Flint Lock- Roundballs or Sabot?

WolfeJ · December 11, 2006, 08:41 PM

I was talking to my father today and he was think about switching from roundballs to sabots in our .50cal flint lock Thompson Centers. Anyone use sabots instead of roundballs in there flint locks? Any diffrences? Also I wanted to know if we can use the same type of sabots we use in out in-lines? The ones with the plastic seatings on them.

30Cal · December 11, 2006, 08:51 PM

What twist rate do they recommend for sabots? A roundball gun is typically pretty slow--between 44 and 60 inches for every turn.

Ty

Yankee Doodle · December 11, 2006, 08:53 PM

I use Powerbelts in my flintlock. Load easy, and just as accurate as a patched round ball. However, I have a 1/48" twist. If you have a 1/60", stick with the round ball. I don't think it will stabilize anything else.

garryc · December 12, 2006, 01:06 AM

Not enough twist in a thompson for a sabot. The typical sabot in a 50 will shoot a 44-45 pistol bullet. Note that a 44 mag rifle uses a 1-38 twist. Most T/C's of that type are 1-48, unless it's a round ball gun then it's 1-66.

I'd call Log Cabin Sport Shop and ask him.

Phone: (330) 948-1082

http://www.logcabinshop.com/

WolfeJ · December 12, 2006, 06:39 PM

I talked to my dad, he said his TC is a 1/66 ( 1/60 somthing) and mine is a 1/48. I think from what you guys are saying, I should just stick with the round ball! Thanks!

garryc · December 13, 2006, 11:52 AM

Probably a Pennsylvania Hunter, good gun

Smokey Joe · December 13, 2006, 01:53 PM

Yr. 1 to 45" will probably handle sabots--try it. Yr Dad's 1 to 66" will never stabilize them.

Johnny Guest · December 13, 2006, 02:47 PM

- - and an interesting question.

I feel, though, that it is better suited for the Black Powder and Cowboy Action Shooting forum.

Moved, with redirect left in Rifle forum.

Best,
Johnny

WolfeJ · December 13, 2006, 05:08 PM

Your right, I am a Pennsylvania hunter. Im wondering how you guessed that...

garryc · December 13, 2006, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Your right, I am a Pennsylvania hunter. Im wondering how you guessed that...

Pennsylvania, one of the few states that require flintlocks. I wish Ohio would make primative weapons season sidelock flint or cap lock, no scopes, only.

Actually, the rifle is probably the T/C Pennsylvania Hunter model

MEDDAC19 · December 14, 2006, 10:46 AM

Have you thought about using maxi balls? I hunt with a T/C Renegade, flintlock, in .50, and get good accuracy with maxi's.

WolfeJ · December 14, 2006, 10:01 PM

I really love flintlock season! I like the late seson hunt because the deer are a little more relaxed again, and with the snow I can do some tracking and stalking.

The guns are older rifels, I believe they were my grandfahters's. So Im guessing about 20 or more years old atleast. Mine even has the older style iron shights and dad just bought fiber optic sights for his today, ran about $55 but well worth it. I think hes going to try some diffrent bullets since he has to re-sight anyway. If he does Ill put another reply up.

~I just looked at the guns, my father's looks alot newer than mine and says its a " Hawking". Mine just says who made it and that its a .50 calaber, nothing else. Mine is also about 4" shorter than his. They both have the brass but plate, patch holder, ram rod and trim.

December 11, 2006, 08:41 PM	#1
WolfeJ Member Join Date: December 4, 2006 Posts: 18	Flint Lock- Roundballs or Sabot? I was talking to my father today and he was think about switching from roundballs to sabots in our .50cal flint lock Thompson Centers. Anyone use sabots instead of roundballs in there flint locks? Any diffrences? Also I wanted to know if we can use the same type of sabots we use in out in-lines? The ones with the plastic seatings on them.

December 13, 2006, 01:53 PM	#7
Smokey Joe Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2001 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 2,106	RB's vs Sabots Yr. 1 to 45" will probably handle sabots--try it. Yr Dad's 1 to 66" will never stabilize them. __________________ God Bless America --Smokey Joe Last edited by Smokey Joe; December 13, 2006 at 01:59 PM. Reason: The usual--Had another thought.

December 13, 2006, 02:47 PM	#8
Johnny Guest Moderator in Memoriam Join Date: August 28, 1999 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,123	A worthy topic - - - - and an interesting question. I feel, though, that it is better suited for the Black Powder and Cowboy Action Shooting forum. Moved, with redirect left in Rifle forum. Best, Johnny

December 11, 2006, 08:51 PM	#2
30Cal Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2002 Posts: 1,264	What twist rate do they recommend for sabots? A roundball gun is typically pretty slow--between 44 and 60 inches for every turn. Ty

December 11, 2006, 08:53 PM	#3
Yankee Doodle Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Posts: 619	I use Powerbelts in my flintlock. Load easy, and just as accurate as a patched round ball. However, I have a 1/48" twist. If you have a 1/60", stick with the round ball. I don't think it will stabilize anything else.

December 12, 2006, 01:06 AM	#4
garryc Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2005 Posts: 2,536	Not enough twist in a thompson for a sabot. The typical sabot in a 50 will shoot a 44-45 pistol bullet. Note that a 44 mag rifle uses a 1-38 twist. Most T/C's of that type are 1-48, unless it's a round ball gun then it's 1-66. I'd call Log Cabin Sport Shop and ask him. Phone: (330) 948-1082 http://www.logcabinshop.com/

December 12, 2006, 06:39 PM	#5
WolfeJ Member Join Date: December 4, 2006 Posts: 18	I talked to my dad, he said his TC is a 1/66 ( 1/60 somthing) and mine is a 1/48. I think from what you guys are saying, I should just stick with the round ball! Thanks!

December 13, 2006, 11:52 AM	#6
garryc Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2005 Posts: 2,536	Probably a Pennsylvania Hunter, good gun

December 13, 2006, 05:08 PM	#9
WolfeJ Member Join Date: December 4, 2006 Posts: 18	Your right, I am a Pennsylvania hunter. Im wondering how you guessed that...

December 14, 2006, 10:46 AM	#11
MEDDAC19 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2005 Location: Endless Mts,NEPA Posts: 379	Have you thought about using maxi balls? I hunt with a T/C Renegade, flintlock, in .50, and get good accuracy with maxi's.

December 14, 2006, 10:01 PM	#12
WolfeJ Member Join Date: December 4, 2006 Posts: 18	I really love flintlock season! I like the late seson hunt because the deer are a little more relaxed again, and with the snow I can do some tracking and stalking. The guns are older rifels, I believe they were my grandfahters's. So Im guessing about 20 or more years old atleast. Mine even has the older style iron shights and dad just bought fiber optic sights for his today, ran about $55 but well worth it. I think hes going to try some diffrent bullets since he has to re-sight anyway. If he does Ill put another reply up. ~I just looked at the guns, my father's looks alot newer than mine and says its a " Hawking". Mine just says who made it and that its a .50 calaber, nothing else. Mine is also about 4" shorter than his. They both have the brass but plate, patch holder, ram rod and trim.