Some time ago I picked this up. It was a very good steal, I mean deal so I just had to get it. It is what I refer to as a fun gun and I have been shooting patched ball in it. It appears though with the 1 in 18 twist (just discovered that) it might be better suited to conicals. I am aware of the concern over conicals in a double barrel.

I also decided some time ago that with 11"+ barrels and almost 18" OAL, it was a tad ungainly even for a fun gun. Enter a butt stock. Much easier to handle. More like a SBR or carbine.

Now for the real questions.

Has anyone actually hunted with this rig? If so, what are you shooting, patched ball or conical? If conicals, do they shoot better than the patched balls accuracy wise?

Anyway, I am going to experiment but thought I'd ask for the sage advise of others here.

Thanks,

No but I would like to see pictures of it. I am surprised at the fast twist.

This is not mine but mine is identical. This was easier than taking a picture of mine, uploading it to Photobucket and all the rest.

Very interesting...

It is fun and different. From what I can dig up on actual Howdahs, they seem to have shorter barrels and I haven't seen any yet with a shoulder stock. Considering their intended purpose I can't imagine a stock was needed or even of any use.

I think the 58 is actually 24 twist
http://www.davide-pedersoli.co...r-howdah-hunter.html

I have had several of the kodiak 58 caliber rifles, and shot LOTS of ~600gr conicals in them -- and by lots, I mean at least a pickup load ..

what's the problem with doubles and conicals?

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
I think the 58 is actually 24 twist
http://www.davide-pedersoli.co...r-howdah-hunter.html

I have had several of the kodiak 58 caliber rifles, and shot LOTS of ~600gr conicals in them -- and by lots, I mean at least a pickup load ..

what's the problem with doubles and conicals?

I saw that after I did the rotation test on mine. Oh well, wouldn't be the first time I was wrong. LOL. Even at 1 in 24 I'd think the longer bullets would shoot better than balls. I have shot conicals in my .72 DR and they were fine even with its relatively slow twist. I was told about mallet seating the bullet so I get no movement of the second bullet when the first fires. Some folks aren't confortable with it. Oh well.

Heck, I shoot 600s in my White .50. Perfect example of long, heavy bullets with a fast twist. Shoots great.