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Author Topic: 50 cal minie  (Read 635 times)

Offline Ironhand

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50 cal minie
« on: April 20, 2014, 01:07:29 AM »
It looks like my double rifle likes conicals better than ball. The problem is getting engrave on loading conicals started.  I know that Lee makes a 50 cal minie mould. I would like to try them out but I don't want to pay for a mould. Does anyone have some of these minies moulded that I can buy? Or know of a source?

Ironhand
Place your clothes and your weapons where you can find them in the dark.

   Lazarus Long

Offline Muley

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Pete
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Keep your nose in the wind.

Offline Ironhand

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Re: 50 cal minie
« Reply #2 on: April 22, 2014, 01:52:42 PM »
Thanks, I ordered 50.
 If I need more I will get a mould.

Ironhand
Place your clothes and your weapons where you can find them in the dark.

   Lazarus Long

Offline RobD

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Re: 50 cal minie
« Reply #3 on: April 29, 2014, 05:54:59 PM »
a shooting pal uses the lee REAL boolit with terrific accuracy - might be worth investigating if you do go to casting yer own.

Offline Fletcher

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Re: 50 cal minie
« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2014, 12:21:30 AM »
I have several types of .50 cal minnies I could let you have for just a wee bit plus shipping.

Let me know if you want them after you try the TOW  These are from several Lee and Lyman moulds.
Fletcher the Arrow Maker
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Offline Ironhand

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Re: 50 cal minie
« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2014, 10:04:19 AM »
Thanks Fletcher. I may have to take you up on that.
I am finding that the bores are a little tight, .495-.500, and most minies do not drop in easily.

Ironhand
Place your clothes and your weapons where you can find them in the dark.

   Lazarus Long

Online Bigsmoke

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Re: 50 cal minie
« Reply #6 on: April 30, 2014, 10:39:47 AM »
Ironhand,
This is making me start to wonder about something.  Are you sure you really want the bullets to drop in easily?
I mean, ease of loading is one thing, but to me one of the problems with carrying a bullet loaded rifle is the tendency for the bullet to walk off the charge, thus creating an air gap between the powder and projectile.  Thus necessitating the need to continually keep checking on the placement of the bullet.  With a double rifle, the problem is doubled.  Also, keep in mind that with a double rifle, the recoil from the first charge can move the projectile in the other barrel.  Which is what I like about a PRB in a double.  It stays put where it placed.  When I had my 8 bore double, if recoil was going to displace the second charge, it would have on that old girl.  300 grains of Fg does make for a noticable recoil.  But everytime I checked, it was still tight.
If it was me, I'd go with the PRB.  It's plenty big for deer and such.
On the other hand, if you are stuck with the idea of using a minnie type projectile, you probably should take Fletcher up on his offer.  Sometimes, with guns that cannot easily be regulated, one has to use different projectiles in each barrel in order to get it to regulate.  It's a real PITA at times.  Have fun and keep us informed with the progress.
John
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Offline Muley

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Re: 50 cal minie
« Reply #7 on: April 30, 2014, 10:44:38 AM »
Paper patch the mini.
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Offline Ironhand

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Re: 50 cal minie
« Reply #8 on: May 01, 2014, 03:49:26 PM »
Quote from: "bigsmoke"
Ironhand,
This is making me start to wonder about something.  Are you sure you really want the bullets to drop
If it was me, I'd go with the PRB.  It's plenty big for deer and such.
John

Big smoke,
I thought about this.  The problem is that the conicals I have almost need a hammer to load. I am just looking for something that can be short started. I will be trying PRB but the barrels are 1 in 48 twist and shallow groove. I am not shure I can get ball to shoot well.
I expect this may be an all summer project but it will be fun.

Ironhand
Place your clothes and your weapons where you can find them in the dark.

   Lazarus Long

Offline Ironhand

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Re: 50 cal minie
« Reply #9 on: May 01, 2014, 03:53:16 PM »
Quote from: "Muley"
Paper patch the mini.

I have no experience with paper path in ML but I did think about this.  I have some 405 gr .457 bullets for my 45/70 I thought of trying. Anyone out there have any advice or know of a site I could research?

Thanks
Ironhand
Place your clothes and your weapons where you can find them in the dark.

   Lazarus Long

Online Bigsmoke

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Re: 50 cal minie
« Reply #10 on: May 01, 2014, 04:21:41 PM »
Quote from: "Ironhand"
Big smoke,
I thought about this.  The problem is that the conicals I have almost need a hammer to load. I am just looking for something that can be short started. I will be trying PRB but the barrels are 1 in 48 twist and shallow groove. I am not shure I can get ball to shoot well.
I expect this may be an all summer project but it will be fun.

Ironhand

So are Thompson Centers, and they don't seem to have any trouble shooting round ball with surprisingly good results.
I'd spend some quality time on the bench with the rifle and some .490's, .495's and a few different thicknesses of patches and see what turns up.  I bet you will be surprised.
John
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest Up to God.

BigSmoke - John Shorb
TMA Charter Member #150  
NRA - Life
Coeur d'Alene Muzzleloaders - Life