Armi Sport Kentucky

S

straight-shooter

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I just snagged a 13 year old Armi Sport Kentucky long rifle in .45 cal. What amazes me is this rifle has a 1:36 twist. Manual recommends a .440 RB with a .025 patch ? Sounds like a bit thick on the patch but when i get the rifle in the mail i'll slug the barrel and find out for sure. Also states 40 to 50 gr of BP but i'm thinking their leaning towards the conservative side on this.

I'm gonna see how the accuracy with the RB is at the range but with this fast of a twist then maybe a conical or bullet/sabot will be in order. What you all say ?
 
Last edited:
robhof

I'd check that twist rate as I have both Kentucky style and Hawkins style Italian rifles and they are either 1:48 or 1:60 the latter is a flinter and the slowest rate is ideal for ball, but not so good for minnies. When you get it put a snug patch on a cleaning jag and push to bottom, mark top of rod and pull out watching rotation, when 1/2 turn is done; measure and double, you'll have the rate. It's probably 1:48 which is the most common and works for both ball and conical.
 
I absolutely agree that the Kentucky "should" have a slower twist. I went directly to the manufacturers website and downloaded the manual. It states a 1:36 twist. So i did some further research on the net and found the same information for these Kentucky's on other gun forums. Evidently this manufacturer uses a faster twist.

When it arrives I'll do the twist check with a rod and verify.
 
Manual recommends a .440 RB with a .25 patch
Click to expand...

With a .25 patch (that's a quarter inch thick), there will be no room for a round ball. I think you want to use a .015-.018 pillow ticking patch. :rolleyes:
 
With a .25 patch (that's a quarter inch thick), there will be no room for a round ball. I think you want to use a .015-.018 pillow ticking patch.
Click to expand...

Whoops, i meant to say .025 patch. I have some .018 pillow ticking patches i'll give a try. I'll try 40gr Goex FF and increase gradually till i find it's sweet spot. I've read that the manufacturer is being conservative on the load recommendation and that these are capable of up to 80gr. Heck, if i find that a 50gr load is suitable then more the better. More shots per pound. I agree that a ball will limit me to a lighter load in a fast twist like this.

I know i'll end up buying some .40cal bullet .45 sabot combo and try those out too with this twist.

I should have the rifle next week sometime so i'll be sure and post up some pics.
 
I received the Armi Sports Kentucky long rifle today. First thing i did was check the twist rate. It is indeed a 1:36 twist. Ramrod done a half turn in 18" exactly. Looks like i'll have some experimenting to do with this one. My highest hope is to find the perfect lead conical style bullet it likes.

As promised, the pics....

6289896b.jpg


5f5c545d.jpg
 
robhof

The ROA conical mold from Lee casts a .457 conical with a tapered base for easier loading in a pistol, they shoot great in my Ky style rifle that also slugs out at .456.
 

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