Flintlock Ammo

[ganderman]

Hi everyone. I purchased a used TC Hawken .50 flintlock and was wondering about what type(s) of other ammo I can use in it other than the round lead Hornady I currently use. I am a novice to the sport and have been told I can only use round lead balls and I've also been told I can use other types.....copper "bullet" shaped ammo with plastic sleeves, "bullet" shaped lead with plastic pieces inside, etc. I am so confused on what I can safely use in this gun. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[davet]

Well, IMHO don't use any projectile with a plastic "skirt". The powder will leave plastic stuck to your barrel. It's not difficult...well.....to remove with a proper solvent and some brushing....and those are not likely to be more accurate than a lead projectile.

For my 50 caliber I use the Hornady Pa Conical. These 240gr all lead projectile are as accurate as any patched round ball (PRB), and with the heavier weight (240gr. vs 180gr. of a PRB) they provide more "whack" on the deer.

I use 100gr. GOEX FF for a charge. There is NO patch that is needed when loading these Conical's. Just powder charge, and load the Conical.You may wish to try different powder charges to see what your rifle shoots the most accurately. Try no less than 60gr. FF and increase your loads by 5 to 10gr.

I hope this helps.

[ganderman]

Thank you Dave. I looked those up and they have many positive reviews. I like the added weight as well. I'm assuming no patch because of the larger diameter than the standard round ball? One less thing for me to worry about! Do you lube them with anything, i.e. bore butter, or just use them right out of the box?

[Loggy]

Ganderman....you may also want to consider trying the 245 grain Powerbelts. They are a short bullet which stabilizes nicely out of slow twist barrels. They have a polymer gas check sealing the load as the bullet itself expands engaging rifling. I found the PB's leave minimal fouling.

[buzz]

I also like the 245 gr powerbelts through my TC Firestorm 1/48 . Like the accuracy and the results on deer. As Loggy said, I find very little fouling with them.

[turkeykiller]

Powerbelts are also easy to pull for cleaning, if you don't fire the gun. Usually 2 pulls, first one pulls the bullet, second one pulls the plastic washer

[ganderman]

Thanks guys. I am heading to the gun shop in the next day or two to look at the Hornady Conical and the Powerbelts. I am assuming no patch is needed for either of these bullet options?? What a great forum to be part of. Many years of not getting a straight answer and I get 2 ammo recommendations in 1 day. Amazing. I would like to use my TC during the 2nd week of buck/doe here in western PA. The after Christmas season is also an option.

[Loggy]

No patch needed with the Hornady Conical or Powerbelts.  When I was shooting Powerbelts I always removed the plastic gas check base and put back on as there were reports that some gas check sleeves were hanging-up and not consistently departing bullet. Suggest putting a light touch of bore butter on the post that holds the gas check sleeve.  It did  seem my groups improved with this little step.  In addition, I found the Powerbelt AeroTips grouped best  plus have optimum penetration.

Informative video on the Powerbelts:

[davet]

Nov 30, 2020 12:15:06 GMT -5 ganderman said:

Thank you Dave. I looked those up and they have many positive reviews. I like the added weight as well. I'm assuming no patch because of the larger diameter than the standard round ball? One less thing for me to worry about! Do you lube them with anything, i.e. bore butter, or just use them right out of the box?

Actually the PA Conical comes pre-lubed....to the point where I remove most of the sticky lube from the Conical. Boom....Dead!! I highly recommend 'em.