Load for 50 Cal flint pistol ?

[Davemuzz]

Ok fellows, I know this has probably been posted a million times, but this is my "new" pistol, so I'm asking for a "custom" answer from the pro's here on the forum. (Yeah...I know it will prolly be the same answer you gave someone else....but now it will be "my answer" :grin: )

I'm just finishing up my "whitetail 50 caliber flinter" for whackin 'em here in Pennsylvania. The barrel is 12" long with rifling and I can load either a PRB, or a 240gr. Hornady Pa. Conical or the Buffalo Ballett.

I currently shoot the Conical's out of my long gun as they give me excellent accuracy, and a bit more energy at the point of "whack." (BTW...in my 50 cal rifle I load 'em over 100gr. of Goex FF)

I was thinking of using a load of 60gr. of Goex FF under the 240gr. Conical. Can you tell me if I'm in the ball park with this load?


Thanks Dave

 

[Zonie]

IMO, your gun will probably be knocked out of the ball park with that load.
Combining the powder and ball weight you will be shooting what amounts to a 300 grain projectile out of your pistol.

As with most muzzleloading hunting, accuracy is the key to success. Maybe you can shoot pistols that have really heavy recoil accurately but I have problems with them.

Without mentioning the name of the infamous formula, it says the most effective powder load where you get the most bang for the bucks, so to speak would be around 27 grains in your gun.

Yes, I know, that is just theory and more powder produces more velocity but, just saying.

Anyway, IMO, a powder load of around 40-45 grains should work pretty well.

 

[Davemuzz]

:thumbsup: Thanks Zonie. That's what I was looking for. A common sense load will do me just fine. I don't want to have the pistol come back and split my forehead open 'cause of recoil!!

 

[mjulihn]

I agree with Zonie. I prefer 30 grains for target shooting, but 40-45 would be more than enough for light hunting.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

Being able to handle the firing without getting carpal tunnel is the key. a moderate load with accuracy beats heavy wild shots. As for powder load, we have no idea what barrel thickness or breach threading you have so venturing a guess at a load is a lot of speculation. The Manual for my TC Scout Pistol suggests that 70 grains is most accurate. I find that simply incredible. recommending 70 grains in a Pistol for a round ball?

I agree with the others --- 45 grains.

 

[mjulihn]

Being able to handle the firing without getting carpal tunnel is the key. a moderate load with accuracy beats heavy wild shots. As for powder load, we have no idea what barrel thickness or breach threading you have so venturing a guess at a load is a lot of speculation. The Manual for my TC Scout Pistol suggests that 70 grains is most accurate. I find that simply incredible. recommending 70 grains in a Pistol for a round ball?

I agree with the others --- 45 grains.

70 grains in a pistol??? That has to be a misprint in the factory manual, don't you think?