Black Powder TC Renegade .54

[24Sailor]

OK, until recently, I only used real BP in my old gun. Now I use Pyrodex RS Select.....Normally I shoot patched RB's....Today I loaded two 430gr. Maxi balls, one at at 100gr. the other at 110gr. I know I can go to 120gr......But the tightly patched RB's shoot more on spot at 75 - 100 yards. So for hog hunting and using my .54 as my brush gun (with a S&W model 29-2 as backup) Which should I use, 280gr. RB or 430gr. Maxi's?

BTW for those relic folks I'm also going to be using a K98k for hunting

[CSACANNONEER]

Back in the mid 80's, I searched for an older Renagade kit because, I wanted a 1:66 twist. So, if you were using my TC, I'd suggest RBs but, if you have a newer 1:48 barrel you could go either way. Personally, Goex and RBs are the only way to go though!

[Fjold]

It depends on what you mean by "more on spot", adjustable sights are made to be used. The biggest variable in accuracy of muzzle loader loads is usually loading procedure consistency.

I like the minies in my left handed Renegade, i like the extra penetration and more mass on target.

[Tom-ADC]

I'd shoot the for accurate one of the two. But the 430gr maxi ball should shoot accurately. For powder more isn't always better. I only shoot real BP but both my two .50 cal Hawkin like 80 grs FFg and my .58 likes 60 grs FFg with a lubed 505 gr mini ball.

[CSACANNONEER]

i like the extra penetration and more mass on target.

Now there's a sig line if I've ever seen one.




BTW, my Renagade is LHed too. What's the twist on your barrel?

[24Sailor]

I believe my rifle is a 1 in 48" twist. I bought it in the late 70's and no longer can find the original manual. When jagging the barrel the turn of the rod suggests 1 in 48" vs. 1 in 66". The reason I'm shooting Pyrodex is the fact I disposed of my old GOEX as it was getting hygroscopic and crudding the barrel. Couldn't find a vendor in the North Bay for replacing it so I ordered the Pyrodex online. My pet load for targets is 90 gr. FFg behind a patched 230 gr. RB (surprisingly accurate). According to the old TC load info this will give the 230 gr. RB a muzzle velocity of 1760 fps. and 1584 ft. lbs. energy. The 430 gr. lubed maxi with 110 gr. FFg, velocity 1428 fps and 1948 ft. lbs. These loads pretty much bracket the energy produced by a .44 magnum 240 gr. shot from a carbine. So hopefully it's a safe assumption that either load will work fine for hunting out to 100 yards.

[CSACANNONEER]

When I first assembled my rifle, 90 gr of FFg behind a .020" patched .530 RB (yea, it's tight) gave me a three round clover leaf off the bench at 77 meters. Then, the stock cracked and the bedding went to hell. I replaced the stock and now get about 1.5 moa with the same load. But, I've stuck wit that load since it's the load I dropped my first buck with back in '86. He was about 75 yards when I missed him with my first "buck fever shot" and went out to about 125 yards by the time I reloaded and got off a second shot. He dropped like a rock, So, the load works fine if you don't have the shakes.

[Divernhunter]

I used the Maxi-ball in my 54 Renagade to very good effect with pyrodex(120grs). Yours is like mine with a 1-48 twist and will shoot them accurate. I still have the bullet mold for it and some bullets.