Hunting Loads for Flintlock Pistol

[trimpert]

Just got my 54 Caliber Lehigh from A.Martin and have Mark Wheland working on a Lehigh pistol for me (delivery next summer). Barrel on the pistol is going to be 13 inches and 54 caliber. Thinking that 30-40 grains of 3F (Swiss Powder) and a .530 ball ought to be pretty good deer medicine inside of about 25 yards. Any thoughts?

 

[hanshi]

I have a .50 flint pistol I sometimes carry in the deer woods as a coup de grace gun. I normally load with 40 grains of Goex 3F with a prb. I have no doubt it would be capable of dropping a deer with a very close shot.

 

[rafterob]

I agree that the 40 grain load sounds like a capable hunting load for a 13" barrel. Check your state law on the use of Muzzleloading pistols. We can't use them here in NC.

 

[Dphar]

Just got my 54 Caliber Lehigh from A.Martin and have Mark Wheland working on a Lehigh pistol for me (delivery next summer). Barrel on the pistol is going to be 13 inches and 54 caliber. Thinking that 30-40 grains of 3F (Swiss Powder) and a .530 ball ought to be pretty good deer medicine inside of about 25 yards. Any thoughts?

45 to 60 for a 54. Especially if it has a rifle twist, which for a hunting pistol is preferable IMO.
Shoot it for accuracy and see what works. Hunting its better the ere on the heavy side.
I used 60 in one 66" twist pistol and 70 in one with a 72 twist, it would not shoot well with less.

Dan

 

[Dphar]

Mule deer doe 25 +- yards. 54, 70 gr, 9" barrel.
Ball stopped at the off side hide
Dan

 

[trimpert]

Sweet...thank you for the information...sounds like it will be a winner...