First shots from Hawken this year.

[tc45dave]

I shot my Investarms .50 Hawken for the first time this year. I got my best group ever at 50 yards using 55 grs. of Olde Eynsford 3F and .018" ticking patch for the first time. I put a little extra Precision Lube 2000 on each patch. Hornady .490 balls. And I ran a cleaning patch between each shot. Forearm was on a rest.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Need a little more practice time and load development. Next time out your groups should improve.

Give 65 grains a try.

 

[deermanok]

Looking pretty good, different patch thickness also worth a try along with different powder charges.

 

[richard.cronkite]

I've got the same rifle, worked on a new deer load and getting used to my new peep site earlier this year. The barrel on my Hawken .50 is a bit oversize, found 80 grains Pyrodex RS (FFg equivalent) with a wonderwad under a .490 roundball with a .020" lubed patch gave me a 2" group at 50 yards. I had to swab the barrel every 3 shots to keep consistent. It amazes me how accurate these rifles are once you find the right load. Good luck!

 

[Daryl Crawford]

I've got the same gun in flintlock. Mine seems to like 60 to 65gr 2f. If I do my part, it will put out solid groups at 50.

 

[Daryl Crawford]

Forgot to mention .490 round ball and a standard ox yoke .10 pre-lubed patch. I'm going to play with the patch this summer. Might try pillow ticking (guess that is around .14-.16) but my bore is tight. I tend to wipe the barrel after 2 shots. Besides, when hunting the shot comes from a clean bore.

 

[Nutnfancy]

Still not a bad group. I mean, all on target and in the red and I think you scared the heck out of the bullseye.............

 

[tc45dave]

I will try 60 and 65 grs of Olde Eynsford tomorrow at the range. Supposed to sunny and 71.

 

[Nutnfancy]

tc45dave, what part of Ohio are you located? I'm originally from Xenia, have a cousin there that shoots flintlocks.

 

[tc45dave]

tc45dave, what part of Ohio are you located? I'm originally from Xenia, have a cousin there that shoots flintlocks.

In the Columbus area. I visited one of the Indiana NMLRA events in 2019. I shot my first Kentucky Long Rifle when I was about 17. Just recently took up shooting muzzleloaders with my Hawkens.

 

[Nutnfancy]

My cousin goes to the Indiana meet and competes with a flintlock. I went shooting with him once at his house and he hit a Dum-Dum sucker free standing at 35 yards.....I can't compete with that...he! he!

 

[Daryl Crawford]

Not too many can! Keep enjoying and keep shooting. Compete with yourself and you'll always get better.