picket vs slug rifle

[bruce moulds]

I still cannot come to grips with what a picket rifle is.
could someone please explain this in simple terms that an idiot like me can understand?
keep safe,
bruce.

[Cody Smith]

I am glad you asked, I don't know either.

[GavenAZ]

I was able to look up a picture of the picket bullet.

http://moosemoulds.wix.com/mm2013#!wilkinson/c1msz

[MikeR]

Try a Google image search for picket bullets. They are a conical bullet with no cylindrical body to align the bullet with the bore. Often patched with a cloth patch much like a round ball muzzle loader rifle. Also used in cap and ball revolvers with out a patch. The trick is to get the rifle loaded with the point of the bullet centered with the bore so the bullet will exit the muzzle straight so the gasses don't upset the bullets flight.

[bruce moulds]

gaven and mike,
thank you for that.
it looks like a transitional thing between round ball and a slug rifle type bullet.
they would obviously be harder to get to shoot due to bullet alignment issues, and the thick patching material.
looking at picket rifle bullets with no knowledge, you could be forgiven for thinking they were greasers with a big groove.
keep safe,
bruce.

[mikeg]

What were the twist for picket and slug guns, I have a 37# 50 cal that I always thought was a round ball gun.

[MikeR]

If it is a picket rifle it most likely would have a false muzzle to assist in getting the bullet aligned properly for best accuracy. Also gain twist was very common in picket rifles according to Ned Roberts.

[MikeR]

Some quick research indicates picket rifle twists are usually 36 to 48 inches. If the twist is faster the rifle most likely is made to shoot slugs.

[Rick Mulhern]

Go here:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Pickett+...oTi9idM%3A

With basically no bearing surface to promote twist....I don't see how one could hit a barn using them!