Any blackpowder enthusiasts?

[xxclaro]

Bought a .54 T/C Renegade last year, too late to hunt with but got to shoot it a bit. My plan was to make my own powder and ball,and hunt with it. I've made both, but my mold drops slightly oversized ball for my rifle. I can load the first one, but after that its too tight. I was hoping to find thinner patch material to try, before buying a new mold. Anyone know where I might source such a thing?

[badbrass]

Well I would just put a patch down the barrel with some cleaner on it! I also had a TC .54cal Hawken. and after the first shot it would be hard to push a ball down the barrel. Which size of patch are you using?

[catnthehat]

You need to determine what size of patch/ ball combination works best for your barrel, and as badbrass stated, start with a clean barrel!
Also, the the of patch lube is very important as well.
I have shot all types of BP rifles and shotguns for many years, PM me if you prefer to ask any questions that way
Cat

[xxclaro]

I'm using prelubed patches, I believe they are CVA .015 thickness. I always start with a clean barrel but I'd like to be able to load at least a few times without cleaning, just for hunting situations. This is all new to me, back in the day I shot sabots/jacketed bullets, so all advice is appreciated. Going to work on making my powder cleaner and faster too,. I did buy some Hornady balls and they load fine, and they do measure a bit smaller than my own cast.

[bat119]

Are you close to Lloyd?

I have an assortment of .54 balls patch's and bullets to try, you might consider a Lee REAL bullet mold they load easily with no patch.

[Dean2]

If you want the gun to shoot a whole bunch better get some Goex or Swede FFG and try that out. My bet is you will be able to get at least a half dozen shots before you need to wet patch the barrel to clean the residue. Home made powder is really dirty and very inefficient.in cold weather, windshield washer fluid makes a good wet patch for cleaning.

[bat119]

Not many places stock Patch’s or anything much for .54 cal Rusty wood has the best selection shipping is pricey or you can go to the fabric store with a caliper look for some cotton pillow ticking hard to find these days

[xxclaro]

Originally Posted by bat119

Are you close to Lloyd?

I have an assortment of .54 balls patch's and bullets to try, you might consider a Lee REAL bullet mold they load easily with no patch.

Thanks! Not too far away, out by St.Paul. The REAL bullet looked interesting,wasn't sure if it was just a gimmick or not but sounds like it's worth trying.

[bat119]

If you get to Llloyd I’ll give some to try I use the 300 grain, the bullet is tapered slides in easily to fit seals on the top band