T/C Grey Hawk .54

[A_Matthew]

I recently got a Thompson Center Grey Hawk .54 caliber muzzle loader in a trade, and know nothing about it. So I was wondering if anyone knows what twist it has, and what type of loads would be best to shoot in it. I'm brand new to muzzle loading, so any help would be appreciated.

Also, which would be better to shoot in the gun: conicals or round balls? I'm hoping to do some hunting this fall with it for deer and elk. Thanks!

 

[arcticap]

I'm pretty sure that the Grey Hawk has a medium 1 in 48" twist that can shoot either balls or conicals fairly well. And it may even shoot some saboted bullets well too.
Here's a PDF of the TC Sidelock manual with some suggested .54 loads near the end:

http://www.tcarms.com/assets/manuals/noncurrent/Shooting_TC_Side_Lock_Black_Powder_Guns.pdf

Experimentation will show which projectiles the gun will shoot accurately with heavy hunting powder charges. Properly fitted conicals can usually extend the range and penetration of the gun if you can find the ones that it likes.

 

[A_Matthew]

Thanks for the information and the link! Just what I was looking for.

 

[josmund]

Mini or Maxi Balls will work well but be prepared for a good kick.

You may also try Hornady Great Plains conicals. It may work with PRB's but I have had trouble getting a 1/48 to shoot them. Others do great.

Harvester make a lead bullet with a red sabot for the 54 which has been accurate for me. I would shoot all the above with 70 - 90 grains of Pyro or 777. Real Black Powder would be great is you can find it.