.58 Minie Balls

[Macbeau]

If anyone would like to try .58 minies out of their ML, let me know.  I have six different moulds / styles that vary in weight from 275 to 608 grains and all are cast in 99.98 pure lead.  If you know your bore diameter, I can also size them from .575 to .580.  I can also provide load data for each projectile to get you in the ball park.  I can also provide lube, which is a non-petroleum, beeswax-based lube that I make myself.

I shoot all out of 1-48, 1-66 and 1-72 twist barrel.  

Thanks,
Macbeau

[powhs]

I have a used Navy Arms Buffalo Hunter on order. Should be here in a week or so. Been looking at different bullets and wondered which will shoot well in the gun. Some of the minnies can't be pushed very fast. The guy I bought it from thinks the rifling twist is 1 in 60. Was thinking a large hog or bear may need a little more bullet than a PBR. Had considered loading two balls for close shots on bears.

[Macbeau]

I have a used Navy Arms Buffalo Hunter on order. Should be here in a week or so. Been looking at different bullets and wondered which will shoot well in the gun. Some of the minnies can't be pushed very fast. The guy I bought it from thinks the rifling twist is 1 in 60. Was thinking a large hog or bear may need a little more bullet than a PBR. Had considered loading two balls for close shots on bears.

Depending on when it was made, it will have either a 1-48" or a 1-60" twist.  PRB will shoot out of it just fine, but a around 265gn's, it not making use of the bore as a muzzleloader...  Doubling up on the balls will mean that both will get a flat spot and no guarantees past 25yds...  Minies are the way to go for .58!  The lightest I have is 275 gn and go all the way up to 608gn!  Powder charges go from 42gns FFFg to 120gns FFFg (which, with a well cast, well lubed, 500gn+, .58 minie, will take just about anything walking the planet...)  I might go up to 150gns (FFg) if shooting an Elephant on a frontal skull shot!  For deer, 45-70gns of FFFg is plenty to 100yds!

[powhs]

Most of my muzzle loader shots are about 50 yards on deer, hogs and black bear. Some day I will get a shot on a 400 or 500 pound bear or hog and think a .58 minie will work better than my .54 PRB. My .54 PRB just does not seem to have much stopping power when making lung shots. Never tried it in a shoulder. I have lost a couple deer and a hog with my 270 rifle with 130 grain bullets.(shoulder shots) I changed to 150gr core locks now.