54 cal. Test Drive

yeoman · 04-28-2008, 06:21 PM

I've swapped out the .50 GM barrel for the original Italian-made .54 for the coming weekend's trip to the range. I plan to shoot 390 Hornady GP-HP's. Sabotloader has warned me they will be snug and need a short starter. What charges do you guys suggest I try with this combo if I'm going to shoot 20 or so rounds, 10 at 50 and 10 at 100 yds.?

sabotloader · 04-28-2008, 06:48 PM

yeoman

Not sure what powder you might be using - but I would start at 60... which should almost be re-coiless and work to 90.

Just my thinken...

Semisane · 04-28-2008, 06:48 PM

My New Englander likes 80 grains Pyrodex RS under the 385 grain GP's - but they are not really tight in my bore. The rifling only cuts the top driving band. I've never used felt wads under them, but it seems to work real well for those who do. You might want to try some if you have any. What powder are you planning to use?

EDIT: Wait, I'm confused. Are you going to be shooting the .50 or the .54? I looked on the Honnady site and don't see any 385 GP in either caliber.

idahoron · 04-28-2008, 06:53 PM

sabotloader, is right start low and work up. I like pyrodex P a lot. I don't seem to have the hang fire problems I had with RS. Right now about everything I got is shooting great with 80 gr of Pyrodex P but those are GM, and TCbarrels.
Ron

yeoman · 04-28-2008, 07:09 PM

SL- I think I'll use up an ancient can of Goex FF I have. I'd guess I have around 6 ounces left. Maybe lI'll plan 9 rounds at each yardage. 70,80,90?

Semi- I'm shooting the 54. I'll use up some old Goex. I've got the 390 HB-HP's.

Ron- your comment supports the 70,80,90 sequence.

thanks

Semisane · 04-28-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

I've got the 390 HB-HP's

They must have discontinued them in that weight. Their web sight lists only 425 grain bullets for the .54 so don't fall in love with the 390's. They also discontinued my favorite .50 caliber410 grain flat point GP bullet.

yeoman · 04-28-2008, 07:41 PM

Gee thanks Semi.

They "were" product code #6629 and it would appear you are on the money. [:'(]
I can still find them on-line, but what's the point?[>:]

But hey, maybe they'll shoot like crap and I'll be happy they won't be in my future.

idahoron · 04-28-2008, 08:13 PM

I felt for a couple of years they were going to remove the 410 50 cal. I have 21 boxes stored up for one of my 50's. I started to try the Paper patched500 S&W bullets because I know I could not get any more of the 410's. I think they will work just fine. Ron