1858 or 1853 Enfield for hunting?

[No4Mk1*]

I am considering a reproduction rifle for fun and likely hunting but i am curious if point of impact will be near point of aim in the 20-70 yard range? Obviously with the sights adjusted to the shortest range setting. I am leaning toward the shorter 1858 Enfield, but open to the 1853 if it keeps the minne ball closer to point of aim in my likely blackpowder / iron sight range of 20-70 yards.

Rifle would probably be an Armi Sport
Thanks

 

[rodwha]

I'm not that familiar with those in particular, but a 70 grn charge behind a .490" PRB will do well out to 125 yds with a 100 yd zero. Less than 4" above or below POA. And it has a very poor BC value so I'd think a conical, even at low velocities, ought to do well enough within 100 yds.

Do you have a range you can zero at 100 yds and check at 50 yds? That ought to be close.

 

[Hellgate]

Get the shorter rifle for hunting. I use an Enfield Musketoon and it sure is handy in and around vehicles and in thick woods. A 3 bander would get awfully heavy by the end of the day. I put a slip-on shotgun recoil pad on it for hunting loads.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Musketoon. Short and handy and will reach out past 300 yds.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I'd suggest you think about the 1861 musketoon, but otherwise the "two band" (1858) Enfield is a good choice. While it might hit a target out to 400 yards, keep your hunting shots in to 100 yards or less. AND... you should really consider using a patched .570 round ball in that 1:48 twist barrel rather than a minnie ball. One of the worlds most expert big game hunters in 1867 named James Forsyth wrote in his book The Sporting Rifle and It's Projectiles that the patched round ball was vastly superior to the minnie of the same caliber in taking game. He did the testing and would know.

LD

 

[No4Mk1*]

The 1861 Enfield that I can find in stock @ Cabellas is a Pedersoli. Will have to think about that option.

-thanks

 

[IROCZ]

Pedersoli makes quality weapons. IMHO.