I have it narrowed down to the Lyman Great Plains rifle. With a 1 in 66 inch twist. Now i want to know what caliber. I will be shooting patched round balls...

Over avarage hunting distances (100 yds or less, with rb, maby 75), the .54 will give you more Oomph as the projectile is tens of grains heavier. If you want to get the most distance for the buck, try the .45 for rb shootin. If you want an elk/bear possibility, go with the .54. The advantage to the .50 is that you should be able to get components almost anywhere (ball, precut patches, rod components like bore brushes. The .45 and .54 usually require doing business with an internet or mail-order house for supplies. I shoot two .54's and do business with any number of good internet providers. Hope this helps. P.S. I own a Lyman Trade rifle in flint, and love it. the fit and finish are great, shoots well.

Yea my brother has a lyman to and he love his gun.

As strange as it may sound; the .50 caliber is so much more popular in Canada that I'd buy the .54. At least the ammo and accessories are in stock at the local stores.

Dan O.

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The WalMarts around here used to stock both 50 and 54. I could go after the season and pick up 54 balls and accessories for a song on closeouts. Now, all they have is 50 stuff ...

Winger

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go with the 50cal. the much better

I would go with the .54 caliber. Since the rifle will be shooting only round ball for the most part, I would try to get the hardest hitting one of the two. I notice people claim the .50 caliber to be easier to find supplies for. That might be true when your in a pinch, but I am well stocked and prepared when ever I go hunting, so supplies are not a problem. Many on line stores carry everything you will need. I have a .54 caliber and a .50 caliber, and they are both excellent rifles and shooters. I just like the heft of the .54 caliber more. Which ever you choose, you will be happy with the Lyman Great Plains Rifle. I have been trying to talk myself into one, but you know how it is when you have "too many" already (there is never too many in my book). Good shooting, let me know how it shoots......

I have the Great plains flintlock in .50. I had the same dilema you have now, but decided on the .50 because of availability of .490 round balls. The real problem I had was finding a dealer in my area that sold black powder, I found 3 shops within 60 miles of me that sold black powder, and all 3 of them were sold out of ffffg and ffg for a couple of weeks when I wanted to shoot.

I forgot to mention, I really like the rifle alot.
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms... who's bringing the chips?

Edited by - briman on 11/05/2002 23:46:02