ORIGINAL: Hunter John

RM - I've had a TC Firehawk in 50 cal for the longest time. It also has a 1:38 twist. Similar to Cayugad's experiences with this twist, I can shoot conicals all day long with it...pushing them with either 80 or 90 grs of Pyrodex. Off sandbags or a bipod, I can put 3 maxiballs on a playing card at 50 yards using just the fiber optic sights I later added to the rifle as an update.

I've tried a PRB and saboted pistol bullets with moderate success. Yeah, I can produce a decent group with the saboted bullets, but this is where my Encore (1:28 twist) really shines. With the patched RB, I use about 75 grs of Pyrodex and can probably shoot about a 2-3 inch group. Ok for plinking, small graming, or cheap practice, but not gonna break any accuracy records with that load.

In summary, if you purchase the 54 Scout barrel with the 1:38 twist, I would be very surprised if you couldn't find a conical that shoots well out of it. My Firehawk absolutely loves the Hornady Great Plains conical too.

Also, if you do buy it, check out Gun Broker.com. There's a guy selling 54 cal maxi conicals for $38 for 200 (shipping included). Nice and soft lead. I bought the 50 cal maxis and couldn't be happier.