[scott45b]

I have a .50 cal muzzle loader that I bought several years ago in Utah. I have never fired it. I have caps, lead projectiles and powder. My question is, how much powder do I start with, and what would be the max I should stay away from. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[P95Carry]

scott ..... for .50 cal ..... look at 50 -100 grains FFg ..... I personally have settled for most useage on a load of 70 grains FFg - in my case pushing a cast Minnie bullet which is heavier than ball.

That is not a max load even so .. I could go to and have tried about 85 but 70 suits my needs. if you have ball then I'd experiment starting at perhaps 60 grns .. and work up in 5 grain increments but if possible choose something below a max .... saves powder too!

The above is a suggestion .. not a recommendation! Tho based on published data too.

[4v50 Gary]

Don't know the make and age or condition of your gun so it's hard to say.

However, suggest you start slow and develop a load for accuracy like the old timers did. First though is to proof the gun if it hasn't been done already. The barrel is removed from the stock and strapped down. A double charge is loaded and ignited from a distance (Dixie Gun Works catalog has a good illustration of this). How much for a double charge? I'd say about 120 grains (since 60 grains is about the avg. Civil War load).

Examine the barrel for bulges or damage. If none, then swab it out and proceed with load development. Like reloading, you develop a chart with ball size, patch thickness, powder charge. Work in 5 grain increments and fire about 3 shots to get a grouping. You may want to start as low as 40 grains and work your way up. At some point, the group becomes too large and you should stop. After you find the most accurate combination, you then shoot for distance. Find out how it places at 50 yards, 75 yards, 100 yards, 125 up to 150 yards. That's your Kentucky windage that you must know for that gun.

[JPM63US]

Go have a look here:
http://members.aol.com/illinewek/faqs.htm

I think you will find lots of good info about loading and shooting.

It helps if you find a friend to teach you, but it really is not too difficult if you have half a brain. Just remember No Smoking with ML guns!


JPM

[scott45b]

Thanks for all the input. I am excited about trying this gun out.