Trapdoor for competition

[Missionary]

I always liked the 1841 Mississippi with that patchbox.
Your 66 looks fine to me. But I would un-shine the brass if it was mine.

 

[StrawHat]

I always liked the 1841 Mississippi with that patchbox.
Your 66 looks fine to me. But I would un-shine the brass if it was mine.

Obviously, not a military man! Brightwork is to be kept bright!

That image was a few days after the last stock refinish. I should bring it out and see how the tarnish has progressed. I have not fired that rifle in a while, since my shoulder went to hell.

Kevin

 

[JustJim]

RicinYakima, how were you prepping your brass? Any annealing, sizing after firing, etc?

My brass order arrived, so I've finally got enough to experiment with again. I've been limited in what I had on hand, so hadn't been willing to risk messing any up.

 

[RicinYakima]

RicinYakima, how were you prepping your brass? Any annealing, sizing after firing, etc?

My brass order arrived, so I've finally got enough to experiment with again. I've been limited in what I had on hand, so hadn't been willing to risk messing any up.

I don't do a full "anneal" on brass for the 45/70. What I do is "stress relief" it. That is putting put a nice one inch candle flame and holding the rim in my fingers, put the lip of the neck of the case over the hotist part of the flame. Roll it around with my bare fingers. When the rim gets hot on my fingers, I set it base down on a table.

I do this because even with RCBS Cowboy dies, others seem to over size the neck. Only size to the base of the bullet, expand the mouth and seat the bullet. Not using it in a lever action, you don't need lots of neck tension. Be gentle and the brass will last a lifetime.