200 Yards With Patched Round Balls

[FrontierGander]

This is my second try at 200 yards. I originally started with 80gr 3fg but then upped it 10 more grains.

Upped the charge to 90gr 3fg gearhart owen, .020 patch, .530 round ball. One got away from me, but the lighting was getting pretty poor and fuzzing out my german silver front sight. Overall, there is a huge difference in results over the first target. The red bullseye is 4" just for size comparison.

Traditions St.Louis Hawken with a CVA Hawken .54cal barrel & 1:48 twist ( Fit this barrel so I could legally hunt Elk in CO with PRB )

Bore was swabbed between each shot with plain water.

Went back the next day with my buddy and kept it closer at 100 yards.
Each shot was swapped between shots with a damp patch of plain water.

100 yards
80gr 2fg Gearhart-Owen, 020 patch, 530 round ball.

Sweeet! Lets up it to 90gr 2fg..

 

[RT2506]

With the first post I was going to suggest that you go to FFG instead of FFFG which does better in the larger bores. With your 90 gr FFG load within your 100 yard range I would suggest that if you come upon an elk that you have a sharp knife and some help. LOL Good luck.

 

[7mmag]

Sir do you clean the barrel using only water I'm new to muzzle loader.

 

[FrontierGander]

When cleaning between shots, I use water only. At home, I use hot soapy ( dawn ) water, dry the bore quickly, pour a shot of rubbing alcohol down the bore, then swab the bore with alcohol to remove any moisture before oiling.

 

[7mmag]

Ok Thanks I've been doing the same but finish it with bore-butter that might explain the inconsistency in groups

 

[Ace Quackhunter]

This is my second try at 200 yards. I originally started with 80gr 3fg but then upped it 10 more grains.

Upped the charge to 90gr 3fg gearhart owen, .020 patch, .530 round ball. One got away from me, but the lighting was getting pretty poor and fuzzing out my german silver front sight. Overall, there is a huge difference in results over the first target. The red bullseye is 4" just for size comparison.

Traditions St.Louis Hawken with a CVA Hawken .54cal barrel & 1:48 twist ( Fit this barrel so I could legally hunt Elk in CO with PRB )

Bore was swabbed between each shot with plain water.

View attachment 223412
View attachment 223413

Went back the next day with my buddy and kept it closer at 100 yards.
Each shot was swapped between shots with a damp patch of plain water.

100 yards
80gr 2fg Gearhart-Owen, 020 patch, 530 round ball.
View attachment 223418
Sweeet! Lets up it to 90gr 2fg..
View attachment 223419

I to have used the .54 Cal. Hawkin for Elk. I found the 180 round ball to be great for deer and would group well under 4" at 100 yards. The best that I came with for elk was the 425 grain great plains bullet over 100 grains of FFG and it would hold just under 4" at 100 yards.