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Post by brushcreek on Sept 9, 2022 11:23:14 GMT -5
Hello i'm new to the forum, have been hunting with a standard ML for years but am interested in going smokeless. Is it it possible to convert a stock TC Pro Hunter .50 cal ML to smokeless? if so how would I go about it? thanks!
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Post by encore50a on Sept 16, 2022 5:04:15 GMT -5
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Post by rvaughan on Oct 11, 2022 20:06:43 GMT -5
Short answer is no. The .50 cal ML barrel will not work for a smokless powder conversion. If you can find a Begara, TC Encore or Prohunter barrel in 45/70 caliber you are golden. Send the barrel to Hankins Custom Rifles. For about $300 - $450 (depending on add-ons) you can be set. Or, buy a .45 cal Encore replacement barrel from Arrowhead or Hankins. These are premium barrels but they are pricey compared to a conversion. I also recommend getting a spring kit and oversized hinge pin from Mike Belm. This will reduce the horrible stock Encore/Prohunter trigger pull to 2 - 2.5 lbs. The oversized hinge pin reduces lateral movement when you break the barrel to insert or remove the primer. If the barrel is a 45/70 retrofit and has a taper, get a picattinny scope base from EABCO. It has a a set screw which keeps the base from flexing where it hangs over the barrel taper. If you want to go all out. Get a pillar bedded or hanger bar equipped forend from Tony's forends and grips. I recommend 33 - 36 grains on Vihtavouri N110 (start with 33 and look for signs of excessive pressure) and 0.40 cal 200 grain hornady ssts with harvester smooth blue sabots (HSBS). Or 195 grain barnes MZ expanders with HSBS. I get 1 MOA groups at 200 yards with all of the above and they do a number on white tails. Go smokeless if you can and don't look back. Good luck.
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