I use a .530 roundball, .018 patch lubed with Ballistol and 80 grains of fffg goex powder in my Investarms made Trade rifle with excellent accuracy. The maxiball is made oversize to engage the rifling as you load it, I have never tried them in mine. The rifling is much too deep for a minie ball to expand and properly seal the bore. The above load works great in mine, you may have to do a little experimenting ti find your best load, good luck!
Need load recommendations on .54 cal Hawken?
Hello,
I'm looking for guidance on loads for my recently completed .54 caliber Hawken rifle. My gun is build from an Investarm Kit. The book says a .530 patched round ball with 100 grains of 2F powder (max.), or a 405 grain Maxi-ball and 90 grains of 2F powder max.
I am somewhat confused about the Maxi-ball, as this is my only BP gun that is not a smoothbore. Dixie Gun works lists a .54 cal, 435 grain Maxi-ball, but no 405 grain ones. I am also wondering if I can shoot a standard Minie Ball in the appropriate caliber?
Comparing the photos of Minie Balls and Maxi Ball it seem that the Maxi Ball doesn't have much of hollow base, and wouldn't expand to enage the rifling nearly as well as the tried and true Minie Ball.
Thanks in advance.
I'm looking for guidance on loads for my recently completed .54 caliber Hawken rifle. My gun is build from an Investarm Kit. The book says a .530 patched round ball with 100 grains of 2F powder (max.), or a 405 grain Maxi-ball and 90 grains of 2F powder max.
I am somewhat confused about the Maxi-ball, as this is my only BP gun that is not a smoothbore. Dixie Gun works lists a .54 cal, 435 grain Maxi-ball, but no 405 grain ones. I am also wondering if I can shoot a standard Minie Ball in the appropriate caliber?
Comparing the photos of Minie Balls and Maxi Ball it seem that the Maxi Ball doesn't have much of hollow base, and wouldn't expand to enage the rifling nearly as well as the tried and true Minie Ball.
Thanks in advance.
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