I am interested in getting into BP deer hunting here in WV. I would like to get a sidelock, most likely percussion ignition, .54 caliber, slow twist for round ball. I have reviewed a number of websites, and I am overwhelmed by the number of different manufacturers, and the number of models available. Can anybody advise me, or send me to a website where I can find some advice?
Potential BP hunter needs help
- Thread starter dshimm
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Dave Markowitz
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Sounds like you need a Lyman Great Plains Rifle in .54. I had the flinter version and it was quite accurate. It has a roundball twist.
I shot mine with a .530 ball, pillow ticking for patches, and Bore Butter for lube. Use FFg (2Fg) powder with a starting load of 70 or 80 grains and work up.
(I traded it because I was less than thrilled with the ignition reliability of Lyman flintlocks. I don't care for their patent breeches on flinters. They work GREAT on caplock rifles, though.)
I shot mine with a .530 ball, pillow ticking for patches, and Bore Butter for lube. Use FFg (2Fg) powder with a starting load of 70 or 80 grains and work up.
(I traded it because I was less than thrilled with the ignition reliability of Lyman flintlocks. I don't care for their patent breeches on flinters. They work GREAT on caplock rifles, though.)
smokemaker
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I have to agree with the GPR suggestion. 54 caliber is a great choice too. Good balance of velocity and energy. Mine is a real shooter out to 100 yards, though in the NY woods, a 40 yarder is a plenty long shot. I shoot 110 grains of pyrodex RS with a .530 ball and a ox-lube pre lubed .015 patch... goes were you point it every time. Cap lock is a must in GPR's, and even then mine has whiffed a few times in moist weather, but any sidelock is going to be moisture sensative. (That's why I use an Omega in .50 for crappy weather days)
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