Lyman 54 Cal Trade Rifle

zoar · 02-28-2008, 03:04 PM

I just ordered a 54 cal Lyman Trade Rifle. It has a 1 in 48 twist.

Yes, I wanted a black powder muzzleloader rifle for a long time and now that I am 50 I said well, if not now, when?

So, I took the plunge. I reload modern brass and have some experience with black powder... any sage words of advice?

Also I bought BOTH .530 and .535round balls. Which do you guys think would be best in this muzzleloader?

Thanks for any input. I am psyched to get started!

armedandsafe · 02-28-2008, 11:04 PM

Each rifle will have its own preferance for ball and load. You will have to shoot each size and let the rifle tell you which is the better. Make sure you use enough patch, although having a super-tight fit is not as necessary as some think.

Note the last paragraph of this page regarding patch fit. Do keep in mind that he is talking informal target shooting, not hunting loads. Also keep in mind that I was taught black powder rudiments by a grandfather who grew up without a cartridge firearm until after he was married and had kids. He liked snug, not hammer-em-home fit.

http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_...honeylube.html

I like the looser fit, and will drive a lubed wad on top of the powder to get a better gas seal, just because I'm a bit anal about such things.

Pops

02-28-2008, 03:04 PM	#1
zoar Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2	Lyman 54 Cal Trade Rifle I just ordered a 54 cal Lyman Trade Rifle. It has a 1 in 48 twist. Yes, I wanted a black powder muzzleloader rifle for a long time and now that I am 50 I said well, if not now, when? So, I took the plunge. I reload modern brass and have some experience with black powder... any sage words of advice? Also I bought BOTH .530 and .535round balls. Which do you guys think would be best in this muzzleloader? Thanks for any input. I am psyched to get started! -->

02-28-2008, 11:04 PM	#2
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: Lyman 54 Cal Trade Rifle Each rifle will have its own preferance for ball and load. You will have to shoot each size and let the rifle tell you which is the better. Make sure you use enough patch, although having a super-tight fit is not as necessary as some think. Note the last paragraph of this page regarding patch fit. Do keep in mind that he is talking informal target shooting, not hunting loads. Also keep in mind that I was taught black powder rudiments by a grandfather who grew up without a cartridge firearm until after he was married and had kids. He liked snug, not hammer-em-home fit. http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_...honeylube.html I like the looser fit, and will drive a lubed wad on top of the powder to get a better gas seal, just because I'm a bit anal about such things. Pops