Are T/C Hawkens stronger?....

[cuban8mia]

I think I read somewhere that the T/C Hawkens were tested (magnafluxed) so they could safely handle higher pressures than other Hawkens, like those made by Investarms. Should this be an issue of concern for someone considering purchasing a Lyman/Cabelas hawken or are these rifles more than strong enough to handle powder in the usual range of 80 to 100 grains. Thanks in advance for your help...

 

[ohio ramrod]

80 to 100 grain charges should present no problems in any well made Hawkin.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I don't believe any American made muzzleloaders are "proofed" at this time . . . or since T/C has been around. T/C is strong, no doubt about it, but I wouldn't worry about Lyman/Pieta/Pedersoli (Cabela's doesn't make firearms) being strong enough for sensible or even stout blackpowder loads.

 

[BriR]

In a T/C Hawken, 80-90 grains, at least in my .54, is nothing. I've fired round balls with upwards of 120 grains, the max recommended by T/C for this caliber. Accuracy drops off compared to lighter loads, but it's still fairly accurate.

 

[cowpoke1955]

Have to agree with ramrod. I've been shooting the Lyman Great Plains for 30 years with no problem. All of Investarms rifles are well made and just as strong as you will ever need. The Cabela's Hawkens and the Dixie Hawkens are the same rifle made by Investarms. Another good Investarms rifle is the Lyman Trade Rifle. It's the same rifle with different sights and trigger. I think the Lyman TR is more gun for the dollar. Check the prices here: http://www.dnrsports.com/ . The best on the net :thumbsup:

 

[Robert58]

The latest issue of Guns Of The Old West (on news stands now) has an article in it titled Guns Of The Santa Fe Trail. They talk about the Hawken Rifle and it's roll on the trail. They test a Lyman Great Plains Rifle in the article with the Authors Hunting Load of 110 grains of FFFg Black Powder with pillow ticking patch and .490 Round Ball. 2005 ft per secant. I don't think you have to worry.

Robert

 

[cuban8mia]

Thanks for the input everyone. Its just that I read on another post that the Investarms manuals warn against exceeding 70 or 80 grains maximum and I thought that was a rather low limit. In any case, there is no doubt that many of you have had the Investarms-made rifles for many years without any problems and that alone is good testament to their quality. Thanks again....

 

[renovato]

I don't have my Investarm manual handy, but I think it listed the max load for my .54 at 120 grains. I normally use 85 in it.

 

[Kentuckywindage]

Investarms are made strong. I dont see why they put such a small charge limit though. Im shooting a .50cal cabelas hawken with a 247gr conical and 110gr pyrodex RS.

 

[Zonie]

Magnafluxing (Magnetic Particle Inspection) does not do anything to increase the strength of the metal the barrel is made from.
It only detects cracks or non-magnetic inclusions in the material and the latter doesn't have much bearing on strength or safety at the stress levels found in a muzzleloading rifle barrel.
Cracks are another issue but modern steel bars seldom if ever have these unless they have been overstressed by careless (short) loading.

If Investarms limits their maximum recommended load, it is most likely due to prevent lawsuits.
Actually, I haven't seen a 80 grain max listed for their barrels but, I haven't seen everything. :grin: