Fat Barrel
 

I have a 54 Cal Hawken I built many years ago and wanted to use it for Blk Powder season. When trying to sight it in using a lead sled as a rest it shoots some dead center and then it can't hit the paper at all. Cleaning and or loading the barrel I notice the brush hits a bulge or obstacle 3/4 way down. So it takes extra bush to get it past. So I'm guessing this could be the problem.I tried soaking and solvents but the problem won't clear itself. Where do I take this barrel to have it fixed. Or if I get a new barrel like 50 Cal will it fit my gun correctly and I also had the barrel browned so i'd like it to match the rest of the gun. I would appreciate your help. Thanks
Glenn

First, I would use/get a bore scope to determine what the barrel restriction is all about. It may just require the use of some JB bore paste on a mop with lots of elbow grease to remove the restriction. Second, if you want, you could have the barrel re-bored to a larger caliber. Third, you could go on e-bay or one of the other sites and look for a barrel for your gun in a caliber you would like. Just make sure you get a barrel that fits your gun. I believe the .54 T/C Hawkens guns came with a 1" across the flats barrel, so any Renegade barrel should fit with some minor modifications.

You can also contact Bob Hoyt in Fairfield, PA and talk to him. Leave a message because he is extremely busy. He can drill out your barrel and reline it back to .54 or any caliber caliber with the twist of your choice.

Thanks for the help. I'm thinking a 50 Cal might be a better answer as the ammo is easier to find.

Most get a .50 because of the movies like Jerimiah Johnson hence the reason supplies for it are so available. But don't scoff at the .45 cal. IMO if you got your barrel relined for a .45 and put in a 1:30 of faster twist you will have yourself an accurate muzzleloader that will shoot lights out with conical or saboted bullets.

For a 45 I prefer a 1-20" twist, but a 1-30" is fine also.