I just got my new-to-me .50 cal T/C Hawken and was wondering what some suggestions everyone had for powder loads. I just casted a bunch of .490 round balls, I have Pyrodex RS and .015 pre-lubed patches. I'd like to sight it in at 100 yards and I'll be using it for white-tails.
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Loads for T/C Hawken
- Thread starter Ctavano
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Normally I'd state start at 50 gr and work up in 5gr increments but since you want 100y I'd start at 60 gr and work up. You'll probably end up in the 70-80gr area or maybe a little more.
Start at 25 yards, and usually the starting point for round balls is equal number of grains of powder to the caliber of your gun (i.e., .50 cal, start with 50 grains of powder). Then step gradually up in 5 grain increments. I wouldn't go any higher than 100 grains, others may advise you otherwise. Keep yer powder dry
Charley
Charley
Mine was used to work up loads from 50 to 110 grains of FFg and 40 & 50 grains of FFFg. The 70 grain FFg load was the most accurate and the 110 grain load got up to almost 2000fps velocity and went completely through 3 Texas whitetails through the years...which isn't too impressive seeing that our deer are like German Shepherds with long legs! :thumbsup:
Like the others said, start with a mild powder load of around 50 grains and shoot at 25 yards.
When the sights are adjusted to hit dead center at 25 yards, move the target out to 50 yards.
Increase the powder load to about 70 grains and shoot a group. It should be hitting within 1/2 inch of center.
Practice with that load to make sure your group is staying there and that it remains tight.
Move the target out to 80 yards (if possible) and increase your powder load to 80 grains.
With this load it will probably be hitting about 2-3 inches low so adjust the sights to bring it up to center.
This 80 grain load sighted in at 80 yards should be hitting within 1 1/2 inches at any range from 20 to 90 yards. At 100 yards it will be about 3 inches low.
If your groups open up with any of these powder loads, be sure to check your shot patches.
If they are ripped, torn, cut or burned thru where the ball met the barrel you need find out why.
A damaged patch will always mess up the shots accuracy.
This 80 grain powder load in a .50 is an excellent deer load. Your gun does not have to be loaded with more powder than that for hunting within a patched roundballs range.
When the sights are adjusted to hit dead center at 25 yards, move the target out to 50 yards.
Increase the powder load to about 70 grains and shoot a group. It should be hitting within 1/2 inch of center.
Practice with that load to make sure your group is staying there and that it remains tight.
Move the target out to 80 yards (if possible) and increase your powder load to 80 grains.
With this load it will probably be hitting about 2-3 inches low so adjust the sights to bring it up to center.
This 80 grain load sighted in at 80 yards should be hitting within 1 1/2 inches at any range from 20 to 90 yards. At 100 yards it will be about 3 inches low.
If your groups open up with any of these powder loads, be sure to check your shot patches.
If they are ripped, torn, cut or burned thru where the ball met the barrel you need find out why.
A damaged patch will always mess up the shots accuracy.
This 80 grain powder load in a .50 is an excellent deer load. Your gun does not have to be loaded with more powder than that for hunting within a patched roundballs range.
Don Steele
45 Cal.
I was going to jump in to help, but at least for starters..Jim seems to have pretty much covered it.
For reference:My Whitetail load with the same rifle is 90 gns. 2f blackpowder and a patched roundball. Works GREAT. I don't shoot at deer farther than 100 yds out, and only then (100) when I'm confident of the actual range and not just estimating it through the woods.
If you want to get into some serious load development I'd recommend that you do A LOT of reading on this forum and elsewhere then contact Dutch Schoultz. At the very least, go to his website to read the tips and Q&A stuff.
The information so gleaned can be the difference between shooting "minute-of-deer" and shooting "one-ragged-hole" with your rifle.
For reference:My Whitetail load with the same rifle is 90 gns. 2f blackpowder and a patched roundball. Works GREAT. I don't shoot at deer farther than 100 yds out, and only then (100) when I'm confident of the actual range and not just estimating it through the woods.
If you want to get into some serious load development I'd recommend that you do A LOT of reading on this forum and elsewhere then contact Dutch Schoultz. At the very least, go to his website to read the tips and Q&A stuff.
The information so gleaned can be the difference between shooting "minute-of-deer" and shooting "one-ragged-hole" with your rifle.
don hepler
58 Cal.
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I think .015 patch will not be thick enough. I'm using at least .018 and I think .021 yielded the best accuracy. However, you can use a .495 ball and get by with a thinner patch. I like 70 grs. of Goex black powder. I also have been testing some, Alliant Black MZ, and if it is compressed tightly, has given some good groups. With 70 grs. of Black MZ, I was able to shot three shots touching at 50 yds., but if it is not compressed tightly, it will not shot consistently. The one thing about the MZ, is, you can shot all day without swabbing the barrel.
Patocazador
54 Cal.
You didn't mention what twist barrel you have. Mine is a 1:48 and shoots maxi-balls very well. Maxi-balls also kill deer VERY well.
I'm pretty sure the Thompson Center site still has their load data on line. They are pretty fast twist barrels but shoot quite well when patched tight with pretty stiff loads.
As many have said there is no reason to go for maximum loads for deer. It's going to be a MLR no matter how much powder you pour to her. Keeping range reasonable and getting plenty of practice is the way to go!
Geo. T.
As many have said there is no reason to go for maximum loads for deer. It's going to be a MLR no matter how much powder you pour to her. Keeping range reasonable and getting plenty of practice is the way to go!
Geo. T.
I use 80 grains of 3F, an over powder wad, .015 pre lubed patch and a .490 hand cast roundball.
