Maxi-Ball in .36 Frontier/Blue Ridge

[Dusty_Traveler]

I can't find a post anywhere on the forum that mentions shooting maxi-balls out of a .36 Pedersoli Frontier/Blue Ridge. The twist is 1:48, so I reckon its physically possible.

I cast a pile of them the other night using a Lyman mold.

I planned on lubing the bottom groove and seating it atop a dry felt OP wad.

For the 128gr maxi-ball, T/C recommends loads starting at 40gr of 3f, going to a max of 60gr.

Think the little Frontier can handle these loads? It has a 13/16" barrel.

 

[Thomas.bill92]

I have a .36 frontier and those barrels are mighty stout, it can handle that plus much more. That being said, if t/c did the work and recommended that charge, it's probably where the bullet will perform the best. A lot of times you will reach a point of diminishing returns beyond max charges, no more gain in velocity or loss of accuracy, etc. Are you looking to punch paper with them? Small game? Medium game?

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

Hello Bill,

I guess I "unwatched" this thread by mistake, I had no idea it had any replies.

I'm looking to punch the paper first, to get things zeroed in. I have put a new set of sights on this rifle, and haven't had a chance to sight it in yet.

After that, yes, small game such as squirrel and rabbit, and not much larger, perhaps a coyote or a bobcat.

Have you shot any conicals out of your frontier?

 

[Thomas.bill92]

I've only shot patched round balls out of mine with pretty good results. If you are gonna be focusing on target and small game, you will probably do best with a fairly light charge. Might as well save on powder if you aren't trying to punch the lights out on a big ol' whitetail!

 

[burlesontom]

I have owned three 36 caliber rifles and for grins I would shoot them with hollow base wadcutter bullets intended for loading target loads in 38 special revolvers. And they shot great in every gun tried. I am guessing the hollow base expands just like shooting a Minnie' bullet in a civil war rifle.

I wouldn't have any trouble shooting a deer with one of those as long as you kept the range at 50 yards or less.

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

Three shot group.

The fourth shot.

128 grain Lyman maxi ball mold, 40gr schutzen 3f dry felt op wad. 25 yards rested against the truck cab. Swabbed between every shot.

 

[trad_bowhunter1965]

My Frontier 36 loves that bullet I have two of those molds I think I have 15 lbs molded up.

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

That’s cool! Do you size them or load as is? @burlesontom

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

My Frontier 36 loves that bullet I have two of those molds I think I have 15 lbs molded up.

What do you use for lube? Do you fill both grooves?

 

[burlesontom]

That’s cool! Do you size them or load as is? @burlesontom

No sizing needed. On every gun I have shot them in the were a perfect slip fit down the bore. I haven't done that in a long time and don't remember lubing them but if I did I just rubbed some lube in the hollow base. I did this in a CVA combo 36/45 I found in a pawn shop, a TC Cherokee and a Traditions Pennsylvania rifle with the long barrel of the older versions of that gun. I should never have sold that gun. What a shooter it was.

 

[trad_bowhunter1965]

What do you use for lube? Do you fill both grooves?

Yes I uses Beef ok Mink tallow. I want to try a lamb tallow bees wax blend.