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Post by majyang on Nov 26, 2012 17:13:34 GMT -5
I use a CVA Optima .50 cal but had recently picked up a traditional .50 cal Hawkins just for kicks. It's actually a pretty nice gun (appreance wise anyways). Been trying to research the answer with no luck so am defaulting to the experts, (that's you guys and gals on this forum). Question is, can i use modern loads (50 grain pellets and plastic encased sabot rounds) in this Hawkins? And what about the caps, are there better ones than the "old" precussion caps that i can use? Appreciate any advise. Thanks.
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Post by stevein on Nov 27, 2012 10:27:32 GMT -5
Almost all of the repro side lock guns have a chamber smaller than bore diameter. This makes them unreliable with pellets. There is a gap the flame needs to jump. You will have better success with loose powder and MUCH better ignition with real black powder. Keep the gun clean, dry and you will have no problem setting off the real thing with caps. Some will handle sabots but usually do better with Maxi-balls, power belts or the good old patched round ball. Only by shooting will you know. You may be able to buy a nipple that takes musket caps or an adapter that uses primers (they look like a PITA). Musket caps are larger in diameter and may not fit the recess in the hammer face.
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Post by majyang on Nov 27, 2012 10:54:52 GMT -5
Thanks for the response. Excellent info, and i appreciate the additional advise on how best to employ this weapon. Looking forward to tearing it apart, cleaning it, putting it back together and putting some rounds down range with it. Maybe even using it this year during season. I'd be mad cool points if i get to take a deer with it.
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Post by tjmurf on Nov 27, 2012 11:12:02 GMT -5
I tried the musket caps with pellets in a CVA side lock, didn't work. The musket sure does work good with 777 and pyrodex, no hang time.
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Post by oneshot on Nov 28, 2012 14:52:01 GMT -5
I believe the Hawken has a 1:48" twist, therefore the maxi balls would work better that sabots which generally work better in a 1:28" twist. Most modern MLR have the 1:28". I found it very helpful to insure ignition when using a sidelock by removing nipple and pouring in a little loose powder then grinding the nipple down on it. It will go bang everytime.
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Post by skientz on Dec 4, 2012 17:29:06 GMT -5
Many years ago we used Hornaday pistol bullets and sabots in 50 & 54 cal traditional ML. I think 80 gr powder(volume not weight) and 240 gr 44 cal pistol bullets in the 50 cal. I think that was as fast as we could push that round and still be accurate. With the 1;48 twist I think the shorter(pistol) bullets will stabilize better. Taking a deer with a traditional ML is a real accomplishment, especially with open sights.
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Post by irishhunter on Dec 11, 2012 19:22:52 GMT -5
Man I love this site , I just picked up a really really nice TC hawken today from another member. Great deal and was getting ready to ask the same question
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Post by daneowner on Dec 11, 2012 21:18:54 GMT -5
Years back I took a lot of deer with my old TC hawken 50 cal. using FFF black powder and the TC maxi Ball. Very accurate using 100gr (volume) The only time I had it hang fire was when I tried pyrodex once.
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Post by Woody Williams on Dec 11, 2012 21:35:35 GMT -5
Years back I took a lot of deer with my old TC hawken 50 cal. using FFF black powder and the TC maxi Ball. Very accurate using 100gr (volume) The only time I had it hang fire was when I tried pyrodex once. That is what I used way back when....
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Post by irishhunter on Dec 12, 2012 9:55:04 GMT -5
The balance of the rifle is nice , I'm not giving up my encore but this one is going to get worked out this weekend
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Post by INhuntin on Dec 22, 2012 19:30:11 GMT -5
I used pellets with my old ML that I used the Winchester magnum #11 primers, I had to use the pyrodex pellets & be sure to put the dark black end in first. It only had a slight hang when fired.
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Post by stevein on Dec 23, 2012 11:25:33 GMT -5
LOL ;D I wouldn't put up with a slight hang with a flintlock let alone a craplock. BTW that black end is BLACK POWDER. Real black powder is the best propellant in traditional muzzle loaders.
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