I have been checking out all the stuff i need to have for my conversion too a 50 caliber rifle from my 54.I have a few questions .... I picked up a tc starter kit, has a few bullets to try ,cleaning supplies,jag and such.First question is what ram rod to use for hunting . Power rod wont fit back in with the ball starter attachment. What ball starter tip will fit?
Next would be ... T-17 cleaners I always used the hoppes stuff on my other muzzloaders Is this stuff worth the investment ?
Guess thats enough for now im sure i will be after the what powder and bullets work best and such later.

I don't think you can fit any on there,maybe some one here has but that rod is at the end of the barrel now.

I almost forgot cabelas sells a power rod you cut to length and put the insert in,if that helps.

Well as for the ramrod, I personally use a range rod and leave the rifle ramrod strictly for hunting. And as for the cleaning of the rifle, be careful of the products you purchase. Remember, if Thompson Center sells the starter kit is because they also control the marketing of the products. Your Hoppes will work just fine for taking plastic, lead, etc out of the barrel. I am guessing your starter kit came with a bore brush, cleaning jags, patches, etc.

WARNING.. do not trust TC-17 to protect your bore. Get some good gun oil, apply that to a patch, and swab the barrel with a quality gun oil. Before you shoot the next time, take a patch, apply some alcohol to it (isopropyl alcohol 91%) and swab the oil out of the bore. Then a couple of dry patches.

You have a great rifle. It will handle about any kind of powder you want to shoot. Even the new BlackHorn 209. You might want to try pellets, but you can do the same thing with loose powder. Also for a starter bullet to get used to the rifle, get some 250 grain Shockwaves and try them. I think with 100-120 grains of loose powder you should have some real good luck.

Depending on the powder you pick you might have to swab the bore between shots. Windex, spit, TC-13 will also work for swabbing between shots.

The Power Rod is just fine the way it is. The opening that contacts the tip of the bullet is plenty deep to accomodate even tipped bullets. And the handle is designed so you don't need anything like a ball starter or a palm saver.

I just use Hoppes. It's the best stuff to use especially if you're using BH209.