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Loading conicals?

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lebhuntfish:
This is something I should probably know but here it goes. 
I've been shooting a patched round ball out of my caplock for a while.  With great accuracy I might add.  But last year at Marshall Michigan I was given a large bag of conicals.  Now I've always liked the concept of shooting them but im just not sure on the loading process. 
I know they need lubercated in the grooves but do I need to patch them or load just over my powder?   I've been shooting 80 grains of ffg black powder with the round balls and im deadly accurat out to 100 yards with that load.
Could someone give me some pointers with the conicals? Thanks.

Patrick 

Pat B:
Patrick, it's been many years since I shot my T/C Hawkins .50cal, cap lock. I used Maxi Balls. Killed my first 2 deer(8pt, doe) with that gun back in 1979 or 80. I kept a few in my possibles bag with lube on them. I shot 90gr of powder poured in first then the maxi ball and rammed it to the bottom, no patch. I guess it will depends on the size of the conical and the bore of your barrel but I think these are patchless.

lebhuntfish:
Thanks Pat,  Ill see how they load.  I can always use a ball puller and pull them back out if im not comfortable.  I may try upping the powder a touch because they are a good bit heavier.

Patrick

Hawkdancer:
Patrick,
No patch with the conical bullets, but you may have a shift in the strike of the bullet, depending on your rifle.  Are they hollow based Minie balls or solid base bullets.  What caliber?  My .58's have a shift when changing from round ball to conicals.  The service load for the .58 was 60-65 gr 2Fg, but I used 75 gr for hunting.  For .50 caliber, a friend recommended 85 gr 3Fg with solid base bullets, some less for hollow base.  Good shooting.
Hawkdancer

Stoker:
I use Lee REALS maxis .. Shoot good outta my deer stalker.. Lube and shoot.. 80g fff.. Some people have better luck if they use a card or wad.. If they fly good no problem..
Thanks Leroy

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