Small game huntin loads for a .54

[Nifeman]

Hey fellers, what would you seasoned guys use in a .54 flinter for small game. Can't afford a .32 right now...Nifeman

 

[roundball]

Hey fellers, what would you seasoned guys use in a .54 flinter for small game. Can't afford a .32 right now...Nifeman

40grns Goex 3F, .018" pillow ticking, Hornady .530

 

[Roy]

Just have to work up or in your case down a load for it 35 to 40 grains is a good place to start.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I use 42gr FFg (just so happens to be what an empty .45 Long Colt case holds). .530 cast ball and a 0.018" patch. Sure death on squirrels and leaves some meat, though you ought to avoid shoulder shots. :winking:

 

[Nifeman]

Thanky, that's all I needed...Bud

 

[jtmattison]

Depends on your manufacurers/builders minimum powder charge recommendation.
Some say a minimum of 50 grains so you don't have space between the powder and ball due to the breech area.
I think I would start with 50 grains to be safe.

HD

 

[roundball]

Depends on your manufacurers/builders minimum powder charge recommendation.
Some say a minimum of 50 grains so you don't have space between the powder and ball due to the breech area.
I think I would start with 50 grains to be safe.

HD

Just to share some info on this...I have a couple of spare TC breechplugs and have measured their capacity for this very purpose...the patent breech chamber of TC's plugs holds 18grns...pretty sure all the look-a-likes and copies with patent breeches are virtually idential given the size of the barrels and plugs involved.

I've intentionally loaded and shot 10grns and could feel the PRB contact the mouth of the steel patent breech because the small amount of powder.

And remember, even if only 10grns powder was dropped into a patent breech leaving air space under the ball, the powder charge is so weak it can't cause a problem anyway...ie: no different than working 10-15grns 4F into the vent to blow out a dry ball

Just my .02 cents on the matter