My 50 caliber Great Plains Hunter has a 1-32 twist. I have been having a love hate relationship with the rifle in that one day it shoots something very good, and the next time out, well we don't like to talk about depressing things.

I had recently cast a number of UC Short Mag Conicals that weigh 450 grains (approximately) and are .504 in diameter. Today looking at the gun rack I was all set to grab some .495 ball and shoot the Great Plains Rifle, but decided to try the Great Plains Hunter Flintlock instead. So out to the range with .495 ball and some of the UC Short Mag conicals.

I set the powder measure at 65 grains as was suggested to me, shooting 3f Schuetzen (again suggested to me). I did not feel like walking a lot so I set the target on the edge of the yard and it was just over 35 yards where it was placed. I did not shoot that with a range finder, but I know it normally runs 35-40 yards depending on where the bench is in the yard.



Shot #1 was a clean barrel. I was swabbing with alcohol. But forgot to swab after shot #5. Loading #6 was a real experience you could say. I ended up beating the conical down the bore on the short starter part. And then having to slam the stainless steel ramrod down on top of the conical for a short distance, then suddenly it slid fine to the powder charge. I had my doubts of its accuracy after that, and it did not disappoint me.

I actually shot 8 conicals but I could not honestly say, I found #8 in that mess. I am guessing it was in that major area hole. Overall I was kind of pleased. And these deserve a lot more testing. Plus I might reduce some to .503 and see if that makes a difference.



That second picture is mislabeled. I was not shooting the conicals there. I was shooting the .495 roundball, spit for lube, and cotton pillow tick. Again I stuck with the 65 grains of 3f powder. My first three shots were low. So I held more of that 1 inch dot on the sight, and the next three were pretty good. While I am sure that 65 grains of 3f and a ball would take a deer, I would rather shoot them with one of those big conicals.

Again, shooting the ball.. I had to swab. The ball and thick patch were nice and tight. So I ordered a LEE .495 ball mold to make my own as the GPR seems to like that size also.

I believe those conicals will work Dave provided you have enough energy with them.

Just my opinion but I think 65 grains of 3f black powder would be more then plenty for deer hunting. I am not sure I'd moose or elk hunt with that but deer are not that hard to penetrate.

Cayugad, I have to agree with that. What's gained with higher charges is a flatter trajectory. If you don't need that, 65 grains will get the job done.

Heck, I guess you could throw them big ol conicals and hit em in the head and knock them out! Thinking about it - a .45-70 was loaded with a 405 (sometimes heavier) bullet and 70 gr of powder. So yeah, I think that 65 grs is plenty for deer.

I'd say either one of those loads would take a whitetail within reasonable range.

What? Round balls shooting that good out of a fast twist barrel? Looks
Like respectably good groups for the UC's and RB's both! I would agree 65 grains is plenty for deer. I like 80-90 grains for conicals on elk, but it seems like overkill for 50 yd shots. I'm guessing your shots are close to that or less.

Just got my .54 GPH yesterday. Hope it shoots as well as your .50 cal. I will post some some pics of the before and after.....Even though the GPH isn't a replica of an actual period piece, I'll put the effort into tearing it down and browning the hardware and refinishing the walnut stock, etc. A couple weekends of work and these rifle can be made pretty purdy!

The look close, but yes they are not authentic. Still I like the rifles.

Great time on the range Dave. I am thinking of all the fun you had making those targets!!!

Are you casting the UC's yourself, or buying them?