T/C Cherokee

[boker]

Working up a load today. Couldn’t tell much difference in accuracy with a load of 50 gr and 60 gr of 3f goex . Shooting a T/C maxi ball , lubed with T/c bore butter

How do y’all feel about a 50gr load mentioned above for deer out to 100 yards ?

Got complete pass through on plywood and water jug at 100 yards.


I tested some felt wads over the powder charge but didn’t see any improvement other than maybe reduced fouling between shots

What are the pros and cons of felt wads in black powder rifles ?

 

[azmntman]

That load will kill yer deer. I personally think with a conical its a bit light, IMHO. The felt pad can really tighten a group in some rifles, some dont need em. Try some and see what happens. Helps seal the bore. Might wanna try 65 gr loads and see how ya like em. Or not?

 

[boker]

Will do , it’s been a long time since I shot the cherokee. I have forgot what loads I use to shoot in it..

 

[Pete44ru]

Shooting a T/C maxi ball , lubed with T/c bore butter

How do y’all feel about a 50gr load mentioned above for deer out to 100 yards ?

Got complete pass through on plywood and water jug at 100 yards.

You'll also get a complete pass through on deer, BT, DT - NTS.

I've long had great results on deer with the T/C Maxi-Hunter, which is a slightly heavier conical.

Be careful not to load your Cherokee too heavy, as heavy loads will shortly crack the stock, which is much lighter/slender than a Hawken's.

I've shot/hunted with 60gr of Holy Black (FFFg) for the past 33 years w/o any issues with the gun or deer.

 

[boker]

It shot well with 60gr as well but it seemed to prefer 50gr of 3f . Thank you for the reply.

 

[burlesontom]

It sounds like you are shooting the 45 caliber gun. I love the Cherokees and Seneca rifles. had a Seneca in 36 caliber and I shot a lot of the 148gr wadcutter bullets designed for 38 Special handgun loads. These bullets had the hollow base and worked just like a small Minnie' bullet. And they were accurate too. I did the same thing in a Tradditions Pennsylvania rifle I had in 36 caliber with a 1/48 twist and they shot well from that gun also. The Seneca has a 1/30 twist.

According to Sam Fadala TC chose that twist in the small bore guns so that with light charges of powder in the 32 of around 15-20grs of 3F the ball would have enough spin to stabilize. The 36 took a slightly larger powder charge.

 

[boker]

Sorry I forgot to mention but yes I have a 45. I’d love to have a 32cal someday

 

[burlesontom]

I have shot a couple of 32s and they are as wind sensitive as you have read. I will take a 36 over a 32 any day.

 

[shdwlkr]

Here is the muzzleloaders TC made
Cherokee: Barrel: 24” octagonal, twist: 1:30 (32) & 1:48 (36 & 45), Trigger: double set, Caliber: 32, 36 & 45, Stock: American Walnut, Status: discontinued 1994, Ignition: percussion

Seneca: Barrel: 27” octagonal, twist: 1:30 (32) & 1:48 (36 & 45), Trigger: double set, Caliber: 32, 36 & 45, Stock: American Walnut, Status: discontinued 1987, Ignition: percussion

Hawken: Barrel: 28” octagonal, twist: 1:48, except 1:66 on 50 cal deep button rifling, Trigger: double set, Caliber: 40, 45, 50 & 54, Stock: American Walnut, Status: 40, 45 & 54 discontinued, 50 in production, many special editions, Ignition: flint & percussion

Cougar: Special edition of the Hawken, satin finish barrel, stainless furniture, highly figured wood

Renegade: Barrel: 26” octagonal, 1:38 (50), 1:48 (50 & 54), 1: 66 (50 deep button rifling), smoothbore (56), Trigger: double set, Caliber: 50, 54 & 56, Stock: American Walnut, Status: discontinued, Ignition: flintlock & percussion

Big Boar: Barrel: 26” octagonal, 1:48, Trigger: single, Caliber: 58, Stock: American Walnut, Status: discontinued, Ignition: percussion

 

[burlesontom]

Thanks for the chart SHDWLKR. All this time I thought my 36 was a i/30 twist. Oh well. It shot great. I know where the man lives who bought my gun many years ago. I may pay him a visit and see if he would sell it back to me. Thats one gun I regret selling.