Good morning,

 

I have a TC Hawken I built in the early 80s that hasn't been shot in decades. I would like to shoot it again, but would like to tread lightly at first. What is a good place to start with pyrodex and round balls?

 

PS~ It's also been about as long since I researched blackpowder advancements. So, if there is a better powder/ball recipe I should use, I'm all ears.

 

Thanks

Here is some load data that will be applicable for your Hawken. It covers your T/C be it .45, .50 or .54 cal. (The T/C data is the same I started using in 1981. It's still applicable today.) The twist rate in the Hawken/Renegade from that era are better suited to Maxi-Ball's vs. PRB's, but both will work. It's a matter of finding the right combination. I've always used Pyrodex; RS or Select. I prefer the Maxi-Ball over the PRB for superior penetration on game if you are taking it hunting.

 

http://www.epmuzzlel...ballistics.html

If your open can of Pyrodex is as old as the gun, do yourself a favor and throw it out in the garden! Probably too much moisture in it to burn right, if at all!

 

If you want to see what real black powder can do at your "home range", come on out and take a visit to Cherry Ridge this Sunday as the Garden State Black Powder Association is having their semi-annual CR Paper Shoot at the Black Powder Range. We should be shooting around 9:00 am and our meeting will take place just after the Shoot in the clubhouse.

 

Generally, one grain per caliber is a good place to start. For a .50 caliber rifle, use 50 grains of FFg or equivilent. I personally use 72 grains in my .50 caliber Lyman Trade Rifle, along with a .018 lubed pillow-ticking patch and a .490 hornady round ball.

 

Most Hawken-style guns have the "48" twist like Parker mentioned. They usually also have (2) "sweet spots" where the combo of patched round ball and powder tighten-up the groups really nice. One around 30-40 grains and the other up near 70.

 

Hope to see you this Sunday--you'll get a lot out of watching 20+ rifles firing on the common firing line!

 

Dave

NRA Distinguished Expert Muzzleloading Rifle

Good morning,

 

I have a TC Hawken I built in the early 80s that hasn't been shot in decades. I would like to shoot it again, but would like to tread lightly at first. What is a good place to start with pyrodex and round balls?

 

PS~ It's also been about as long since I researched blackpowder advancements. So, if there is a better powder/ball recipe I should use, I'm all ears.

 

Thanks

Are you looking for a target load or hunting load?

Thanks all!

 

Dave,

Family's got me Saturday, but I hope to get to your next event. I'm looking forward to getting back into this. I'll try those two starting points and go from there.

 

 

Mosin, I'm looking for mainly range fun.

 

Thanks...

For My Hawkins.............

70grs. Goex 3f........50Cal. / .490 Round Ball w/ .0010 Patch.

90grs. Goex 2f........54Cal. / .542 Round Ball w/ .0010 Patch / Oversized Green River Bbl.

90grs. Goex 2f........54Cal. / .530 Round Ball w/ .0010 patch

90 to 110grs. Goex 2f.........62Cal. / .600 Round Ball w/ .0015 Patch

Thanks all!

 

Dave,

Family's got me Saturday, but I hope to get to your next event. I'm looking forward to getting back into this. I'll try those two starting points and go from there.

 

 

Mosin, I'm looking for mainly range fun.

 

Thanks...

 

The Match at Cherry Ridge is on SUNDAY, NOT Saturday! Not quite sure if you realize this?? So maybe you can still make it for a little while??

 

Dave

 

The Match at Cherry Ridge is on SUNDAY, NOT Saturday! Not quite sure if you realize this?? So maybe you can still make it for a little while??

 

Dave

 

My bad, I meanty Sunday. I was up there today. Thanks again for the offer.