TC Maxi-balls and Maxi-hunters in Encore with 777 fouling

[jimmyp50]

I did read Randy's post regards the Breakfree treatment of his bore, I am going to try that next trip out.  However after I complained toThomson Center they sent me the new series 3 breachplug which actually seems no better with 777.  After 2 shots with 80 grains of 777, the third 348 grain powerbelt would not seat to within 1 inch of the powder charge based on my marked ramrod.  The accuracy is good at 50 yds for the first two shots out of a freshly cleaned bore and then the 3rd shot goes wide and high.  Has anyone used the T/C Maxi-hunter or Maxi-Balls?  Can you load these right on top of the powder?  I wonder if they might load easier than the powerbelts and I might get 3 or 4 shots out of the barrel before having to clean it.  Are they as accurate as the powerbelts? I am looking for a way to shoot the gun more than twice without having to clean it.  If Randy's tip doesnt work in my gun, I probably am going to go to pyrodex, which I hope will allow more shots between cleaning. Am I asking to much that the gun will shoot at least 5 or so loads before having to clean it? If memory does not fail me, I could shoot 10 or so powerbelts through my old CVA sidelock with pyrodex before it became too dirty to load again.  JimmyP

[RandyWakeman]

Has anyone used the T/C Maxi-hunter or Maxi-Balls?  Can you load these right on top of the powder?  I wonder if they might load easier than the powerbelts and I might get 3 or 4 shots out of the barrel before having to clean it.  

Jimmy,

If you put a dab of Bore Butter (I hate the stuff, generally) or Crisco inside the green gas check base of your Powerbelts, it will help keep the fouling soft enough for several shots in my Encore, for example. Without it, after 2-3 shots-- time to swab. With it, 15 shots or so with Triple 7. With sabots, I still have to swab between shots.

[Larry Gibson]

jimmyp50

" Has anyone used the T/C Maxi-hunter or Maxi-Balls?  Can you load these right on top of the powder? "

I use a 350 gr Maxi-Ball (old original mould) in my .50 cal TC Blk Mtn Magnum.  I cast them of 1-16 alloy to get the 1525 fps I'm getting with 90 gr (V) of Triple 7 FFG.  Accuracy goes with pure lead ones at around 1350-1400 fps.  I use a Wonder Wad under them and they seat fine right on top of the powder for more than 10 shots.  First 5 shots (including the 1st out of clean barrel) almost always go into 2" at 100 yards.  Ten shots without cleaning or wiping stay in 3".

I use my own BP lube of 5 parts beeswax and 4 parts virgin olive oil.  I only hand lube the bottom groove of the maxi-balls and have never had a problem with leading or hard fouling, even with black powder.  

Larry Gibson