Santa Fe Hawken Question

[bub524]

Are any of you folks shooting a Santa Fe Hawken? .53 cal.
Just wondering what ya'll shoot in it. I generally shoot .520 RBs from Hornady but my supply is dwindling. Normally I cast my own for the other rifles. I loaned out my .520 mold some years ago and can't recall who has it. There does not seem to be a .520 mold on the market anymore.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Tom Compton]

Haven't read all of the posts but there was a .520 availaqble here
http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=13154.0

 

[Brent]

Dixie should have a scissors mould for you. One of the best deals out there.

Brent

 

[MikeChapin]

I use an old Palmetto Arms .520 double cavity I've had for way over 20 years. I have used a .515 Lyman mold but they are even more rare.

You might try Dixie or Jeff Tanner for a mold. Tanner can make one up for you in a couple of weeks. TOW has cast round balls in .520 available.

 

[Tom Compton]

Here's another opportunity.
http://www.icollector.com/Lot-of-5...wder-guns-500-rounds-by-Hornady_i10075420?t=O

Good luck!
TC

 

[bub524]

Thanks for all the leads fella's. I will check them out. I would certainly like to find a .515 mold. I guess I should start advertising for one. :hmm:

 

[MikeChapin]

Thanks for all the leads fella's. I will check them out. I would certainly like to find a .515 mold. I guess I should start advertising for one. :hmm:

I got mine back in the 80s when I got my Santa Fe. I couldn't find a .520 at the time. I found the Palmento Arms blocks just before I finished the kit so picked them up. I dusted off the .515 a few years ago when I started having problems with burned patches with the .520s. I used it with a .028 canvas patch. A year ago I tried the thick patches with the .520s. I got better results with the thick patches and .520 even though they are a little harder to start so I switched back.

 

[talon]

Try looking up Jeff Tanner on the net. He has some great round ball moulds at very reasonable prices.

 

[bub524]

I think I might drop a note to Jeff Tanner. I have a couple of his moulds and they work well.

I generally use pillow ticking for my other rifles, but I just can't get a .520 in the barrel with it.
I bought some denim material that mikes at .012 that works okay. I'm usually not one to get all hung up on patch thickness except with this barrel.

 

[telebasher]

I have a rifle that was a kit that I bought from Ken Allen at his store in Santa Fe. He told me the correct ball size was 526. I got a double cavity mould from Lyman and cast my balls from cable sheathing. that rifle would shoot three shots into an honest inch from a rest all day long with 100 gr FF Goex and a Pillow ticking patch. Have several targets out in the shop with witness signatures as some won't believe how good muzzleloaders can shoot.