.54 Renegade or .45 Cherokee

[CrimsonTide]

Men, first post here, so bear with the novice.

I presently have a .54 caliber Renegade, that I have never fired. It was used but in excellent condition when I got it. A dealer friend of mine has a .45 caliber Cherokee that is also in very good condition, and I am considering whether I should try to trade with him.

I hunt a grand sum total of one day a year with a muzzleloader. We have an early two day muzzleloader season, and my old hunting partner and I always try to make that one.

I only hunt whitetails with it, and the ranges are well within iron sight ranges.

What say ye?

 

[Semisane]

I would keep the .54, without a doubt.

 

[thewho66]

I second that, for hunting the .54 is a better way to go. If it was for value of gun the .45 might be worth more money. Hunting wise I would keep the .54.

 

[renovato]

For hunting deer, either caliber will do fine. I prefer a .54 but that's only because it's the one I've hunted most with. Knowing the accuracy, light weight, and general great handling and shootability of T/Cs Cherokee, I'd be hard pressed to make a decision though. Go for whichever one fits you best.

As for hunting distance, if you're using round balls, you should keep the range under 100 yards or so. Maybe under 75 for the .45.

 

[BrownBear]

The 45 appeals to me because I don't have one. I'd enjoy trying it for deer, just to contrast with my 50's, 54's and 58's.

But if I had only a 54, would I trade it for a 45? Not a chance.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

I'm with you. The .45 doesn't come close to the .54 in power.

 

[bucktales]

Go with the Renegade.
It's a flexible platform where you change barrels and calibers easily.

 

[410-er]

Keep the 54 but send me the number for the Cherokee 45. :grin:

 

[CrimsonTide]

It is too late! the deed is done. I made my decision based on the fact that this is the second Cherokee I have seen in about 10-12 years, and I have seen several renegades in very good condition. (I say several and mean 5-6).

I have an inline also that we shall not speak of, but for those days when I am feeling a little more like open sights, I will tote this little .45.

 

[410-er]

Your gonna love her! :wink:

 

[tg]

The .45 will do the job if you put the ball in the right place, therre were probably more people hunting with .45's in the 1970's than any other cal.

 

[renovato]

I don't blame you a bit. You don't see many Cherokees and Senecas on the market anymore. I got lucky a few years back and scored a nice Seneca for a great price. Been pleased as can be and gained a newfound respect and love of .45. I hope you enjoy yours!

 

[Pork Chop]

I would have gone for the Cherokee just to be different. That being said, you should have traded that .54 barrel to me for my .50 barrel. I have plenty of .50s, but no .54s...

 

[BrownBear]

It is too late! the deed is done.

Works for me! I'd a snatched it up one way or another if I had the chance.

Keep us posted on how it performs for you.

I'm betting that unmentionable with the scope is going to be a dust collector now. Too bad you couldn't have traded it and kept your 54!

 

[CrimsonTide]

I wouldn't be opposed to trading the inline for the Renegade, but my 11 year old claimed the inline for himself, so I guess I will leave it in the safe.

I am really looking forward to shooting my new rifle. I need to make up my mind on a powder, and get started.

ON THAT NOTE:
In my immediate area, I can lay hands on a can or Goex pinnacle, and a can of Pyrodex P. There is also a can of Triple 7, but it isn't my favorite.

Basically, I could be happy with the Pyrodex, but I'm not up to date on the Goex offering, so if you guys have experience or suggestions, I am open to them.

If I run a .440 round ball and a TC prelubed pillowticking patch, and shoot Pyrodex P, what kind of charge should I work with?

 

[KGF]

In my Seneca, I like 65grs - 70 grs of 3F depending on your patch thickness, and your particular gun. My best combo for a bal. of power and acquiracy is 70 grs. and a .015 patch on wertern NY deer.

Hope this helps

 

[bucktales]

Out of the subs you listed, probably the pyrodex would work. Some of the guys here shoot it without problems.
But why not go for the real deal?
Real BP like Goex ,IMO, is the way to go. If not available locally, there are distributors that will deliver it to your door.

 

[CrimsonTide]

I looked at track of the wolf, but unless I misread, you had to order an entire case from them. If I could lay my hands on a pound of Black, I would shoot it just because.


By the way, the only patches I could find around here, are .018. I had only figured on finding 010-.015, but oh well.

Anyhoo, as soon as I lay my hands on a pound of fffg something or other, I am going to do some shooting.

 

[roundball]

As an alternative, you can order 4 or 5 can miminums from Graf & Sons or PowderInc...

 

[jethro224]

I woulda done the trade too. :thumbsup: Them Cherokees are gettin' scarce!

And you can always buy the Renegade back after it sits on the dealers rack for a month or two and he lowers the price. :wink:

Better not let that kid of yours shoot the Cherokee tho. You'll be right back where you started with nothin' but an inline. :haha: