ORIGINAL: blkdiamond45
Off TC website FAQ
What is the best load for your traditional with a 1in48 twist? In a .50 Caliber side lock muzzle loader a traditional load would be a 370 grain maxi ball with 80 grains of FFG black or pyrodex powder. A modern 250 grain shock wave bullet in a sabot with the same powder charge is very accurate as well. In a .54 caliber a 430 grain maxi ball with 90 grains of the same powder would be a recommended load.
i have real old thompson book,they also tested barrel lengths with rb and came up with 28 inch barrel as best length and 70 grs of 2f with a .490 rb in .50 caliber.
they said going over the 70 grs was waste and not really any gain in velocity/energy.
like said, there was 6 of us with the 1-48 twist flintlocks and none us could get those MAXI-HUNTERS 275 GR TO SHOOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING ANY GOOD TO USE, THEY WOULD GO ALL OVER PAPER.