How do you size for a 50 cal muzzleloader

[ron b]

I am new to paper patching.  I have done it for my 45-70 Trapdoor and I am wondering how to do it for my 50 cal Thompson Center Hawkin muzzleloader.  For the 45-70 I use pure lead and size down to .452 and double wrap.  Brings me to about .458+.  

Now the question- What diameter do I size the .50 bullet and where can I find a sizer?  I like the Lee sizers, but I cannot find the right diameter.

[Castaway]

Never have done any patching with BP, but traditional guidance is for 0.008 - 0.01" under bore size.  It's an interesting concept to patch your muzzle loader but I'm not sure the patch would survive being pushed down the barrel and then back out again.  As far as sizers, Lee will make one for you for a reasonable cost.

[Japlmg]

Yes, it is possible to shoot paper patched bullets in a muzzle loader.
But it requires special false muzzle and loading equipment.
Many muzzle loading target rifles of the mid 1800's were infact set up to shoot paper patched bullets.
The problem is that the bullet was not paper patched like a cartridge rifle.
The muzzle loader used two strips of paper set 90 degrees to each other placed over the muzzle.
The flat based bullet was then placed over the paper strips and rammed home.
Regards, Gregg

[ron b]

Thanks for you  replies.  I guess that I might give up on my idea.

[Castaway]

ron b
Stumbled across this link while browsing this morning, you might find it helpful.


http://members.shaw.ca/bobschewe/

[zrifleman]

Don't you guys go back and read the posts on this subject?? Patch the bullets .001-.002 under bore diameter using a soft lead bullet. It will upset and fill the bore.  The bullet needs a light tap after seated so that it will stay in place and not move up the bore. Soft cast bullets sized the same way will work the same. The bullets need to be able to slide down the barrel without having to force them with the rod. Also you do "not" need a false muzzle to make a hunting rifle shoot accurately. My .45 traditional ML will shoot into 1 1/2"@ 100 yds using 500 gr PP or cast with 90 grs of Goex 2 FG. I built a traditional .50 for a friend last year that likes the 410 gr Buffalo Bullet conical powered by 90 grs of BP.  Try their bullet if you have a fast twist. By the way, paper will survive the trip both ways in the bore.  Schuetzen shooters have done this for over 100 yrs.

[wgr]

its done all the time  in fact the 500 yard matches r shot this way using the whitworth rifle  with a 1in 20 twist  if u want a smoth bullet RCBS   makes one its and adjustable  mold  r u can use  lube grove bullets lee will make any size   sizer you want  for 30 bucks  the trick is to size the bullet so that it will just slide down the bore  not tearing the paper  most use a wade over powder too  i shoot a pp bullet this way out of a over sizt barrel   works great

[Snowshoe]

I tried paper patching the Lee Mini, and found it supper accurate. I was using my Lyman Deerstalker with a 1 in 48" twist. I have gone back to shooting round balls because of shoulder troubles, I don't need the extra recoil.

[mspaci]

So what was the lee mold used & what kind of paper? This may be just what I need.  Mike

[speedwayrobert]

There is an interesting article on paper patching a ML at this site http://members.shaw.ca/bobschewe/