Conicals or R.E.A.L. in a Smoothbore

[OLD SALT]

Hey all, I am new to this forum and if this particular topic has been addressed, I apologize in advance.
I have a Hawken .54 cal smooth bore flintlock. I have only ever shot round ball from it and was curious if you can shoot conical bullets or those Lee Precision REAL cast bullets out of it. Any thoughts? I would really like some advice. Thanks guys!

~Old Salt

 

[Hanshi]

Short answer; NO. Well, you can but forget about accuracy from your smoothbore when using conicals of any kind. The traditional ROUND BALL, preferably patched is all one needs when in the bush. Bare ball loads worked up in YOUR gun can also be excellent. Nothing, NOTHING kills game any better than a lead ball - Harry, is that you? - at any decent velocity. I've never had a deer complain about a .600" ball from MY smoothbore. Balls, I have been told, do not keyhole like conicals. :dancing chicken:

 

[OLD SALT]

Short answer; NO. Well, you can but forget about accuracy from your smoothbore when using conicals of any kind. The traditional ROUND BALL, preferably patched is all one needs when in the bush. Bare ball loads worked up in YOUR gun can also be excellent. Nothing, NOTHING kills game any better than a lead ball - Harry, is that you? - at any decent velocity. I've never had a deer complain about a .600" ball from MY smoothbore. Balls, I have been told, do not keyhole like conicals. :dancing chicken:

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it. I was not sure if they would be a benefit or not. -Old Salt (Not Harry) ;0)

 

[Hanshi]

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it. I was not sure if they would be a benefit or not. -Old Salt (Not Harry) ;0)

Well, welcome to the forum, from Maine.