powder charge

[knapper]

What would be the maximum powder charge for a 50 southern rifle for deer sized game, or would you work up an accurate load at a set distance and go with that,also what would be the maximum yards to shoot to
with maximum effectiveness, thanks for the help

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Develop a load that gives you small groups at 50 yards, off the bench.  Then practice offhand shooting until you never miss a paper plate at whatever range you think might be your maximum while hunting.  The most important aspect in hunting, is to be able to hit the mark.  Worrying about velocity and energy is counterproductive.  The ball is heavy enough and big enough to do its work, if you can place it in the right spot.

[J Henry]

Accurate load at 100 yds,,,,Accuracy is more important,to me, than firepower!!!You put the bullet where it needs to be and the rest will take care of itself!!!
    Put a deer sized target out at 100 yards,,small isn't it..Wont be any bigger in the woods where you have a S.W.A.G. as to how far the deer is away from you.Not a measured distance, shooting off a rest and taking your time.
 Read the Owners Manual and go from there... I have a Lyman GPR 50 cal,1-60 ROT,likes .495,PRB,80 grns FFF,. out to 100 yds. Shoot and Shoot often,learn your limitations and those of the rifle you are shooting and it will all come together

[galamb]

Agree - it's not the "firepower" that will put Bambi in the freezer.

I hunt deer with a 40 cal - and these are Eastern Ontario Whitetails, so not those little things the size of dogs you find in some areas - this years deer wrapped 150'ish pounds, de-boned - so well over 200 lbs live weight.

That only shoots a 92 grain round ball over 60 grains of powder. I have a self imposed "range" of 50 yards - that's what I sight at, and only pull the trigger on a "still" broad side or quartering away shot.

Furthest I think I have ever shot is 31 yards with rifle or bow.

If I'm hunting un-familiar area's or not sure if I'll run into a bear I usually pack my 50 cal. In that I feed it a PA Conical from Hornady (kinda half ball/half conical at 240 grains which equates to the same "thump" as a 54 cal RB) over 80 grains of powder.

That is good and accurate out to 75 yards which is about as far I can "comfortably" sight with any confidence.

My bottom line is, if I can shoot a deer through and through with a 92 grain round ball and the four shot with that rifle have all fallen within 100 yards of being hit, then anything "larger" is "over kill" FOR ME (but am going to replace my 40 with a 45 just because I want one).

If you do your part and work within the limitations of your rifle and your ability to shoot, then you don't need to stuff a max powder charge down the barrel.

These are not CF rifles and you are never going to make them close.

[moleeyes36]

Excellent advice, Graham, and born from actual experience.

Mole Eyes

[Daryl]

Hunting demands an oiled or grease patch.  Oiled or greased patches do not shoot the same as a water-based lubed patch - it's up to you to find the accuracy load for your rifle with an oiled or greased patch.

Find what load combination works best in your rifle.

My .45, if fed slippery oiled patches needs 75gr. 3f or 85gr. 2F to shoot it's best.  Use what works. What works for a spit or water based lube might/probably won't work for an oil or grease.

Practice.

[hanshi]

Agree with Taylor, here.  Find the most accurate load and you'll do fine.  In Va we have a minimum of 50 grains of black powder.  My best accuracy usually comes around 60 to 70 grains.

[David R. Pennington]

I agree. Work up the load that gives the best groups with the same patch and lube you will use in the woods. My .50 will group 2 1/2 inches at 100 yds. with 75 gr 3f but spreads to 6 inches with 80 grains.

[ken]

I have a 50 longrifle  I worked up the best load for accuracy and sighted in. Found 70 grains  495 ball 20th patch  green mountain barrel . Good for deer to 100 yards but try to keep them in the 75 yard range. works every time  if I can get a good hold or rest     ken