Encore 209x50 shooting TC Maxi-Hunter bullets and round lead balls

[schuetzen]

I have an Encore 209x50 that I have had for more than ten years.  I was only able to shoot it once the first season I had it and after moving I have not had the opportunity to shoot since until recently.  I have some old TC Maxi-Hunter cast lead lubricated bullets that need fresh lubrication.  I also just picked up some .50 caliber round lead balls also to try. 

I vaguely remember hearing that one should use cloth patches when shooting round lead balls.  Is this correct?  I measured the Max-Hunter bullets and they are just over .50 at about (.500" to .505").  When I measured the round lead balls they are about 0.010" less in diameter at about .490" to .495" which might also suggest shooting these with cloth patches.  Can someone give me some pointers on this?

I am using Pyrodex pellets.

[bremraf]

You are correct on the pathcing of the round balls(lube them too), but you'll probably find that they wont shoot well in your encore, its rate of twist is really meant for sabots.  The maxi balls may shoot ok, you'll just have to give it a shot!