Originally Posted by
megasupermagnum
I've had the exact opposite result in 50 and 54 caliber. When cast of pure lead, they start shooting really well at higher charges of powder. With 20:1 alloy, I can't get them to shoot as well no matter what. Maybe if I went up to some crazy powder charges like 150-180 gr, it would work. I've tried with and without a felt wad. Pure lead, and heavy powder charges 110-120 gr shoots like a house on fire. Seems to shoot the same with or without a felt wad. 20:1 alloy, might get 3" groups at 100 yards, which isn't bad, but not as good as pure lead, which will average 1 1/2" with a scoped rifle.
Concerning bullet fit, I've got a TC mold for 50 and 54 caliber. The 50 caliber is perfect. The bottom two bands just slip fit in the bore, and the top band engraves plenty. The 54 caliber has slop in the bottom two bands, and the top band barely grabs. The 50 shoots lights out, the 54 not so much. I also bought some 54 caliber maxi balls from TOTW, and they were a perfect fit, and shoot lights out. So yes, they have to fit at least half decent.
If you can, measure at least your bore diameter of your barrel. You want the bottom two bands of a maxiball .001" or so larger than bore diameter. Right on, or even .003" over is ok too. The top band ideally would be close to grove diameter, maybe a bit larger. That 36-130A is NOT a muzzleloader maxiball, or at least not something that will work well. I don't own a 36 caliber rifle, but assuming it has a .360" bore, and .004 deep or so rifling, so about .368" groove. So that 36-130M is likely a very good fit.