.54 open country deer loads

[barebackjack]

I plan on using my .54 this fall to hunt deer. I have a sporterized cabelas hawken, 28" barrel, with a 1:48 twist. I dont know what type of bullet to shoot, or to shoot balls. I get 1" groups at 100 yds. with balls, and have yet to fire some sort of conical. I shoot 60 gr. pyrodex R/S to get these results with .018 patches and balls.
The manual for the rifle says not to exceed 80 gr. pyrodex, or 100 gr. BP. Should I up my powder charge for hunting purposes?
Does anybody shoot a similar setup? And if so, what loads do you shoot for deer? Im in the flatland of North Dakota, but limit myself to no more than 100-125 yards under ideal conditions.
Thanks for the help fellas, GREAT SITE!!!!!!!

 

[nchawkeye]

80 grains of Pyrodex or 100 grains ff Goex is all you will need...I shoot 80 grains ff in my .54...
I have shot as much as 120, but you get into complications by going to that stiff a charge...I
would use hornets nest material between the powder and ball to help keep patches from burning through...Finally dropped to 100 and then to 80gr..
With that load I have shot clean through deer at 100
yards...I would shoot more than the 60 you are shooting now...

 

[Slake]

I would use 100 grains of BP

 

[Sharp Shooter]

I would use good old roundballs and 90gr REAL black powder.

 

[Bountyhunter]

I get the best accuracy out of my Santa Fe .53 by using 120 gr of FFg and a .520 ball patched with pillow ticking. I have not had any patch burning.

Bill

 

[THBailey]

I have taken several large mule deer in Nevada with my New Englander .54. I use a 100 gr (measured) load of pyrodex and the 435 gr maxi ball with natural lube. Out of my not-to-heavy gun it is best to be sure your fillings are glued in good when you touch this load off. I group 5" or so at 100 yards and sight in a few inches high, and I am good out to 120 or 130 yards. It is a real challenge hunting with a 100 yard rifle in 1000 yard country.

 

[shmrck1]

THBbailey,
I sure hope you join in the 100yard
cross/stick compitition...
snake-eyes :v
GOOD LUCK

 

[shmrck1]

barebackjack,
I'm just a bit confused here..You
can shoot 1" groups from an Investarms 28"
Hawken with a PRB. My advise aim an " higher and stay with the load you are using.
PRB's are very underrated
It has been my experience that they are as
deadly to a deer as anything I shoot at them to
100 yards. That yardage would be very rare.IMO
My shots where I hunt are most likely
within 30-50 yards. Just an opinion
snake-eyes

 

[THBailey]

Snake-eyes- I am at your disadvantage. How do I find out more about the compitition? Thanks much.

 

[roo shooter]

If i had a muzzleloader that could shoot 1 inch groups at 100 yards i dought i would want to change anything,shot placement is so important.But if it can shoot that well at 100 yards with a more powerfull load then you would have the complete package,accurate and powerfull.

 

[AZ-Robert]

Snake-eyes- I am at your disadvantage. How do I find out more about the compitition?

Here it is: >> click here