.45 T/C Hawken Rifle for Deer?

[Skippy]

I've been thinking of picking up a .45 cal T/C muzzleloader to use on whitetails this season.
I've been told that the model I'm looking at can handle up to 120grains of powder and has a medium twist barrel which makes it alright for the use of sabots.

My question is: How does this set up sound for Ontario whitetails?
What is a good powder/bullet or sabot combination for this rifle for use on deer?

Should I spend a little extra on the conversion part to adapt from number 11 cap's to 109 shotgun primers?

 

[Levi Garrett]

Go with maxi hunter t/c bullets if you can get 'em. As far as primers , RWS, is the very best out there. 209 Not required I figure. And yes the .45 with a bullet will work just fine.
Frank

 

[Skippy]

The rifle is a T/C Hawken .45.

I've heard mixed reports about sabots in these rifles. What would you guys suggest as the most effective deer projectile?

 

[snowshoe]

I started out using a .45, and took a few Deer with it using round balls and Maxi's.

 

[Skippy]

How about Powder? Black or Pyrodex?

If black, how do you guys carry your powder into the field to reload without too much trouble?

 

[Levi Garrett]

I've heard mixed reports about sabots in these rifles. What would you guys suggest as the most effective deer projectile?

Don't need a sabot with maxi's , just lube and load. FFF is the way to go, FF is for 54 cal. I would say FFF with a Maxi hunter would work.
Frank

 

[nessy357]

Don't need a sabot with maxi's , just lube and load. FFF is the way to go, FF is for 54 cal. I would say FFF with a Maxi hunter would work.
Frank

If you decide to go with the .45 I've got a T/C 220 grain Maxi-Ball mould you can have if you like.
Nessy.

 

[Skippy]

For those of you who take blackpowder into the field, how do you carry it and load it reloably?

 

[undertaker]

there are a "speedloader" you can get
it has a place for powder, ball or bullet, and a capper

 

[Claven2]

Balls in a ball bag, powder in a flask with a separate measure. Caps in a cap tin or cap pouch. Everything goes into the possibles bag along with a ball starter.

Anything else would practically be unfair to the prey

 

[smokeymike]

I have a tc Hawkin in 45. I have taken several nice black bear at about 40 - 50 yards with a 285 buffalo bullet. I load 80 grains and let just say I don't have to trail them far usually about 40 ft. If it works on bear it should work on deer. These buffalo mini's are deadly in my Hawkin.. Good luck and keep your powder dry. MIke

 

[3Beavers]

I have a tc Hawkin in 45. I have taken several nice black bear at about 40 - 50 yards with a 285 buffalo bullet. I load 80 grains and let just say I don't have to trail them far usually about 40 ft. If it works on bear it should work on deer. These buffalo mini's are deadly in my Hawkin.. Good luck and keep your powder dry. MIke

I have been wanting to try these........Think I will now!!
Regards,Jed.

 

[mooncoon]

I pack my powder hunting the same way as on a trail; powder horn and possibles bag. I would suggest having relatively short straps on each so they don't dangle too much when you bend over and also put all the small things in the bag as opposed to patch knives and powder measures in sheaths on the bag straps.

cheers mooncoon

 

[3Beavers]

BP "in the field"

Balls in a ball bag, powder in a flask with a separate measure. Caps in a cap tin or cap pouch. Everything goes into the possibles bag along with a ball starter.

Anything else would practically be unfair to the prey

GO TRADITIONAL!!!!!
Jed.