56 cal smoothbore

[user 6415]

I'm getting a TC Renegade 56 cal smoothbore and I could use some help as to size of ball it shoots and wad size and how large of shot charge to use. also powder charge any help would be appreciated. thanks Joe

 

[JoelH]

Joe, my first muzzle loader was a T/C 56 smooth bore. I bought it used at a gunshow many years ago. It came with a T\C round ball mold that if my old memory is correct was .55 in single cavity. It was a good gun and dropped quit a few large northern Michigan whitetails. My hunting load was 90 grains 2F Goex with a store bought pillow tick patch. This load held it's accuracy within a 2" pattern out to 50 yards. I shot it with 60 grains 2F Goex as a target practice load. Wish I still had that old gun! Over the years I have never run across another renegade as nice as that one was. I think it might have been one of Thompsons premium models as it was stocked in curly walnut! Anyway, best of luck and above all enjoy! :winking:

 

[SCATTERSHOT]

When I had mine, I used a .535 ball with a .035 patch (bluejeans). It loaded pretty tight, but I got 1 1/4" groups at 50 yards with it and 90 ffG. I used a .58 wad.

 

[roundball]

I used:
70grns Goex 3F
.58cal Oxyoke wonderwad
.015" Oxyoke patch
Warren .550 balls

Tight but very accurate at the 50yds I zeroed it at.

 

[user 6415]

Thanks alot this will help me alot .I was wondering about shot loads and wad and overshot sizes if any one has any info that would help also. I am going to order what I need in one order. thanks agin . Joe

 

[roundball]

I was wondering about shot loads and wad and overshot

70grns Goex 3F
One (or two) .58cal Oxyoke wonderwads
1+1/8oz #6 hard shot
.28ga Circle Fly OS card

 

[Slamfire]

Shot load:
55 grains FFg, 1 oz #6 shot, 9/16 cards cut from an orange juice carton. 2 over the powder, 1 over the shot. I'm not real happy, and am fixin' to try some paper shot cups. :v

 

[roundball]

Shot load:
55 grains FFg, 1 oz #6 shot, 9/16 cards cut from an orange juice carton. 2 over the powder, 1 over the shot. I'm not real happy, and am fixin' to try some paper shot cups. :v

I was never very satisfied with my .56 shot load patterns, but after switching to Flintlocks, I got a GM .54cal drop-in Flint barrel (33") and that load I listed above is simply outstanding in it...excellent even pattern at the 25yds I patterned it...didn't need to fool with paper cups

 

[user 6415]

Thank you all this will surely help me. I will probably get a 20ga. 62cal. GM barrel for it but wanted to try it out first with short barrel. Thanks agin . Joe

 

[roundball]

Thank you all this will surely help me. I will probably get a 20ga. 62cal. GM barrel for it but wanted to try it out first with short barrel. Thanks agin . Joe

If you're referring to a GM drop-in barrel you might want to grab it quickly...back before the holidays they were clearing out the leftover .62cals...they are not a normal barrel in their barrel line...instead they make a specisal run of 50 every couple years.
I know that Ed Cain at Cains Outdoor in West VA. had bought a bunch and last month only had one caplock and two Flintlock barrels left in stock...his 800# is on his website:[url] www.cainsoutdoor.com[/url]

 

[Keppy]

I was never very satisfied with my .56 shot load patterns, but after switching to Flintlocks, I got a GM .54cal drop-in Flint barrel (33") and that load I listed above is simply outstanding in it...excellent even pattern at the 25yds I patterned it...didn't need to fool with paper cups

Roundball
I'm thinking of getting a 56 cal. for a duel purpose rifle. I would be hunt grouse here in Minnesota. I have a 54 cal already but would like a smoothbore or something for birds. Your thoughts please. Seems you have alot of experice with TC 56 cal. Why does the flintlock work better? Thank Hacksaw

 

[roundball]

I was never very satisfied with my .56 shot load patterns, but after switching to Flintlocks, I got a GM .54cal drop-in Flint barrel (33") and that load I listed above is simply outstanding in it...excellent even pattern at the 25yds I patterned it...didn't need to fool with paper cups

Roundball
I'm thinking of getting a 56 cal. for a duel purpose rifle. I would be hunt grouse here in Minnesota. I have a 54 cal already but would like a smoothbore or something for birds. Your thoughts please. Seems you have alot of experice with TC 56 cal. Why does the flintlock work better? Thank Hacksaw

My version just happens to be Flint...I'm sure GM makes or made them in caplock too...the only things I can think of are:

1) The .54cal is a couple thousands smaller (tighter) than the the .56;

2) The barrel is 33" long instead of 27";


If you're going to buy a smoothbore barrel, I'd strongly suggest the GM 15/16" .54cal(.28ga) or 1" x .62cal(.20ga). They both shoot PRBs like a rifle at the 50yds I sighted them in, killed a few deer with each in the past couple seasons.

 

[Keppy]

Thanks Roundball