hunting load.

[3 stinky dogs]

I have been shooting a .50 cal rifle in flint quite alot so I can get proficient for deer next year. I started with 50 grains of 3 f and pushed up to 70. I have been able to shrink my groups to about 3 in at 50 yards. I ordered some 2 f to see how that will go. I will have a chance at some pigs to and want a Load that will do both well if at all possible. Also what do you get by upgrading to .62 cal. ? I was under the impression that after .54 cal. that you reach the point ware you are just wasting powder because it wont all be consumed. I guess its like what happens with the "ultra magnums". Anyhow is it a worthwhile upgrade ?

 

[Swampman]

I'd stick with the 3F. In a .62, you have a lot more projectile weight and size which equals more knock down power. I'd love to have a .62 caliber Hawken.

 

[3 stinky dogs]

I am hoping to shoot all the way through the pigs. Should I go higher then 70 ? I am concerned that I may blow my face off if I go to crazy.

 

[BS]

What brand gun are you using? I f it has a 1 in 48 twist, 80FFF and 90FF are usually good loads with a RB. If you have a 1 in 66-72, it may like more.

I have a 62 with a 1 in 72 twist that shoots very well with 80FF, but for pigs, I would use more.

This is how I do it!
I find out what the gun likes to shoot best, then decide if it's the gun and load I want to use, and choose accordingly. :grin:

Maybe that is why I have from a .32 to a 7ga.
I don't have a 58, that would be a good choice also. :hmm:

 

[Swampman]

It's pretty hard to blow up a modern muzzleloader. In my younger days I would shoot 90 grains of 3F under a 290 grain minnie in my .45 CVA Kentucky. Thinking back on that makes me cringe.

 

[longfowler]

I went shooting today with my wife & nephew. I tried my wife's .54 t/c new englander with 100 grs 3f under a .530 ball & .15 patch. shoots clean thru a 30 lb propane tank at 40 yards. I wouln't hesitate to use this combo on just about any medium to large game in my area!

 

[Wehrmacht]

I have a .50cal Southern Mountain Rifle,Hershel House,48" barrel flintlock,of course. In it I use 72gr GOEX 3f because that's what it likes best. This load will blow a hole all the way through a deer on a broadside shot through the boiler room at about 50 or so yards. No finding the ball just under the skin on the far side....ALL the way through!

A year ago last October I shot a bear out of a tree with it.First round from 47 yards entered just below the left eye and went out the right flank just forward of the right rear leg.Second round,same distance, entered less than 1/2 inch below the first round and lodged in the anus at the base of the tail. Third round from 22 yards entered between the eyes,through the brain and exited out the back of the head.

Personally I think that you will do just fine with 70-75 grains of 3f.That's my opinion....others may have a better idea.