.54 cal ball size

[Thejeepster]

I am sure you guys have addressed this a hundred times but if you do not mind, I would like to ask.

I have not yet shot a Pedersoli Traditional Hawken in .54 cal that I gave to my son awhile back. Hunting season is coming and we need to sight it in.

What size ball do I need for a .54 cal rifle.

My patch is some of the blue and white striped stuff that is see and I believe it is .018 thick but I do not promise it at this time.

I have plenty of powder, plenty of patch material and plenty of balls but I have to sort them out from a coffee can full of many different sized balls.

What is a good starter load?

 

[necchi]

.530 or .535.
To get the best load combo you really should experiment with both.
Best accuracy loads for the 54's I have are between 70-80grns of 2f T7.
Again because of individual loading techniques you really need to experiment with +/-5grn increment powder charges and ball size.
It takes some shooting,, :wink:

 

[longcruise]

Try .530 and .535 for starters.

Load? somewhere in the 60 to 80 grain range will work.

 

[William O.]

Both .54's I've owned needed .530 RB's as the .535 was too difficult to ram down the bore.
Your best bet is to start with 60 grains of real black powder, however if you have difficulty finding it but can get the substitutes then I'd go with Triple 7. I'd also recommend you use 2f grain size as my .54 gets the best accuracy with that over 3f.
You didn't mention what kind of lube you'll be using but unless you're using a dry lube then something like olive oil must be used. There are millions of lubes and recipes available and that's a well worn subject in and of itself. I wish you good luck.

 

[mooman76]

Get .530 to start. If they are a little loose they will still shoot with a thicker patch. If you feel you have some room you can switch to a .535 ball.

 

[fleener]

like stated, each rifle is different. However, I have a few .54 of all different makes. I use .535 balls and .015 ox yoke patches in each one.

Fleener

 

[lapierre1]

.015 patch and .530 balls. Lube the patches with Bore Butter. Got three different 54s and they all like this patch/ball/combo with 85 grains 2F.

 

[Thejeepster]

Thanks for all the answers and I will give a range report when finished.

 

[Spikebuck]

I have owned two Pedersoli .54's...not the same model though. Both of mine loved to eat 90 grs of 2F Triple Seven or Real Black, a .530 ball and .015 oxyoke prelubed patch.

I still have the Rocky Mountain Hawken, a real favorite of mine, and posted recently on this load: Link to RMH Post

 

[Vaino]

For deer and elk hunting a .535 RB is used w/ a .020 patch for the first loading in a clean bbl, but .530 RBs w/ the same patch are in the loading block. This makes for slightly easier 2nd shot loading and doesn't affect the accuracy. Works like a champ.....Fred

 

[Billnpatti]

The more common size balls for a .54 caliber rifle are .530 and .535. But the only way to know what your particular rifle will shoot best is to try a couple of different sizes. Your gun will let you know which size it likes best. Of course, you will need to find which patch it likes, too. Then there is the matter of finding the best powder charge. There is a lot of experimentation to find the exact load it will prefer.

 

[Snakebite]

My Douglas XX barrel likes .535 and my Colerain likes .530. Both like 2f powder.

 

[mooman76]

I have a 54 T/C and I even have a hard time getting .530 balls down, it is so tight but they are manageable with allot of effort. A friend of mine picked up a I believe a new Lyman 54 also has a hard time with .530 balls but they are doable.

 

[Katahdin]

Short answer,,Read the "Owners Manual" to start with>>> If you dont have one ,some are on line just go to the MFG's site and request one or read it on line!!!

 

[eaglesnester]

As others have said 530 - 535 Also for lube try real bees wax and salt free lard for yur lube. I like a 50=50 mix depending on ambient temperature. If it is warm I cut back on the lard and visa versa. for patch use pillow ticking. I use .018 to .020 thickness. Examine yur patch after shooting. If U have burn through holes go a mite thicker patch material. I start my balls
with one smooth motion with the ball starter, no heavy pounding. Your ramrod should push the ball down with one smooth motion on the powder charge. You should feel a slight crunch when yur on the charge. When starting my balls I do not pound on em, it will distort your ball, same with ramming em on to your charge. My rifle is a Lyman Great Plains flinter. I shoot .530 or 535 balls with .018 to .020 thickness pillow ticking.

Cheers&Tighter Groups: Eaglesnester

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