T/C 50 cal. Maxi-Ball 460 gr. - experience with...?

[encore3006]

I typically shoot T/C 50 cal. Maxi-Ball 370 grain in my traditional and in-line muzzle loaders. I got my hands on some old 460 grain bullets and thought I would finish up my session with them. The barrel was dirty from shooting. I tried to seat the bullet and got about 6 inches and it stopped...stuck. Fortunately it was an in-line and I simply removed the plug and pushed it out backwards. I notice T/C no longer supplies the 460 grain and was wondering if it was because it is so darn big!

Any experience with this large a bullet?

Thanks 

[forest2]

Yes, but not the T/C. I've used "noexcuse" 535 grn. in my .54 lyman. Beyond hammering the heck out of my shoulder while tryng too sight these projectiles I found no other advantage.

 The old school was "bigger better". And bigger had bragging rights. Well, the results of field study and newer tech' for the past 20 years has shown that the long projectiles needing maximum charges to propel at proper velocity for spin rates-(?) had poor end or terminal ballistic results. Deflection or "keyhole" type impacts on game or target was common.

 The patched round ball has proven itself for centuries. There are many more acceptable projectiles available today for accuracy and end results, than the overly long, overly heavy behemoths of yesteryear. 

[encore3006]

Maybe that is why Colorado limits the bullet length to 2x the bullet diameter.

[encore3006]

Forest 2,
This past Sunday, I was at the shooting range sitting next to a guy shooting a 50 cal Green Mountain barrel with 460 grain bullets over 100 grains. I could not figure out why he was all smiles    I asked him "what happened?" He said he hit the bulls eye at 200 yards. I checked it with my spotting scope, sure enough, dead center in a 6" diameter target at 200 yards. I asked him the specifics...the 460 over 100. He shot 2 more times and hit the 9 and 10 o'clock positions just within the 6" diameter target. That's about a 3" group at 200 yards. I was impressed! I did not get the twist on the barrel but the next time I see him, I will ask! I'm curious to retry the 460s in a clean barrel.

[Biff Mayhem]

WOW.... that's some impressive shooting - considering the bullet is a very heavy conical. Also find out what powder brand and how many grains.

[encore3006]

He was using 100 gr. Goex powder. I still want to know the twist...

[Idaho Ron]

I have a GM stainless steel with a 1-28 twist. I can tell you for a fact that the big heavy bullets are where it is at. These guns shoot so well I have three. two are Stainless steel 50's with 1-28 and a Just got a 45 that is 32" long and .458 dia, with 1-18 twist. I plan on shooting 475 gr whitworth bullets and a 405 gr Lee hollow base.   Ron

[encore3006]

This morning I met up with the guy shooting the GM barrel. The twist is 1:28 and he molds his own 460 grain bullets. Never heard of the mold, bullet has 5 or so rings. Nice setup!