1 in 38" Twist?

[Colorado_Ryan]

I am considering buying an extra 54 cal 1 in 38" twist barrel for my TC Scout Carbine.

Is this rate of twist better for conical bullets or balls?

I am in Colorado so we can not use sabots for hunting.

Thoughts?

 

[AZ-Robert]

Welcome to the forum, Ryan. That rate of twist is better suited for conicals.

With a lot of trial-and-error, you might be able to find just the right load for it to work okay with a round ball.

Scroll down to the bottom of this page and have a read:
[url] http://www.whitemuzzleloading.com/shooting_round_balls_in_fast_twi.htm[/url]

 

[crockett]

The rule is, the longer the bullet the faster the rate of twist to stabilize it. The velocity (powder charge) also plays a role. Some of the conical bullets have a 1/28" twist so the 1/38 may work best with a lighter bullet. You will have to try several brands to see what works best.

 

[Landngroove]

One of my T/C White Mountain Carbines, is a .50 caliber, with a 1 in 38" twist. It shoots a Maxi-Ball ( conical) with good accuracy. It is erratic with a patched round ball. IMHO (here we go again) a 1 in 38" twist rate, is not for shooting roundballs, however with reduced powder loads, it may shoot prb's with accuracy. Conicals, and saboted bullets for the 1 in 38" twist.

 

[Wes/Tex]

Although that fast a twist is designed for conical projectiles, a round ball load is probably possible if you keep the charges down. A .54 will handle deer sized game with the ball traveling at slower speed than is necessary with smaller balls. On a guess, and it's strictly a guess, I'd start around 50 grains of FFg and work up to about 70ish. You'll have to try it out see what your gun likes. Good luck.