.36 T/C Seneca and 128 gr. maxi-ball

[bigstick6017555]

I am trying to get the maxi-balls to shoot as good or even better than the patched round balls at 50 yd. but i just can not seem to get there. Been trying different powders, real black powder,substitutes, different granule sizes 2f-3f, 40 to 45 gr. by volume, also different lubes. I have tried the lube under, on, over the maxi- ball. The patched round balls hold around 1 1/2 to 2 in. at 50yd, using stock open sights off a bench rest. The maxi-balls spread to around 6 in. Any of you folks have any experience with these of this caliber

 

[brewer12345]

Try a wad over the powder. In my larger caliber rifles, that makes all the difference with maxi balls and other conicals. Wonder wads are what I use.

 

[PapaG]

Three fg, was over powder, SPG lube in the grooves. I'd suggest you start at 45 or 50 grains and work up. Stocks are weak at the wrist so don't go for magnum loads.

 

[bigstick6017555]

T/C manual claims up to 60 grains (volume) with this projectile, with the 1 in 48 twist it may be possible that I have to drive them faster to get accuracy. The maxi-ball is a solid base, it may be that it is not expanding against the rifling enough with lighter charges. Would like to find a hollow base projectile for comparison. I had read that someone claimed a .38 wad cutter hollow base worked good in his rifle. More research and development, keeps from getting bored, thanks for the replies.

 

[arcticap]

T/C manual claims up to 60 grains (volume) with this projectile, with the 1 in 48 twist it may be possible that I have to drive them faster to get accuracy. The maxi-ball is a solid base, it may be that it is not expanding against the rifling enough with lighter charges. Would like to find a hollow base projectile for comparison. I had read that someone claimed a .38 wad cutter hollow base worked good in his rifle. More research and development, keeps from getting bored, thanks for the replies.

I would consider trying .36 caliber sabots.
MMP makes .36 sabots that will fit .311 - .314 bullets. --->>> https://mmpsabots.com/store/mmp-standard-sabots/
There's a wide variety of .32 caliber bullet designs and weights to choose from that will fit that sabot weighing up to 100 grains.
.32 wadcutters at 98 grains [or similar] are well-known for accurate target shooting.


There's also paper patching bullets which can require re- sizing them first.
Info. on paper patching can be found on the castboolits forum where they have a section about paper patching. --->>> http://castboolits.gunloads.com

 

[Catman42]

go with the paperpatched bullets. use a 60 thousands wad under the bullet. wipe between rounds. their you are

 

[robhof]

Are your maxi-balls consistent by wt.? Weigh them and group them to within 2 grains, I learned from a sniper who weighed his custom ammo bullets (match grade) and found them to vary as much as 5 gr., cast bullets can vary even more depending on mold, the hotter aluminum gets the larger/heavier the bullet cast.