First T/C Hawken

[Carolinawoodsman]

Just purchased a used T/C Hawken in .54 cal. From a local pawn shop for $120! After a good long cleaning session. I got the bore looking nice and buffed out some surface rust with steel wool and some hops #9. Stock is in pretty good shape going to refurbish it later. Just stocked up on supplies since I'm new to muzzleloaders. Got .530 rbs and .015 patches number #11 caps and 1lb of pyrodex fffg...where should I start these loads out at? What range should I start out at?

 

[kurts]

I would try a .014 to .018 patch, lube can be anything but a petro base. Spit, olive oil, I like pure neatsfoot oil, Crisco, ect.

 

[Zonie]

I would start with a 60 grain powder load.

Because you don't know what range it is sighted in for, you might start at 25 yards, shooting with your elbows resting on a bench for accuracy.

Changing powder loads at 25 yards won't have much effect on the shots unless the group is very large.
You are looking for the tightness of the group and its location.
If the group is large, this is the time to start trying to figure out why. It could be the patch thickness, the lube or loose sights.
You should be able to shoot a 1 1/2" group or smaller at 25 yards.

If things are looking good, move the target to 50 yards and start shooting at that distance.

50 yards will show the effects of changing powder loads so after shooting some 60 grain powder loads start changing the load by 5 grain amounts... 65 grains.....70 grains....

I've found most of my .54's like 70 grains.

 

[Critter Getter]

Congrats, sure do like some pawn shops for bargains! Have fun ! Greg

 

[cynthialee]

Glad you got the gun after all.

Seems like you have things in order.

 

[1100 Remington Man]

I use .530 ball .018 patch lube with Dutch's recommend and Pyrodex 90 grains.
I have a TC Rengade .54