 to NY in Nov for deer hunting,Alleghany Co around Wellsville/Andover.I figure if I cant get close enough for the 45 I aint HUNTING Iam HOPEING.

Sage, My first thought is to suggest a .40 cal. I've found it to be a good performer on the range, and have used it, in my younger days, for squirrels both for body shots and 'barking'. I'm sure for a jackrabbit a 40 would retain enough energy at your upper limit of 100 yds (probably on the order of 100 ft lbs) to do the jack in. The real challenge is going to be hitting the bunny at that range, especially if you're a purist who goes for head shots only.

A 38 inch swamped barrel .40 ought to be a jewel to carry and sight.

SCL

BTW, how are you and the T/C Patriot getting along?

I like the .36. It will do fine up to 100 yards under most conditions. I have a .32, .36 & .40. I've taken many squirrels with my Crockett .32 but question it's suitability much past 50 yards. The .36, on the other hand, works at 100 yards and, loaded down, is excellent for squirrels even with body shots. My .40 has a 38" swamped barrel and is delightful. Even loaded down it's a bit much for squirrels but will reach out 100 yards with authority.

I'll vote for the .36 as the best all around small game caliber. If you have a .40 you'll just have to careful with "up close and small".

I love my .40!! and it'll shoot accurately and with plenty of power over a 100yds(regardless of the naysayer)...and it shoots flat-no "rainbow" shots necessary...I was shooting at prairie dogs(again)last wknd-from a fencepost rest, I was putting shoots within 6inches of a p-dog at 175yds-and the ball was blasting dirtholes in the berm around the hole-I do tend to "push" my guns, but I truly believe if you know your gun, are willing to "push" a bit, you'll love a .40...

I have a .40 Southern flint from TVM, and I LOVE it!! It's the most accurate ML that I have. I've taken it sguirrel hunting and it is a tweener and does require a head shot, but it is one tack driving son a gun!! Tony

The first gun I built many moons ago was .36. Shot fine, and kills squirrels fine, but them balls is mighty small. Hard for me to handle. Personally, I wouldn't want smaller than .40, or better yet, .45 caliber.

One of the beauties of round ball guns is that even big calibers are not really "overpowered" for small game that much.

You're supposed to hit the squirrel in the head anyway, right?

This is great information and I really appreciate everything everyone is offering. I live in High Desert country and have very long shots. Jack Rabbits are usually taken between 75 & 100 yards. Sounds like I should get one rifle and 3 barrels, I have to laugh. I have already done that with a TC Hawken. With everyone's input so far, I am narrowing the field down to the .36 and leaning more towards the .40. Got a lot of wind out here as well. I already have the .45 barrel for the TC. Now time to try something different. Know my weapon and I will know my shot.

Mitch what powder charge are you using for that distance?

tnienaber(Tony): I sure would like to see a photo of your Southern. How long is your barrel and what width did you choose. I am thinking about 7/8s.

SCLoyalist: I shot my first trail walk with the TCF Patriot a few weeks ago. I placed 4th with targets out to 60yrds, and that was out of 24 shooters, so I was very happy indeed. (used 30grs FFF) Thanks for convincing me to go for it. Jim

"Aim small, miss small"

Sage Rider I got a 42" aged barrel in 13/16, I'll try to get the kid to help me post a picture. And your right your supposed to AIM for the head anyway, but a .36 or a .32 or even a .22 rimfire is a little more forgiving with the occasional body shot!

plinking load-50gr 3f,patch,.395 ball....hunting load-75gr 3f,patch,.395 ball...with the hunting load, I've dropped a 'yote at 75yds-he took about 3 steps and folded up(heart/lung shot) and have taken the head OFF a prairie dog at 120yds...my gun is has a 43 1/2" barrel, flintlock...good hunting amigo!!

quote:

Originally posted by Mitch:
plinking load-50gr 3f,patch,.395 ball....hunting load-75gr 3f,patch,.395 ball...with the hunting load, I've dropped a 'yote at 75yds-he took about 3 steps and folded up(heart/lung shot) and have taken the head OFF a prairie dog at 120yds...my gun is has a 43 1/2" barrel, flintlock...good hunting amigo!!

That, my friend, is a hefty load. You obviously get excellent accuracy with it. My .40 has a 38" swamped barrel and I'm beginning to think 60 grains of 3f might be my best load. I need to do a little more shooting to make sure. My eyes make it difficult tell if it's the load or me!

Sage Rider, if you're going to specialize in Jacks & larger stuff, especially at longer range, A .40 would probably be your best bet. It bucks the wind better than the .36.

Mitch, be careful with shooting too far. Shoot too far and you might strain that barrel and it'll never shoot good again, he, he he.

I like the .36 because I can buy a 5 pound box of 000 buckshot (about 500) for the same price as about 200 balls in 40 cal.

I am getting closer to that .40 decision for many of the reasons stated by you folks.

Hanshi....I am an ole guy, but can still shoot way out there, most of the time, and I am heading to GA via LA leaving tomorrow. Then IA and back home....

So...maybe Southern style, .40 cal., 36" barrel in 7/8s width and leaning towards TVM. You guys have got me going now.

There is a lot to be said for the .36 cal, but in winds I get I am thinking I would have a better advantage with the .40.

"aim small, miss small"

I don't have any small more muzzleloaders but if I had the $$$$, I'd love to have a Bedford County rifle made in 36 cal.

I have a pair of 45 cal custom built flintlock long rifles. I also have several 54 cal rifles, and a 58.

The trouble is, what would I hunt with a 36? I'm in Washington state so the only small game I hunt is rabbits and grouse for which I use my 20 gauge Northwest trade gun.

So my dilema is; why have a small bore when I can't really use it.

I will make a confession though. I had $$$ saved up and spent it on a Pedersoli 45-70 Sharps. I tell my friends that I was just trying to be like all the other gun ouners of America and because of Obama, had to get a gun that loads faster, shoots faster, shoots farther, and with more power than my other guns. You know, I had to do my civic duty.

I'd still like a Bedford County in 36 though.

Load fast and aim slow.

For the range and conditions mentioned, I'd go with the .40 cal. in 7/8 with a 36" barrel. If you go with a 42" barrel go with a 13/16 due to the weight of the barrel. The longer barrel will give you better accuracy at longer range. Anything larger than a .40 is too big for rabbits and squirrels. Does too much damage.
When I sell one of my rifles out west, especially MN. They buy .40 cal. It's legal to use .40 for deer there. The .40 allows them to hunt both deer and small game with one rifle.