Lyman Deerstalker

[dpittman]

Looking at maybe getting a Lyman Deerstalker for Pa's flintlock season. I was wandering if anyone has one in .50 caliber and how they shoot. They have a 1 in 48 twist so I was hoping to be able to shoot sabots. Open to suggestions on comparable guns. Thanks fellows

 

[Muley Hunter]

Good gun, but not the best twist for sabots.

 

[exMember]

round balls or conicals. Sometimes you can shoot sabots and they will do good so you never know until you try.

 

[Spitfire1]

1:48 works best with conicals or PRB's , try the 395 Plains bullets.

 

[Huntin_Dawg1215]

Try cutting back on your powder charge. I have a caplock with a 1: 48 twist, I went to 70 grs. and get good results with 240grn sabot. Let your rifle tell you what it likes, shoot some different projectiles and see which does the best.

 

[Spitfire1]

You got that right HD1215 , we mostly want to force our will upon a gun while it should be the other way around

 

[Muley Hunter]

I find it better to match a bullet to the gun so hunting loads can be made as strong as you want.

If you want to shoot sabots. 1-28 is really a better choice.

 

[Spitfire1]

Yes i also like playing around with different bullets till i find one that the gun likes , mostly it will then shoot that bullet accurately with various charges

 

[Caplock1]

The two 24 inch long 1 in 48 inch twist barrels I have shoot sabots better than round balls with excellent 3 shot groups at 100 yards.

 

[Muley Hunter]

The two 24 inch long 1 in 48 inch twist barrels I have shoot sabots better than round balls with excellent 3 shot groups at 100 yards.

What load are you using?

 

[Caplock1]

In the .45 caliber barrel I'm using 75 grains of fff Goex pushing a .40 caliber, 180 grain Hornady XTP in a Harvester sabot and getting 1.5 inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards.
In the .54 caliber barrel I'm using 80 grains of fff goex pushing a .45 caliber, 240 grain Hornady XTP in an MMP sabot and it's shooting one inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards.

 

[Spitfire1]

I think the depth of the rifling also counts for a lot when it comes to shooting sabots or conicals .

 

[Huntin_Dawg1215]

I also agree that the depth of the rifling has alot to do with what your rifle with shoot best. I play with different stuff as much as possible to find what will work in my rifles. that gives me a excuss to go to the range more. or at least thats what I tell myself. Sometimes I just admitt the truth and i am having fun.

 

[Spitfire1]

Ain't that what shooting is all about ?

 

[Muley Hunter]

In the .45 caliber barrel I'm using 75 grains of fff Goex pushing a .40 caliber, 180 grain Hornady XTP in a Harvester sabot and getting 1.5 inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards.
In the .54 caliber barrel I'm using 80 grains of fff goex pushing a .45 caliber, 240 grain Hornady XTP in an MMP sabot and it's shooting one inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards.

I'm guessing the light loads is why it's working in the slower twist. Along with short bullets.

That must be a pretty thick sabot you're using in the .54?

 

[Huntin_Dawg1215]

Agree with the short bullets also those 240 grains are TC Cheap Shots and i believe they are the same as the XTP bullets. As you know they are by Hornady.

 

[corey0127781]

cheap shots are not the same as the xtp. hornady may make the cheap shots for the them, but take a look at the sure fire and the cheap shots. both are swaged bullets. I believe they use the same die to make both, just a theory.

here is a test I ran on both, 25yrds, 85grs pyrodex p, knight usak. was the test gun.


https://www.frontiermuzzleloading.com/t4835-was-going-thru-some-pic-and-came-across-this

 

[rodwha]

If you like the Deerstalker you may be interested in the Pedersoli Country Hunter. It has a 1:34" twist. It's more traditional if that's something you like.

I ended up with a Deerstalker in .50 cal. I've yet to shoot it though. Soon... I chose it because it had a little more weight in case I use conicals. I also liked the fiber optic sights, recoil pad, and sling attachments. Plus I can drop in a Trade Rifle barrel with a PC Malcolm style scope.

 

[Spitfire1]

Was looking at buying a Malcolm scope for my Hawken but the prices are just plain nuts here in za !

 

[rodwha]

After having seen those scopes I knew I'd need one!

And I like the idea that I can drop in a Trade Rifle barrel on my Deerstalker stock. Kinda makes it a little like a T/C rifle. It also helps to reduce the overall cost. I figure the barrel and scope will be $600-700.

I also have been dreaming of a .54 cal Deerstalker barrel reamed smooth to use as a shotgun.