I haven't shot single shot muzzleloading pistols in years as I shoot C & B revolvers. I had the opportunity to get a Traditions Percussion Trapper .50 caliber single shot though and I snatched it up - don't have it yet but it's on the way. Got it mainly because it came along, same caliber as my one ML rifle I have set up for target shooting and it looked like a lot of fun.
I have .490 RB mold that I know will work fine out of it patched. My question is for those that have and shoot single shot pistols - particularly 50 caliber.
A .490 round ball should weigh up at around 177 grains + or -
I also have one of the Lee molds that casts the 360 grain hollow base Lee improved minie - which cass a roundish nosed flat point minie ball. Have any o you tried this particular HB minie out of your single shot percussion or flint pistol?
The HB minie is + or - 183 grains heavier than the normal standard .490 round ball and what I consider a good sized chunk of lead, but, it seems like the pistol should handle it alright. My thinking is that I would probably start out at around 25 grains of 3F Goex/Grafs BP and tweak up or down. From the couple of videos I have watched on the Traditions Trapper, it seems like a good solid single shot but my intention is to not abuse it. I'm strictly looking at plinking and playing - not using it to hunt.
Thoughts on the Lee .500 360 grain hollow base minie out of a .50 single shot percussion or flint pistol? Yea or Nay?
Thanks.