Author Topic: starting load for 50 cal (Read 604 times)

handirifle · « **on:** September 10, 2004, 06:39:57 PM »

Any suggestions for starting loads for a 50 cal percussion usine balls and minnie ball type bullets (380gr?)

kjeff50cal · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2004, 07:19:14 PM »

I hate to answer questions was the same but... what is the twist of the rifling? If it is say a 1 in 48" (a compromise twist fair for ball & bullet) then I'd start at 65 grns ~ (by volume) Triple 7 or if you can find it 70 grns FFG Goex and go from there. The best load for my Mountain Stalker (1 in 48") is 80 grns FFFG Goex (roughly equal to 90 grns FFG) which is a good hunting load without that mule kick of recoil especially with 380 grn conicals. I have learned as have others each gun has a personality unto its self and as they say in car ads "your mileage will vary".

kjeff50cal

handirifle · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2004, 07:24:44 PM »

Don't know the twist rate, it is an inherited rifle and I've never shot it....yet. :-)

That will change soon though.

filmokentucky · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2004, 08:05:45 PM »

Who built the rifle and what length barrel does it have? My old .50, long gone now, liked 90 grains of fffg under a .490 r.b with a .010 patch. Had a fairly slow twist, maybe 1 turn in 56". Barrel was 32 inches long. Recoil was moderate.

lostid · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2004, 08:58:05 PM »

OK, handi,, you got 775 post going on here,,you know about shooting and ya know about heirlooms,K?
So what did ya get? somthing 200 yrs old or another TC kit "uncle gorogie" put together 30 years ago? Black powder guns don't just shoot prb or minne just fer the askin',,,,and ya shouldn't ask us as an "experianced shooter" what to shoot in a gun with no info!

That's like asking "It's a .22!" what should I shoot in it!??" uhhmm,duh shoot .22's?? ya right,short,long or long rifle?

That's not what this sight or experianced bp shooters are going to say too you. If you don't know the make, model or twist rate,,we'll help with that too. do you have any info that can help??

jgalar · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2004, 01:47:18 AM »

Without knowing twistand other details: 30-60 grains for low power short range and plinking and 60-90 grains for more power and more distance.

roundball · « **Reply #6 on:** September 11, 2004, 01:48:18 AM »

Quote from: handirifle

Any suggestions for starting loads for a 50 cal percussion usine balls and minnie ball type bullets (380gr?)

Probably be very helpful if you picked up some introductory info, books, etc, on muzzleloading, particularly one with load data tables for various projectile weights, types, showing MV and ME, etc.

However, literally as a starting point for target loads playing at the range, just use the old rule of thumb of matching the powder to the caliber and it'll be safe and workable, then go from there...50grns of FFFg or FFg in a .50cal is a good target load starting point for patched ball

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2004, 05:31:28 AM »

Handi, perhaps the best starting place would be to run a tight fitting cleaning patch to the breech on a cleaning jag. Then mark the ramrod at the muzzle, withdraw the ramrod slowly allowing the rod to turn freely with the twist of the rifling. When the rod has turned 180 degrees or 1/2 turn, mark it again and measure the distance between the 2 marks. Double it and you now know the twist rate. If it's a slow twist, 1-60" to 1-72", it's not going to shoot big conicals well as it is intended for roundballs. If it's faster as in 1-48" it's a combo barrel, will shoot both roundball and most midweight conicals well. These are generalities, but you get the picture, I'm sure. hth, Tim