Lower Power Load Help

[bezoar]

I need some help with getting some load data. I need ballistic data on loads for a Traditions Deerhunter percussion sidelock in .50 cal with a 24 inch barrel and 1:48 twist.

I know traditions and Hodgdon put out loading data but i need data that will let me develop a load under 1080 fps and still be good for deer at 50 yards.

This is all because Id like to keep my neighbor from running his dogs and kids through the woods scaring off the deer every evening after i shoot a gun.

 

[roundball]

I need some help with getting some load data. I need ballistic data on loads for a Traditions Deerhunter percussion sidelock in .50 cal with a 24 inch barrel and 1:48 twist.

I know traditions and Hodgdon put out loading data but i need data that will let me develop a load under 1080 fps and still be good for deer at 50 yards.

This is all because Id like to keep my neighbor from running his dogs and kids through the woods scaring off the deer every evening after i shoot a gun.

Just as an aside, there are hunter harrassment laws and they are usually enforced by wildlife departments...maybe arrange a chat between the game warden & neighbor...might cool him off.
You shouldn't have to take modified / evasive actions just to lawfully pursue your chosen sport of hunting...NJ just threw some hunter harrassers in jail for some serious time

 

[paulvallandigham]

I think you are asking the impoossible. If you go much under that 1000 fps velocity, any load for such a small caliber RB would be questionable to use on deer, out to 50 yds. If you want a lesser load for the rifle, start at 50 grains, and reduce the charge by 5 grains, until you get down to 30 grains. If you gun has a powder chamber in it, I would want to know how much powder that chamber holds before reducing the powder charge any lower. You can get more velocity with less powder if you use Goex FFFg powder. But, the gun is going to make a sound whenever you shoot it, no matter how much or little powder you put in it. Its not the ball breaking the sound barrier that creates the muzzle blast, but the escaping gases behind the ball that break the sound barrier. So, I don't see the reasoning behind your request for deer loads of less than 1080 fps. Were you thinking that if you ball left your muzzle at well under the speed of sound, perhaps your neighbor may not hear the noise?

If those are your woods, just post the land as required by your state's criminal code, and let your neighbor know that he, his kids, and his pets, are not allowed in your woods! Then, call the cops if they violate the notice. You are not being a bad neighbor by warning a neighbor to stay out of a hunting area. Its for their own safety! He is being the bad neigbor if he's trying to prevent you from using your land.

 

[CrackStock]

I think that Paul and RB have given you some good points. If calling the law out is too much trouble, I would make a point of shooting every night. I could use the practice and they will get tired eventually. Besides, I can generally remove a bushytailed target from a tree limb into the freezer or frying pan without much inducement anyway.

CS

 

[bramble]

Just a thought on another tack. If your neighbor does not respond to posting and gentle admonitions, you can let him know that by allowing his kids into a posted hunting area, he may be violating child protective services laws. Endangering children is a serious matter and is taken very seriously in all jurisdictions. In NC, any report of child neglect/abuse/endangerment results in an investigation by authorities within 24 hours.
bramble

 

[faw3]

You didnt say it was your land, so justguessing you want to keep it sub sonic and not put a sound suppreror on the Lyman Shoker 50grs 770 at 100 yds and its 420 grs. A little more weight might help. Fred :hatsoff: