We regret to record the death of Sir Henry St. John Halford, C.B., which occurred at Wistow Hall, his residence at Leicester, at two o’clock yesterday afternoon after an illness of several months’ duration.
Archives
Memoir of William Ellis Metford
This Memoir was privately printed in May, 1900. It was written by W.E. Metford’s friend and contemporary Henry Brunel, C.E. and Major the Hon. T.F. Fremantle (later Lord Cottesloe). Metford’s work, whether in India or at home, was worthy of wider appreciation than it received, and he left in the world of those interested in rifle-work a gap which there is none to fill.
Wilson and Steward’s Sight Elevator
Established in London in 1852, Steward’s were opticians and scientific instrument makers. Steward’s had a long standing relationship with the National Rifle Association (NRA) and this article features one of their gauges.
Interment of Sir Joseph Whitworth, Bart.
On Wednesday afternoon in boisterous and miserably wet weather the interment of the remains of Sir Joseph Whitworth, Bart., took place at Darley Dale Churchyard – so rich in old associations and historic interest. Sir Joseph’s name was familiar as a household word almost all over the civilised world, but at Darley had a homely sound, and was associated with progress and a peaceful and kindly interest in the welfare of the place and the residents.
Pedersoli Gibbs
The Pedersoli Gibbs long range percussion rifle is inspired by the 1865 target rifle made by the English gunsmith, George Gibbs. His rifles competed against other custom built target rifles of the era and in the right hands it proved capable of beating the costly custom built target rifles of that time. Today, the Pedersoli Gibbs rifle has proven to be the most successful rifle of it’s type and has won most of the Gold medals in international and domestic (US) shooting matches for this type of rifle.
Casting Bullets
First, some changes in your lead bullet casting technique may be required when casting the long, heavy .40 or .45 caliber bullets as compared to casting round balls. You may need a larger capacity lead pot, and the temperature of the lead may need to be higher. You must hold the lead dipper to the sprue plate for a longer time to assure all air is vented from the mould and the mould is filled. To obtain good castings, the mould and lead must be maintained at a uniform temperature.
Shooting Pointers
Percussion caps and nipples for the long range muzzle loader. Plus, a brief note on the importance of record keeping, consistent support position and butt plate position.
Loading the Rifle
Shooters need to develop a consistent way of loading the rifle. Here Bill Roberts offers different ways of loading and considers their merits.
Loading Accessories
A few tips on accessories for long range muzzle loading: powder measures, drop tube, cleaning and loading rods, bore cleaning solutions.
Bullets & Wads
Bullets used are either groove-lubricated or paper patched lead or lead alloy projectiles. They may be cast and directly used, or if paper patched, may be cast as slugs and then put into a hammer or press swage for final shaping. A muzzle-loaded bullet of lesser diameter than the bore is susceptible to gas leakage when fired. To help assure that gas does not pass between the side of the bullet and the bore, a sealing wad is sometimes used.
A Beginner’s Perspective
The beginning long-range muzzle loader shooter will soon learn that the single most important element in obtaining accuracy is consistency. If everything is the same with every shot there is no reason that all rounds should not go through the same hole. Of course this is humanly, mechanically, and meteorologically impossible, but the shooter can try his or her best to achieve the ideal. The most successful marksmen can replicate shot-to-shot conditions very closely, and their scores are proof that consistency works.
‘Amateur Rifle Club’ Origins
The “Amateur Rifle Club,” of this City, has been organized to promote the introduction and use of the most improved rifles, and to encourage long-range practice without regard to any military organization. This body, composed of young men in business, will be subject to the laws governing the practice of the National Rifle Association, on whose grounds they will shoot next month on the opening day, when, it is thought, Gov. Dix and other prominent persons will be present.