Thompson center 50. loads

fester

fester

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Hey

I just bought my first muzzleloader a thompson center in 50. cal with a percussion cap. I was wondering if you have any ideas for loads or if there is a website with info.

Thanks very much
 
If you are going to stick with real black powder and Pyrodex, I would recommend that you pick up a copy of the Black Powder Handbook and Loading Manual by Sam Fadala. It has a fantastic loads section, and has EVERYTHING you need to know to shoot BP. For $20, its a good invenstment.

The onyl drawback is that it needs to be updated to include 777 loads, and the newer in-line magnum muzzleloaders.
 
That was my first BP Rifle and I found that a .490 pure lead ball with a .015 patch and 70 gr. of FF was plenty up to around 100 yards. Not saying your rifle will be the same but it is a good start.
 
When I first started with my TC 50 I fired 40 rounds just to get used to it. After that I fired 5 round groups with 2F and 3F powder starting at 50 grains each and going up in 5 grain increments. Shooting from a rest to remove the variables - as best as I can - I went up to 80 grains of both powders. Picked out the 2 best groups and continued to test them. Ended up with 70. grains of 3F, a 490 RB and 15 thou patch - just like everybody else!!!
Carry on!
 
You ended up with a fine load. Do you know if the rifle has a round ball twist.
You may even get better accuracy with bullets.
I do like patched ball over bullets. Good choice of firearm and powder.
I used FF but in a .54 cal, and FFF for the 45-50 cal guns. Not sure if this helped , but was the way everyone else was going on the BP range :D
90 gr of FF out of my .54 flint, with FFFF in the pan.
Frank
 
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