Ball size question.

[Flintlock Whiskey]

I have an older, Investarms .54 Hawken. I want to get a mould for it. What mould size should I get?

 

[leadhoarder]

Probably a .530 bit only you can determine that for sure by trying different ball sizes and patches.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Before @Flintlock Whiskey buys a $70+ mold, he should buy a $25 digital Vernier caliper to measure the land to land diameter and the groove to groove diameter. Then subtract 0.010" from the land to land diameter for a suggested ball diameter close to the calculated diameter.

Patching will be groove diameter - land to land diameter and divide by 2. Add 0.005 to the groove depth for patch thickness and you have a good start to begin load development.

Calipers are a worthwhile investment for inside dimensions, outside dimensions and depth.

 

[nchawkeye]

I would suggest first buying .530 balls and seeing if they group, if not, go for .535 or .526, depending upon how tight the .530s are. Find what size that gun prefers, then buy a mold.

 

[Flintlock Whiskey]

Before @Flintlock Whiskey buys a $70+ mold, he should buy a $25 digital Vernier caliper to measure the land to land diameter and the groove to groove diameter. Then subtract 0.010" from the land to land diameter for a suggested ball diameter close to the calculated diameter.

Patching will be groove diameter - land to land diameter and divide by 2. Add 0.005 to the groove depth for patch thickness and you have a good start to begin load development.

Calipers are a worthwhile investment for inside dimensions, outside dimensions and depth.

Thank you for your input. I will do as you suggest.