Lyman 50 cal questions

[DSR]

I just received a Lyman 50 cal Great Plains rifle. It is a 1980 model . I have a few questions. It does not have a ram rod. What diameter do I need? Next, can I used triple 7 pellets in this weapon or must I used granular powder ? Finally can someone discuss different bullets I can use ?

 

[leadhoarder]

track of the wolf sells replacements. They are listed as being 3/8."

I would stick to loose powder in a sidelock. Most people prefer real BP but the fakse stuff can be used in a pinch.

If you have the great plains rifle you will want to use a patched ball and if you have the great plains rifle you will want to use a conical.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

I just received a Lyman 50 cal Great Plains rifle. It is a 1980 model . I have a few questions. It does not have a ram rod. What diameter do I need? Next, can I used triple 7 pellets in this weapon or must I used granular powder ? Finally can someone discuss different bullets I can use ?

My SIL has one and does well with.......490 RBs .017/.018 pillow ticking and 2F real black powder. Forget the wantabe powders and get real black. You have good gun there, congratulations!
Larry

 

[deermanok]

Pellets aren't gonna work. Loose powder is best in that gun.
Real Black if you can get it.
Pyrodex P or Select is good or Triple 7 3f.
As mentioned, .490 round balls. Conical bullets, like Hornady's Great Plains or Thomas Center Maxi Balls or Maxi Hunters.

 

[FPDoc]

If percussion you can use Pyrodex/777 etc. but flintlock will not reliably ignite the synthetics. I use a 3/8" brass rod that I drilled and tapped (different size on each end) for accessories as my range rod. I also kind of like the extra weight forward. In a .50cal I use .490 rb and pillow ticking for patch (washed and dried hot to remove sizing in the cloth and tighten the weave a bit). For .50cal. I prefer FFFg but FFg would work if FFFg not available. If your rifle is a flintlock the same powder will work for the pan (FFFFg is not required). The Great Plains Rifle I own is 1:60 or 1:66 which is a round ball twist. I believe the Great Plains Hunter is more like 1:24 or 1:32 or which is a NOT round ball twist (although a rb would come out and kill you) and is optimized for conicals and all those other sabotie kinds of bullets. Seems as though the twist rates vary by search sources, date of manufacture. who made it actually and memory of those of us who own them. very basicly slow twist for patched round ball and faster for more modern (not round ball) bullet types. In my opinion real black powder is more fun, smells better (stinks in a nice way) and it cleans up with hot water.