I am shooting pyrodex and hornady gp 385 grain conical lead from my hawkens .50 cal percussion, 1/48 twist barrel.

I would like to ask for suggesions on a lead free alternative to the hornady for this setup. I have seen all of the copper sabots available, just wondering if anyone could suggest one or two that might work with my gun.

Rick C.

might is the key word. Some 1-48 twists shoot sabots just fine. I have shot just a standard Harvester Crushed Rib sabot in .452 and everything from a 240, 250, and 300 grain XTP. They don't shoot bad at all.

I have to agree with Cayugad. Some of the 1:48 twist barrels can be mighty finincky when it comes to saboted bullets. If your conicals shoot good you might want to consider staying with them. You can try 275 or 320 gr Maxihunters or 370 gr Maxiballs.
But if your considering going with the sabots I'd stay with the heavier ones (300 gr). Cayugad mentioned the 300 gr .451" XTP. You can also go with the 300 gr .429 XTP and green Harvester CR sabots.

Dump the plastic. Try a Thor.

http://thorbullets.com/

Rick, The lead free bullets for a slow twist must be short to work well.
The 300gr Thor conical
The 250gr Barns .458 with 458/50 MMP sabot
The 40/50 Lehigh 185 gr with MMP sabot
Would be my recommendations.

My Deer hunter likes the TC Break-O-Way sabots but they're made to fit .44 bullets.

http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/blac...-48-twist.html

http://www.smokewagongear.com/p-601-...ots-50cal.aspx

Barnes has a 225 grain copper pistol bullet that's about the same length as a 250 grain lead bullet.

http://www.barnesbullets.com/products/pistol/