Blackpowder Rifle: 50 or 54 Caliber?
Question:
Hi! I noticed that some of the in-line muzzle loaders come in .50 caliber and .54 caliber. Any thoughts as to which caliber is better? Your views would be appreciated. Always, Gene Rector Good Hunting! Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
> Hi! I noticed that some of the in-line muzzle loaders come in .50 caliber > and .54 caliber. Any thoughts as to which caliber is better?
If you use bore diameter lead bullets the .54 hits more plumbing, given equivalent shot placement. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
: Hi! I noticed that some of the in-line muzzle loaders come in .50 caliber : and .54 caliber. Any thoughts as to which caliber is better? : Your views would be appreciated. Always, Gene Rector : Good Hunting! The .54 is slightly heavier, but it’s also slightly slower using equivalent charges, so it’s 6 of one, half a dozen of the other, as far as terminal energy is concerned. I’ve got a .54, but if the price was right, I would have bought a .50 cal. samg Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
I prefer the .50 Caliber rifles as you can use fff black powder in them. This allows you to use one powder for .36 caliber rifles and pistols, .44 caliber pistols, and .50 caliber rifles and pistols. (Please do not use ff black powder charts to pick your loads with fff black powder). I have heard that if you are shooting bears, elk or musk oxen, that the bigger bullet is better, but the .50 caliber rifle is more than adequate on whitetail deer. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free! Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
>Hi! I noticed that some of the in-line muzzle loaders come in .50 caliber >and .54 caliber. Any thoughts as to which caliber is better? >Your views would be appreciated. Always, Gene Rector >Good Hunting!
I guess it depends on what you are hunting. If it is north american whitetail or equivalent, i’d go with the 50. The only thing to 54 will give you is the option for a slightly heavier projectile (with a corresponding drop in trajectory) which isn’t needed for deer. If you end up with a sabot you’ll quickly find that both the 50’s and the 54’s are 45 cal bullets. Basically the 54 just has more plastic (probably resulting in less accuracy). Check out the local shops you will also find MANY more options in the 50 cal version. (more bullet styles and choices, more power-pelet options, etc..) It’s not that manufacturers don’t make the 54, it’s just that it is SO much less popular the stores stock mostly 50 cal stuff. The only possible thing I can think of that would cause you to choose the 54 would be if your area is restricted to round-ball. (like CT was up until a couple years ago) The increase in bore resulting in a heavier round ball would be a plus. -be Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
