Lyman G.P.H. or T.C. Hawkens 1:32 vs 1:48 twist
12-08-2002, 02:36 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Ridgeland Wisconsin
Posts: 276
Lyman G.P.H. or T.C. Hawkens 1:32 vs 1:48 twist
Hello
I borrowed my friends 50 cal. 1970's CVA Hawkens the other day to try Deer Muzzleloader hunting for the first time. But I was disapointed to find it shoots over a foot low and about 8 inches to the left at 30 yards. I was loading 90 grains of BP and a Hornady conical. I decided not to attempt hunting with that gun. But I am hooked on the Idea of it, I want to get my own smoke pole. I would like to stay closer to the traditional style gun, cap lock. After some research I have narrowed my choices down to either The 50 cal Lyman Great Plains Hunter which features a twist of 1:32, or the 50 cal T.C. Hawkens which is 1:48 twist, I am leaning more towards the T.C. I had considered the CVA Hawkens but my friend told me my money would be better spent on a Thompson Center. Basicly what my question boils down to twist rate 1:32 or 1:48. I like the idea of shooting a deer with patch and ball some day, But for the most part I would like to hunt with sabbots or powerbelts; depending on what the gun likes. If I can get 2" groups with any type load at 100 yards I would be happy. Due to terrain I'm rarely faced with shots over 100 yards. Another factor is WI don't allow scopes on MLs which is fine by me. So how well do the newer bullet designs such as powerbelts and sabbots perform with the 1:48 twist? Do I realy need a faster twist like 1:32 to get reasonable groups with the newer type bullets.
Thanks Jerry
Edited by - Turkey Addict on 12/08/2002 16:30:12
I borrowed my friends 50 cal. 1970's CVA Hawkens the other day to try Deer Muzzleloader hunting for the first time. But I was disapointed to find it shoots over a foot low and about 8 inches to the left at 30 yards. I was loading 90 grains of BP and a Hornady conical. I decided not to attempt hunting with that gun. But I am hooked on the Idea of it, I want to get my own smoke pole. I would like to stay closer to the traditional style gun, cap lock. After some research I have narrowed my choices down to either The 50 cal Lyman Great Plains Hunter which features a twist of 1:32, or the 50 cal T.C. Hawkens which is 1:48 twist, I am leaning more towards the T.C. I had considered the CVA Hawkens but my friend told me my money would be better spent on a Thompson Center. Basicly what my question boils down to twist rate 1:32 or 1:48. I like the idea of shooting a deer with patch and ball some day, But for the most part I would like to hunt with sabbots or powerbelts; depending on what the gun likes. If I can get 2" groups with any type load at 100 yards I would be happy. Due to terrain I'm rarely faced with shots over 100 yards. Another factor is WI don't allow scopes on MLs which is fine by me. So how well do the newer bullet designs such as powerbelts and sabbots perform with the 1:48 twist? Do I realy need a faster twist like 1:32 to get reasonable groups with the newer type bullets.
Thanks Jerry
Edited by - Turkey Addict on 12/08/2002 16:30:12
12-08-2002, 06:23 PM
#2
Spike
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: remsen,n.y. u.s
Posts: 49
RE: Lyman G.P.H. or T.C. Hawkens 1:32 vs 1:48 twist
Jerry, the 1/32 twist would be better suited to conicals,and sabots. Were the 1/48 is not great for sabots but shoots conicals well, and if you keep your powder charge to about 70-80 grs.you should get good patched rb accuracy. Myself, I would get the GPR in 1/66 twist, and shoot patched rbs, then participate in local black powder shoots during the off season, most clubs only allow patched round ball. That CVA hawkin you tried should shoot alot better than that, there guns may be cheap but they have a vary accurate barrel. Sounds like it needs some time at the range. good luck.
12-08-2002, 08:29 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Ridgeland Wisconsin
Posts: 276
RE: Lyman G.P.H. or T.C. Hawkens 1:32 vs 1:48 twist
Howdy
Well After some more thought I decided to go with the Lyman Great plains with the 1/60 twist and Buy the 1/32 hunter barrel separate. I can get the gun and the extra barrel for $413.84 through Midsouth shooters supply, Just a little more than The T.C. Hawkens. That way I can shoot either RB or modern bullets, (have my pie and eat it too). rich e From what I have been told my buddies CVA has ben through heck and back. He hasn't used it for a few years, and the last person he loaned it to might have banged it around. He was surprised to hear it was that far off. I am sure he will get it figured out. Might have just been something I was doing? Thanks for the input.
Jerry
Well After some more thought I decided to go with the Lyman Great plains with the 1/60 twist and Buy the 1/32 hunter barrel separate. I can get the gun and the extra barrel for $413.84 through Midsouth shooters supply, Just a little more than The T.C. Hawkens. That way I can shoot either RB or modern bullets, (have my pie and eat it too). rich e From what I have been told my buddies CVA has ben through heck and back. He hasn't used it for a few years, and the last person he loaned it to might have banged it around. He was surprised to hear it was that far off. I am sure he will get it figured out. Might have just been something I was doing? Thanks for the input.
Jerry
12-09-2002, 06:54 AM
#5
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Texas - BUT NOW in Madison County, NY
Posts: 6,270
RE: Lyman G.P.H. or T.C. Hawkens 1:32 vs 1:48 twist
What Coondog said is correct, slow twist barrels often shoot short conicals well. I have a slow-twist 50 that shoots the 370-grain Maxi-ball, and all lighter-weight Power Belts, vey well. I have a 1/60" twist .58 that shoots a 570-grain Minie ball quite accurately with as much as 120 grains of FFg!!
Keep yore powder dry!!
Keep yore powder dry!!
