50 Cal Bore Size Question
 

Just curious as to what is the most common bore size of 50cal ML's? It is true that muzzleloaders that are about 8 years or older typically range in bore diameter from .502 to .504”, while those that are newer typically range from .499” to .501”?


Reason why I'm asking that question is I've been thinking of casting 50cal conical bullets as I've been asked if I cast for 50cal ML's. I have a design in mind but my concern is the bore size. I was contemplating on having the mold sized to 505 and size them down to 504 or 504.5 as I feel the bullet should slightly engrave the bullet to help improve accuracy yet, slide down easy enough. Any Thoughts??

You should try paper patching bullets. I am using the lee 500 S&W bullet. They are awesome.
If your going to go "naked" just measure the barrel.

Basically, I would say you are pretty much correct...

The older Whites and Knights (inlines) were 504 ish to 506 ish

My White UMAG 504 has the largest bore diameter I have. When I order from Bull Shop - I get the largest he has 5045 and they are still somewhat loose.

The older Black Knight sabots with a 452 bullet inserted measure .506

slug your barrel !

He is not interested in his barrel(s)... Ed makes some really great lead conicals, he is trying to decided what size he might need to service the wide spectrum of 50 cal. bores out there that a customer might order.

As he has indicated - some of my bores need .505 Lead conicals other are al the way down to .500.

Correct me if I am wrong Ed...

You hit it on the head. I was thinking of designing the mold with a 506 diameter and getting a couple of different sizing dies.

I didn't catch that. I think I would go .508 myself. My Green Mountain barrels like a big ol bullet.

Ed , I wish I had a caliper to measure some for you to gather an average. What SL said sounds pretty accurate .
Steve

Thanks I appreciate that.

Ed

My Whites I run .5045 (Bull Shops) best accuracy, a .504 is just a touch to small.
My Knights Elite & Extreme, .504 (Bull Shop) a .5045 will not fit in the barrel.