Load for black powder rifle

redfred · 07-18-2010, 01:49 PM

I posted this in the "ask the pros" section, but I figured I might get an answer here:
I have acquired a Mowrey 50 caliber ML rifle, and I was wondering if anyone can give me some idea as to what loads to use. I have been shooting a .50 cal patched ball with 60-70 grains of Pyrodex, but I would like to try the Minie Balls for deer hunting.
Thanks!

armedandsafe · 07-18-2010, 02:09 PM

The best way to find a load for a particular projectile is SAFE experimentation. Start with a load found in the manual which came with the rifle, in one of the powder manuals, in the Lyman BlackPowder Handbook or such like. Then start adding a bit from there in 5 or 10 grain VOLUME measurements and find the load which shoots most accurately.

I highly recommend getting a copy of the Lyman manual. It is about the most thorough and interesting book on blackpowder weapons. You can find used ones cheaper than here, but this is the source:

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/p...ack-powder.php

Pops

quigleysharps4570 · 07-19-2010, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redfred

I have been shooting a .50 cal patched ball with 60-70 grains of Pyrodex, but I would like to try the Minie Balls for deer hunting.

I wasn't aware anyone made a hollow base Minie mould for a .50 caliber...plenty of conicals though. I've a .50 here at the house that likes the Lee REAL bullet with 80 grs. of 2f Swiss for deer. But like was said...you'll have to experiment.

armedandsafe · 07-20-2010, 12:02 AM

Here you go:

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/blackpow.html

Pops

quigleysharps4570 · 07-20-2010, 08:10 AM

Learn something new everyday Armedandsafe...that improved Minie oughta be the ticket for a .50 caliber. Don't shoot my .50 anymore but that improved Minie mould might tempt me to break it out.

grcsat · 10-27-2010, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redfred

I posted this in the "ask the pros" section, but I figured I might get an answer here:
I have acquired a Mowrey 50 caliber ML rifle, and I was wondering if anyone can give me some idea as to what loads to use. I have been shooting a .50 cal patched ball with 60-70 grains of Pyrodex, but I would like to try the Minie Balls for deer hunting.
Thanks!

Hi, I used to sell Mowrey rifles. Can you please send a pic so I can help you out.
The reason for the pic is to determin wich model you have. Mowrey had two typs of barrels. one was mainly for ball and patch (of course you can use minie also) And the other was a gain twist barrel which was designed for a sabot and bullet.
The rifle with the gain twist barrel is incredably acurate. I have personaly shot a clover leaf shot at 75 yards when the powder charge/bullet/sbot are finely tuned for the rifle.
The Mowrey gain twist barrels are were commonly used on custom BP target rifles.

jack404 · 10-28-2010, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grcsat

Hi, I used to sell Mowrey rifles. Can you please send a pic so I can help you out.
The reason for the pic is to determin wich model you have. Mowrey had two typs of barrels. one was mainly for ball and patch (of course you can use minie also) And the other was a gain twist barrel which was designed for a sabot and bullet.
The rifle with the gain twist barrel is incredably acurate. I have personaly shot a clover leaf shot at 75 yards when the powder charge/bullet/sbot are finely tuned for the rifle.
The Mowrey gain twist barrels are were commonly used on custom BP target rifles.

i agree on the accuracy of the Gain barrel i've bought 3 over the years as hunting barrels ( looking for a fourth if anyone has one)

on the 50 i use 80 gr of FFg, GOEX, 0.020" patches for the plain barrel

and 90 grains on the Gain with a slug ( maybe you'd call them bullets )

i make my own powder but its equal in testing to the FFg GOEX

grcsat · 10-28-2010, 07:42 AM

Forgot to mention, my fav load was about the same as yours 80-90 gr with the gain twist barrel ( 54 cal) -sabot with 185gr hollow point copper jacket 45 cal slug/bullet.

armouredtrooper · 10-31-2010, 07:17 PM

I'm looking for a starting load for my smoke pole as well. My projectile is a REAL Lee and weighs at 338 gns. I'm going to try 80 gns of triple 7 ffg and see where I can go from that point. I'll let you know how she goes. I'm zeroing for 100 meters

07-18-2010, 01:49 PM	#1
redfred Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 6	Load for black powder rifle I posted this in the "ask the pros" section, but I figured I might get an answer here: I have acquired a Mowrey 50 caliber ML rifle, and I was wondering if anyone can give me some idea as to what loads to use. I have been shooting a .50 cal patched ball with 60-70 grains of Pyrodex, but I would like to try the Minie Balls for deer hunting. Thanks! -->

07-18-2010, 02:09 PM	#2
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: Load for black powder rifle The best way to find a load for a particular projectile is SAFE experimentation. Start with a load found in the manual which came with the rifle, in one of the powder manuals, in the Lyman BlackPowder Handbook or such like. Then start adding a bit from there in 5 or 10 grain VOLUME measurements and find the load which shoots most accurately. I highly recommend getting a copy of the Lyman manual. It is about the most thorough and interesting book on blackpowder weapons. You can find used ones cheaper than here, but this is the source: http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/p...ack-powder.php Pops

07-20-2010, 12:02 AM	#4
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: Load for black powder rifle Here you go: http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/blackpow.html Pops

07-20-2010, 08:10 AM	#5
quigleysharps4570 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 161	Re: Load for black powder rifle Learn something new everyday Armedandsafe...that improved Minie oughta be the ticket for a .50 caliber. Don't shoot my .50 anymore but that improved Minie mould might tempt me to break it out.

10-28-2010, 07:42 AM	#8
grcsat V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: far,far,North Posts: 377	Re: Load for black powder rifle Forgot to mention, my fav load was about the same as yours 80-90 gr with the gain twist barrel ( 54 cal) -sabot with 185gr hollow point copper jacket 45 cal slug/bullet.

10-31-2010, 07:17 PM	#9
armouredtrooper Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada Posts: 4	Re: Load for black powder rifle I'm looking for a starting load for my smoke pole as well. My projectile is a REAL Lee and weighs at 338 gns. I'm going to try 80 gns of triple 7 ffg and see where I can go from that point. I'll let you know how she goes. I'm zeroing for 100 meters