One Happy 54Cal owner

[Henry2357]

Well it showed up, got it cleaned up and barrel on,,,, and I am now a Traditional ML owner...
Lyman Trade Rifle

I have no photo program, when I figure how to post a photo I'll get one up.

 

[rdstrain49]

Welcome to the fold. Now for a Flintlock

 

[Henry2357]

In time, In time.. :wink:

 

[Spikebuck]

I am now a Traditional ML owner...

...and the illness begins!!! :wink: :grin:

Congrats! I see a ton of fun shooting in your future. :hatsoff:

 

[Henry2357]

Figured the photo thing out, here she is...

 

[Henry2357]

Also, can anyone suggest a BP load to start with? Was thinking 2ff BP and starting around 80-90 grs, 530 ball, .015 patch ????
Thanks, JOe

 

[Elkeater]

Good looking gun. Your on the right load track. Maybe start at 60gr and go up in 5 gr jumps. You get to shoot more that way.

 

[Spikebuck]

Mountain Joe: That starting load is right around what has worked for me in most of the .54's I've owned with slow twist (1-65). No sure if yours is a 1-48 or not...if so, you might want to start out with less powder...maybe 60 grs of 2F and work up from there. Might want to start out lower regardless and see what happens. A .530 ball and .015 patch is, IMO, a good starting combo.

 

[Henry2357]

Thanks Gents.

 

[Critter Getter]

Good looking gun ya got there. Have fun!! Greg

 

[hrchotaw]

Great advice ,start around 60gr and work up. My 54 Trade Rifle is best at 85gr FFg.They are all different :thumbsup:

 

[Henry2357]

Thanks, can't wait to get out with it.

 

[harleysboss]

My 54 cal trade rifle likes just a little bit thicker patch,.018 with the .530 ball. Just my opinion but why bother starting at 60grns and burning up so much powder to get to 80-100 grns? Of course there is the pure fact that you get to shoot a lot,,always a good thing. If a good stout hunting load is what your after I would suspect that the sweet spot lays somewhere in that 85-110 grain range. Nice rifle. I put a lyman 57ml peep sight on mine and can shoot into nice small clusters out to 100 yds. Enjoy your new rifle it will serve you well. Mine has been responsible for the death of two bull elk so far

 

[Renegade Dan]

Congrats on your new rifle! :thumbsup:

As others have already said, Start with a lower charge 55-60 grains and then work your way up.

In my 54 cal. I use 55 grains for my Just for fun shooting and Increase to 70 grains for my hunting load.

 

[hanshi]

Good looking rifle but it will look even better leaning against a big buck.

 

[mooman76]

You don't have to use massive amounts of powder to shoot good. I would also start lower like suggested but it's up to you. Working up the loads is half the fun. You can always have a heavier charge for hunting and lower for paper punching but you won't know what you want unless you try different loads.

 

[Henry2357]

Thanks all, seems to be a place to start. At the start just looking for a paper punching load so not looking for any knock down power. Will start low, and go from there. I guess for out at the range a nice lower, comfortable load would be the ticket.

Now I need to come up with a line for my wife. "Honey, the guys on the site said if I have a percussion rifle I need to add a flintlock rifle to it to be able to stay a member of the site"
No, I don't think that will work. Maybe someday but, will start with the Trade and get some shooting in.

 

[oldude]

M Joe buy her a flinter, you know you will have to care for it :grin:

 

[hrchotaw]

:hmm: Might Work :haha:

 

[Henry2357]

I have my eye on one now...... :wink:

But, I'll at least get out to shoot this one a bit, get a little used to the Trad ML style first,,, then.....


Then there's a slight problem. my Trade just fits into my gun safe, this flintlock that has caught my eye, won't. The wife will eye that one for sure just up on the closet shelve wondering... :hmm: