45. T/c Cherokee

southernhunter · Oct 31, 2016

I got some 3fff goex powder and these 240gr maxi balls. I need to work up a load. I have heard start out with the caliber so 45 gr. My question is what min powder charge to give enough energy to take a deer at 75 yards with these bullets?

Smo · Oct 31, 2016

I'm not sure of an answer to your question, but I have killed deer at 50 yards with 60 grn load of fffg shooting a .490 round ball in a .50 cal TC. He went straight into a dirt nap in his tracks...

Matador · Oct 31, 2016

I think you asked what is minumin charge to use this bullet and kill a deer out to 75 yards. Are you shooting it or a someone else. Theses little rifles are perfectly capable of handling 70 to 90 grains of powder.I think somewhere in this range will be a very accurate load. I personally wouldn't want to start with less than 60 grains for the range you suggested.

southernhunter · Oct 31, 2016

I will be shooting, the gun was a gift to me at age 12. I want to use it but not abuse it. I have read the stocks was weak.

Brisco Darlin · Nov 1, 2016

i would say .45gr is a little lite for that. I shoot 90 gr out of a .50 and shoot a 385 gr buffalo bullet . works like a charm.
try 65gr and work up from there.

southernhunter · Nov 1, 2016

Re: 45. T/c Cherokee ( pic update )

I got to the range today, 60 grs of 3fff/240 gr maxi ball . First two shots was touching at 45 yards. Moved out to 85 yards first shot was low but windage was great , made a slight elevation adjustment next 3 shots were on the money ( I am blaming myself for pulling the shots right . Last shot was a center heart shot. ( didn't retake pic )Not sure why it worked out so good today. Main reason I had stopped using this rifle is because I never could get a consistent load. I am happy with the results I got today. If lord willing and I get to go Saturday I will be carrying the Cherokee. Was a gift from my dad and brother at age 12. 27 years later she'll be going hunting again. Thanks for the help guys

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Brisco Darlin · Nov 1, 2016

good deal. I love the old sidelocks and flintlocks. that's all I use.

southernhunter · Nov 1, 2016

I went the in line way when the first knights came out. But the memories of dads cva, the smell of real black powder and bore butter from his muzzleloading box. Made me to ditch the inline and pick up the side lock a few years back.

Smo · Nov 1, 2016

SO is 60 grns you load ? What I have found with the old TC's is they perform well with 60 to 65 grns ,When I shot maxi balls or even Buffalo Bullets I found when I went above those charges things got squirrely . One round high ,one round left ,one round dead on. Later on when shooting round balls I experienced the same results. However I did find out that most of the TC's shooting rounds balls (at least the ones I own) will have another sweet spot somewhere around 85 to 90 grn. From the looks of your target I think you are in good shape. I haven't ran across any critters in Tn that could go very far with almost a 1/2" hole through its heart or lungs.. As long as you take good shots and limit the "Hail Mary" you'll do good.