Traditional Muzzleloading on the Cheap

Member’s Work Bench => How Do I…..? => Topic started by: ArchieR on November 03, 2015

Title: .526 Balls?
Post by: ArchieR on November 03, 2015
I'll be shooting a .54 cal flinter: 36" standard Colerain barrel, 15/16 straight, 1:56 round-bottom rifling.

Has anyone tried the .526 balls in something similar? I was thinking of this in combo with .18 ticking patches.

Thanks for any info.

Keep your powder dry.

Rich
Title: Re: .526 Balls?
Post by: Patocazador on November 03, 2015
My .530 balls start very hard with a .014 patch in my T/C New Englander. For hunting purposes, reloading with a .526 may be the answer.
Title: Re: .526 Balls?
Post by: Dogshirt on November 20, 2015
I shoot .535 balls with a .018 patch in my GPR. Loads easily and gives great accuracy. Not sure why you would want to go with such an undersized ball. You need a combination to fill groove to groove, not land to land. I would think the .526 would require a minimum of a .020 patch to do the job. YMMV
Title: Re: .526 Balls?
Post by: flintboomer on November 22, 2015
Quote from: Dogshirt on November 20, 2015
I shoot .535 balls with a .018 patch in my GPR. Loads easily and gives great accuracy. Not sure why you would want to go with such an undersized ball. You need a combination to fill groove to groove, not land to land. I would think the .526 would require a minimum of a .020 patch to do the job. YMMV

My understanding is that Colerain barrels are "tight" which is to say a little undersized compared to most production barrels and that would be why he needs a smaller ball.

Give it a try and let us know what the results are.
Title: Re: .526 Balls?
Post by: pathfinder on March 23, 2016
Round bottom rifling is normally a bit shallower than square bottom. I lap or polish all the barrels I buy. Makes loading a bit easier. I also cone the muzzle. Haven't used a short starter in 20 years. One less thing to haul around in yer bag.

All barrels are individuals. I have used Getz barrels for years,each .50 cal had a different recipe for loading. A lot has to do with how you load.