maxis ball in 1/48 twist

[WALT53]

I have a 50 TC renegade that has me stumped with maxis,one time I get excellent results,the next time it won"t group. THATS with changing nothing. 80grns 3f or 90grns 2f and felt wade, lube is bore butter. :idunno: Any help would be greatly appreciated. WALT

 

[don hepler]

I can't say, from personal experience, but TC made later rifles, with a false muzzle, just for the purpose of getting the conical bullets alignment correct. That would say to me, that the alignment is critical to accuracy, and I guess would speed up the reloading process as well. I would also be careful to check for any possible leading issues. They kick, like a mule, so flinching, could be an issue for some people. At longer range, wind could also be a factor.

Just, throwing out some ideas.

 

[longcruise]

If you are not wiping between shots, that could be it. If humidity varies for different range sessions that could be it. Maxi balls cause a major crud ring where the bullet sits on the powder. Would have less effect with high humidity because higher humidity will soften it up.

 

[BrownBear]

You might try a different lube, too. My results are so variable with bore butter, I basically quit using it. TOW's mink oil grease is much more consistent for both patched balls and conicals.

 

[bubba.50]

as mentioned, a better lube would likely help. also, pay strict attention to yer process when ya break the gun down to clean it. make sure to do everything exactly the same every time includin' makin' sure the wedge goes in same side up & from the same side of the gun. luck & have a good'en, bubba.

 

[galamb]

Does it look like the bullet it "key-holing" or tumbling.

Not every rifle, even with a 1:48 twist will shoot every conical well. If you are shooting (for eg.) a 370 grain switch out and try the 320 grain or even go to the Lyman offerings etc.

A minor change in the projectile can turn it from a "scatter gun" to a sharp shooter.

 

[Dphar]

Shoot patched round balls.
The Maxi Ball is a poor design for anything but shooting paper. The 48" twist is marginal for the bullet for best accuracy. Its "problems" greatly out weigh any perceived advantages.

Dan

 

[Spikebuck]

If you're not "married" to Maxi's and want to shoot conicals, you may want to try the Hornady Great Plains bullet. I never had luck getting good consistency with the TC's, but have had excellent results, even in a 1-65 twist barrel, with the Hornady's. In my opinion, the hollow base of the Hornady is key to expand and fill the rifling. I think that sometimes the TC's solid base might not expand completely to seal the bore, hence variation in shot placement.

I've heard Buffalo Bullets have a new owner and are going back into production. They were also excellent conicals.

 

[Stringbean]

I shoot mainly p.r.b. but I have had wonderful results with the 370 grain maxi balls out of my 1 in 48 barrel with 90 grains of 2f. I don't bother to use a felt wad though and get around 1 1/2 to 2 inch groups at 50 yards. I don't bother to swab between shots and use the bore butter too. I kind of like the maxi balls for hunting because they do quite a bit of damage with premium penetration. Shot deer with them the last three years in a row and one went in quartering to right behind the shoulder and exited the rear off side hip. I was quite impressed. Would be my go to elk load if given the opportunity to hunt them. Just for giggles skip the felt wad on your next range session and see what happens.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Yes...why the wad?

 

[Don Steele]

Another vote for the Hornady "Great Plains" bullet.
For no particular reason, I set out earlier this year to develop a conical load for my factory original 50 cal. T/C 1:48 twist "Hawken" bbl.(1970's vintage) Had to dig it out of the closet where it's been living since the mid-90's..ever since I put the Grn. Mtn. "Drop-in" bbl on the rifle.
Tried T/C Maxi's in both 370 and 275 wts as well as the highly vaunted 385 original Buffalo Bore.
NONE of them gave acceptable results (defined as:50 yds.,one ragged hole from the bench) over the wide range of powder charges I tried, from 70-110 gns. for each.
When I tried the Hornady 385 HB/HP bullets...groups immediately went from 4-5in.(some worse) at 50yds, to "holes touching".
Can't explain it....as often posted here, sometimes ya just have to find out what your rifle likes.

 

[mooman76]

What Maxi are you using and weight?

 

[WALT53]

I:ve been trying the maxi in 370grn and if not for being so stubborn I would have moved on long ago. THANKYOU ALL WALT

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

I've been getting wonderful results for years with my Lyman Trade Rifle & the T/C 370 grain Maxi's. Wins competitions. Cuts playing cards in half. My gun doesn't shoot them too well in the cold weather, so I switch to patched round balls then. In the warmer months, if I do my part, I'm always in contention for the top three spots.

I find that proper placement of the feet and the curved butt into the pocket of the shoulder make the difference. Gun comes straight back as you "take the ride". Do anything else or change anything else and you can get a shotgun pattern at 100 yards as the muzzle climbs every-which way...

Hope this helps!

Dave

 

[BrownBear]

I find that proper placement of the feet and the curved butt into the pocket of the shoulder make the difference. Gun comes straight back as you "take the ride". Do anything else or change anything else and you can get a shotgun pattern at 100 yards as the muzzle climbs every-which way...

Sounds to me like fruitful ground to explore.