.54 Bridger Hawken Loads for My Elk Hunt

[Herb]

I have a muzzleloader antlerless elk hunt the end of the month and have been checking out my loads. This in my copy of Jim Bridger's rifle I built. First day I shot 80 grains of Goex 2F, only three shots without my chronograph, but that velocity is about 1500 fps. Used a salvaged target from my range. These shots are taped over but numbered. First one hit one inch left and half an inch high at 100 yards, then 2 3/4" low on line, then 4" high and 2.5" left.Next day I went back and (being low on Goex 2F) shot 80 grains of Goex 3F, shots X (mixed up my numbering), 4, 5 and 6. These shots were all with a damp cleaning patch on the seater jag, no other wiping or cleaning.



Shots 7 and 8 were with 100 grains (weight-corrected measure) of Olde Eynsford 1 1/2F. Got distracted by another shooter, there may be two shots in No. 8 hole.

Next day I went back to shoot my chosen load but forgot my powder measure and patching at home in my hunter's bag. So I shot .530 Speers with .015 (ratchet reading) linen. I had to use my Goex 3F 100 grain measure, which holds 103 grains of Goex 2F. The three shots averaged 1651 fps with 35 spread. With no cleaning, I next used Olde Eynsford 2F in the same measure, 103 grains. Velocity 1809 fps, 48 spread. I wasn't holding the forend down on the rest, so the shots are high. (I made my front sight low, just like on the Bridger rifle). This is about a 150 yard zero, OK for my open-country hunting.

 

[BrownBear]

You're loading and shooting is as thoughtful as your building Herb. Well done all around! Looking forward to your hunting report.

 

[will5a1]

That is such a nice looking rifle, you shoot it well. Did you mention what you are using for patch lube?

Best of luck on your hunt.

 

[Herb]

Thanks, BB. There is more. Someone had set up a target that looks like 150 yards, so I put up a cardboard there and shot on that. First I cleaned the bore then loaded the 103 grains of OE 2F with .018 pillow ticking and the .530 Speer. There was a three o'clock breeze, which drifted the group, which measured 2.5 inches.


The next day I returned with my 100 grain OE 2F measure and .526 balls and the same .013 linen patches I used in my .58 flintlock for my deer hunt last fall. Shot three shots, one drifted in a left wind, saw the dust roll away. Had only 8 .526 balls left (for ease of quick reloading on my elk hunt, should that be needed), so I went back to the .530 Speers. Shot #4, the patch holed and the ball went out of the group. Shot #5, I spilled some of the powder in loading, it was 1632 fps. Shot #6 got caught in that same left wind. #7 went where it should. The .530s loaded OK, so I can use them.



I think with no wind I could cut strings at 150 yards from rest, as I have already done at 100 yards with this same load. Got my load. Now for an elk.

 

[Herb]

Will, I use a mix of about one part of Murphy Oil Soap and three parts of 91% rubbing alcohol. I also use this on the seater jag patch and in cleaning.

 

[nwtradegun]

there are no words to describe your rifle. eqswisitic.

 

[bigted]

Thanks, BB. There is more. Someone had set up a target that looks like 150 yards, so I put up a cardboard there and shot on that. First I cleaned the bore then loaded the 103 grains of OE 2F with .018 pillow ticking and the .530 Speer. There was a three o'clock breeze, which drifted the group, which measured 2.5 inches.


The next day I returned with my 100 grain OE 2F measure and .526 balls and the same .013 linen patches I used in my .58 flintlock for my deer hunt last fall. Shot three shots, one drifted in a left wind, saw the dust roll away. Had only 8 .526 balls left (for ease of quick reloading on my elk hunt, should that be needed), so I went back to the .530 Speers. Shot #4, the patch holed and the ball went out of the group. Shot #5, I spilled some of the powder in loading, it was 1632 fps. Shot #6 got caught in that same left wind. #7 went where it should. The .530s loaded OK, so I can use them.



I think with no wind I could cut strings at 150 yards from rest, as I have already done at 100 yards with this same load. Got my load. Now for an elk.

this rifle reminds me an awful lot of my J Browning 50cal mountain rifle. that is a very nice rifle sir and I hope you good luck on your elk hunt.

at the very least you will be accompanied with a very fine rifle while out on the hunt.

and good shooting as well.

 

[Rifleman1776]

there are no words to describe your rifle. eqswisitic.

The rifle is nice. But the wonder is Herb. He is the man. :hatsoff:
We all could...SHOULD let him be an example to the rest of us. He has a shooting discipline that few others possess. :bow: Using an offhand rifle at practice he is producing bench-rest winning groups. :shocked2: :thumbsup:

 

[Herb]

Gosh, fellas, my head will get so swelled that I won't be able to get it down on the stock behind my sights. Probably miss my elk....

 

[Rifleman1776]

Gosh, fellas, my head will get so swelled that I won't be able to get it down on the stock behind my sights. Probably miss my elk....

Carry on friend. I'm proud to know ye, even if it is only an e-connection.

 

[Prairieofthedog]

Good luck on your Elk hunt Herb.Post some of those beautiful pictures that you always take.

 

[Herb]

Good to hear from you! Haven't seen you since the Prairie du Chien Rendezvous, what, two years ago now? Last year I gave my .54 engraved Hawken to my nephew who works in Prairie but lives just across the river in Iowa. We went to a range north of Prairie where we shot about 10 shots, but Dave is not comfortable with this new rifle. If I give you his phone number, would you be able to visit with him and maybe mentor him to where he can kill an Iowa deer? I learned that shooting a muzzle loading firearm is a whole new world for those unacquainted with one.

 

[BillinOregon]

Herb, looking forward to your elk down report!

:applause:

 

[James Stella]

Nice shooting and rifle. I hope your hunt goes good.

 

[Recruit]

82 years young and going on an elk hunt. My hat is off to you sir :hatsoff:.

If you feel like commenting a bit in your interest of Jim Bridger, this younger buck would be all ears.