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Post by mike3132 on Jan 2, 2013 20:57:19 GMT -5
I have a T/C .54 Hawken with 1-48 twist using 3F, what weight conical shoots the best? Ive tried Max Hunter 435 with not much success. Anyone that shoots a .54 have any luck? Please keep the replies to .54 only. Mike
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Post by GMB54-120 on Jan 2, 2013 21:17:04 GMT -5
You could try a 54x50 sabot and a 300gr Speer. The only shorter bullet in 50cal ive seen is a Rainier 275gr. One of those might stabilize in a 1-48. I dont know of any lighter conicals besides a PowerBelt.
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Post by Gramps on Jan 3, 2013 8:49:42 GMT -5
Mike, In the summer of 1990 I bought a T/C .54Cal New Englander for the "new" special muzzleloader season in Virginia and have used it every season since then. I quickly settled on 100 grains of pyrodex (recently 90 grains of T7) and Hornady's .54Cal 425 grain Great Plains bullets. My son shoots the same load in his .54Cal T/C White Mountain Carbine. This bullet expands very well and retains a lot of weight and is very accurate. We've recovered 3 bullets over the years and they all expanded to .750" (averaqe of 3 widest points). You can get 'em at various places online. www.midwayusa.com/product/632781/hornady-great-plains-muzzleloading-bullets-54-caliber-425-grain-lead-hollow-point-box-of-20Good luck & Happy New Year, Mike in Richmond, VA |
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Post by mike3132 on Jan 3, 2013 11:36:02 GMT -5
I tried 90-100-110 3F with the 435 maxi hunter with no much success. Shoots good with 70 3F and PRB 230 grains. I really dont want to shoot sabots and Im trying to keep from buying a bunch of conicals that might not shoot. Thanks, Mike
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Post by sw on Jan 4, 2013 22:54:40 GMT -5
3F is really fast for the 54/heavy conical. Why are you using 3F instead of 2F? The Hawken brothers' choice of 48 twist was a disastrous choice. Yes, I know why they did it. T/Cs usage of that twist just assured the twist was too slow for conical and too fast for RBs. One way this terrible twist problem was negotiated with some success was with Bulettes(this is mis-spelled , actually it sounded like ball ettes - a very short round nosed miniball). Might try to find these - possibly Dixie Gun Works.
I think your powder is too fast and too much.
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Post by edwardamason on Jan 5, 2013 3:53:09 GMT -5
I have not tried them in my New englander yet but a buddy of mine raves about the 405 Areo tip Power Belts in the 1-48" twist with 90 grains 777. He seems to be of the opinion that those two we're made for each other.
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Post by dannoboone on Jan 5, 2013 14:23:22 GMT -5
The only thing which shot real accurately in my .54 Lyman Trade Rifle (1:48 twist)
came out of a Lyman minnie ball mold. Seems like it was 400+grains, not sure
exactly. Three-shot groups sometimes got less than 2" @ 100yds using a peep site.
It was loaded with 90gr 2f Goex.
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Post by mike3132 on Jan 5, 2013 18:17:32 GMT -5
3F is really fast for the 54/heavy conical. Why are you using 3F instead of 2F? The Hawken brothers' choice of 48 twist was a disastrous choice. Yes, I know why they did it. T/Cs usage of that twist just assured the twist was too slow for conical and too fast for RBs. One way this terrible twist problem was negotiated with some success was with Bulettes(this is mis-spelled , actually it sounded like ball ettes - a very short round nosed miniball). Might try to find these - possibly Dixie Gun Works. I think your powder is too fast and too much. The reason Im shooting 3f is Ive got 3 1/2 lbs of it. I talked to an old side hammer gun shooter and he told what load to try. I let you know if it works. Thanks, Mike |
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