Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Muzzleloader Hunting => Topic started by: Webfoot on April 26, 2015, 10:39:28 AM

Title: .54 cal bullets?
Post by: Webfoot on April 26, 2015, 10:39:28 AM: I need some advice for .54 cal. bullets full size or sabots in jacketed type.
I have always used lead power belts. While they work pretty good on elk I think I would like to go the jacketed route. Lots of bullets for .50 cal. but can't find much for the larger caliber.
Thanks
John
Title: .54 cal bullets?
Post by: bobcat on April 26, 2015, 10:49:31 AM: It's really tough finding 54 caliber bullets, as you know.
One option is to look at using 45 caliber pistol bullets with the proper size sabot.

Speer has a great bullet but they don't ever seem to be available (the Deep Curl). The Hornady XTP Mag would probably work.

Like these: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/788140/hornady-xtp-mag-bullets-45-caliber-452-diameter-300-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-magnum-box-of-50?cm_vc=subv788140

For sabots look here:

http://www.harvestermuzzleloading.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=44&category_id=7&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=18
Title: Re: .54 cal bullets?
Post by: zike on April 26, 2015, 11:08:39 AM: I think I've got a bunch of 350gr HP and 400 speer FP for a 45/70 458 dia. I don't know if they make sabots for the 458 dia bullets. IMO it would be a heavier constructed bullet, then a pistol bullet.
Title: Re: .54 cal bullets?
Post by: bobcat on April 26, 2015, 11:51:10 AM: The purple ones here might work for .458: http://mmpsabots.com/store/mmp-standard-sabots/

It says for .500 diameter but that's probably close enough.
Title: Re: .54 cal bullets?
Post by: oneshot12 on April 26, 2015, 12:09:13 PM: 1. if you can find some - look for some Speer .452-250/300 grain bullets and regular 45-50 sabot

2. Is look for a box of Speer .50x300 Deep Curls and get the 50-54 sabot - that would crunch the heck out of both deer and elk.. the 50 Speer might be excellent for a 54 because it is such a short bullet.
Title: Re: .54 cal bullets?
Post by: HntnFsh on April 26, 2015, 12:28:08 PM: Deep curls have been almost impossible to find the last few years!
Title: Re: .54 cal bullets?
Post by: oneshot12 on April 26, 2015, 07:41:10 PM: try these folks shop@vanceoutdoors.com
they have had the deep curl bullets every time when order them i understand they are hard to find but they are out there just need to look around :twocents:
Title: Re: .54 cal bullets?
Post by: Chesapeake on April 27, 2015, 11:07:51 AM: I use the "Dead Center" bullets. Currently the 340 tipped, before that the 360 non-tipped, and before that the Buffalo Bullets SSB in 375. They have always flew great out to 200 yards (farthest I've shot them) and have done a great job killing elk over the last 14 odd years. Think I've killed 11 with them now.

I shoot the 50 cal. version, but the 54 is the same with a thicker sabot(I've shot them as well).

They look like this when you find them under the hide on the far side.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1084.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj411%2FDieselchessy%2FIMG_0164.jpg&hash=31584b9cd1bd0f1bdc81489dacec2daddebabf22) (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/Dieselchessy/media/IMG_0164.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1084.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj411%2FDieselchessy%2FIMG_0165.jpg&hash=b5fd3bf49f3469a9ce00263b0e335187c203669c) (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/Dieselchessy/media/IMG_0165.jpg.html)
Title: Re: .54 cal bullets?
Post by: Harleysboss on May 12, 2015, 09:13:52 PM: MMP brand purple sabots are a 54 cal that takes a .500 bullet. I just ordered some and paired them to a Rainer lead safe hp. its a .500 sized bullet that weights 335 grns. Look at Midwayusa and search 50 cal pistol bullets. They have a pretty good selection of .500 size for the 50 AE. I shot the combo out of my 1-48 twist 54 cal Lyman trade rifle this past week. This is not the ideal twist for sabot shooting but it did print an honest 2 1/2" 3 shot group at 60yds. 85 and 90 grns of Goex fffg. Next time I will take it out to 100yds and see if things stay consistent. The holes were nice and clean so I think they were flying right.
Title: Re: .54 cal bullets?
Post by: OutHouse on August 20, 2015, 09:26:16 PM: Powerbelt Pure Leads. It is unconventional but they are a conical with the plastic piece at the back to dig into the rifling. They shoot very well.