In-Line 50cal

[WALKERs210]

Last weekend I stopped at one of my favorite gun shops, there I found a Traditions Pursuit LT 50cal rifle. I have never had any interest in the IN-Lines but this one just looked good. Synthetic stock in woodland camo with a fairly decent scope on it, price tag was around $150 or so. I had an old Styre 8mm rifle that I totally despised with me and offered to trade for the Traditions. Well the owner took it, think it was because the Styre had 80-90 rounds of 8mm ammo to go with it. When I got it home I disassembled and had to dig out a wrench that would remove the breach plug, the fire channel was so gunked up I thought I'd have to use a drill bit to clear it but after using BP and small wires I got it cleared up in no time, but what surprised me is as bad as the plug was the barrel looked like it never had a round fired thru it at all. I have only owned one In-Line and then it was only for about three days until it was gone. I have noticed that the recess that accepted the 209 primers allows the primer to easily fit and if turned up will fall out. I have not taken an measurment but feel that I might need to replace the breach plug unless someone that knows more don't see a problem with the minor slack for the primer.

 

[mustanger]

I think the break action guns are relying on the action being closed to hold the primer in place. I just got a pursuit, but haven't gotten as far as to shoot it yet. Took awhile of soaking and trying to get the breech plug out to clean and grease it. It just amazes me how few people clean their bp guns. And I mean even rudementary cleaning.

 

[mustanger]

oh yeh, and also, it is my understanding that 150 grains is the max load, but not the accurate load. Most I've heard find accuracy best around 90 grains.

 

[jstein650]

I have a very inexpensive CVA muzzleloader. The stainless breech plug had a little springwire deal that held the 209 primer in, which broke long ago. This is has a little bolt that closes down on the primer, which does seem to allow a fairly loose fit for the primer. No matter. It fires every time, and with exceptional precision. I use 2 50gr pyrodex or T7 pellets plus one 30gr for 130gr total. I use a 250gr TC ShockWave or Hornady in a sabot over that charge, and it will put 'em through a 1" hole (100 yrds) every season. These are the plastic tipped 45cal bullets in a 50cal sabot. The CVA needs a little 'dogbone' sort of primer remover, even so, with a little practice I can reload that bugger in short order. Five deer in 2 years won't argue.
If your bore looks good, you're good to go. It does seem that the SS plug takes the bulk of the punishment for some reason. Mine is a bit pitted on both ends even after good care. You did fine for $150 or trade equivalent!

 

[WALKERs210]

I felt for the amount of money involved I did pretty good. I have never really cared for the in-line type rifles but "different strokes" . I was amazed at the bore of the rifle, very clean but the flash channel was really horrible. I dug thru my junk/stuff and I did have a package of pre measured 50gr pellets for the in-lines along with a few conical rounds also. If the body will allow this afternoon I will give it a test shot at least once and maybe a few more. In fact I have a .54cal rifle that was custom built back in 97 for Cabela's that has only had about 3 round fired out of it, it might be time to loosen it up also.

 

[madsend81]

I have a traditions buckstalker and the breach plug on mine holds the primer with just friction. As long as the break action is closed, the primer won't fall out. You can get a new breach plug for them for not alot of $$. You can buy them at a discount frequently from Traditions' website.

I'd say you did pretty well for yourself.