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View Full Version : Loads for a .54 caliber Mississippi



ms3635v
06-22-2010, 02:47 PM
I know have a NIB Euroarms Mississippi that I acquired at the spring nationals. Now it is time to sight it in and I have no idea where to begin regarding loads. I have two molds, one is a Lyman and the other is a Lee. I don not know which will produce the best results, so I would like to poll those individuals who are currently shooting .54's. What mold seems to work best and what would be a good starting powder charge ---I prefer to use Goex fffx. I look forward to any suggestions from .54 caliber shooters. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I have always wanted to shoot a .54, now is my chance and I would like to make the best out of the experience.

Thanks!

Mike Santarelli, Co. B, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, MA Region

hp gregory, 9128
06-22-2010, 03:45 PM
i think you will find that a powder charge of 40 to 43 grns of 3f goex is what most are shooting. i would say the three most popular minies and bullets are the rapine 534400, the edington wilkinson bullet and the lyman minie. however i know that bobby elka is in the process of making up some of his cast iron 54 moulds. these are of the highest quality and are of a proven design. bobby placed second in the musket agg this spring using this exact bullet. lens lube or the equivilent will handle the lube chores. you will need to size the bullets so that they have a slide fit on a clean bore. not to tight and not to loose. i like for mine to scrape ever so slightly when loaded. this should get you in the ball park. you can fine tune from there.

hp gregory

Tom Magno, 9269V
06-22-2010, 03:58 PM
I use the Edington Wilkinson, sized to a slip fit as HP described, over 42 grains 3F Goex. Shoots great.

ms3635v
06-22-2010, 05:27 PM
Thanks for the help HP and Tom. I am looking froward to shooting this rifle!
Mike Santarelli, Co. B, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, MA

Jim Leinicke 7368V
06-22-2010, 06:08 PM
HP- Being from out west, I don't know Bobby Elka. I am, however, a .54 freak and so am very interested in trying yet another bullet. Can you tell me how I may contact Mr. Elka? I would like to know more about his moulds.

My .54 Mississippi rifles have all been distressingly individualistic. I had one that just loved the Edington picket bullet, but most do not. I have a Harpers Ferry with a Hoyt liner that is about perfect with the Rapine 534400 over 41 grains of Swiss 1.5fg, but this load is worthless in my other rifle, which seems to prefer about 40 grains of GOEX 3fg behind that bullet. That's what I love about this hobby: You never get entirely on top of it!

Jim Leinicke

hp gregory, 9128
06-23-2010, 07:37 AM
jim bobby is the guy that has made a few of the realy high quality revolver loaders. he has a very very well equipped machine shop at his home and knows how to use it. you can email him at cosworth@rc.net
bobbys one of the good guys.
hp

Jim Leinicke 7368V
06-23-2010, 08:57 AM
Thanks, hp. I understand you also are one of the good guys.
Jim Leinicke

Phil Spaugy, 3475V
06-24-2010, 06:55 AM
Most of my M1841's seem to really like the Rapine style bullet, with 40 to 45 grains of 3 F. I have also had good success with the Lyman .534 bullet.

All that said, its my humble opinion that you just can't beat the M1841 rifle, with all its different rear site variations as a skirmish rifle.

Phil

Jim Leinicke 7368V
06-24-2010, 07:39 AM
You said it, Phil: The Model '41 is the Rifleman's Rifle. It has no equal.
Jim

Jim Leinicke 7368V
06-24-2010, 07:42 AM
Speaking of the Rapine 534400 mould, I have one that casts only .530". Does anyone still lathe-cut these moulds out to a larger size? I need this to cast .539"-.540".

Jim Leinicke

ms3635v
06-24-2010, 08:40 AM
I want to thank those who posted their experiences with the Mississippi and the various bullets and powder charges. While still on that topic, has anyone tried the RCBS .54 caliber Hogdon mold in their Mississippi? I see that it has an adjustable base plug. I use the Hogdon in my .58 with great success, but I was curious if the .54 caliber enjoyed the same success. Let me know if anyone has made an attempt to use this projectile in their firearm and list any pros or cons. I'd be curious to hear what all of you have to say. Thanks in advance!

Mike Santarelli, "Co. B", 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, 229MA

Wayne Shaw, 1985V
06-24-2010, 09:10 AM
Jim I noted this posting a while back for mold service. I have not used it but it may be the ticket for your mold.
Hollowpointmold.com and erik@hollowpointmold.com 541 738 2479
hope this works for you. Wayne Shaw Harlan's Light

Phil Spaugy, 3475V
06-24-2010, 10:00 AM
Speaking of the Rapine 534400 mould, I have one that casts only .530". Does anyone still lathe-cut these moulds out to a larger size? I need this to cast .539"-.540".

Jim Leinicke


Try Charlie Hahn....we can do that for you !!!

Phil

Phil Spaugy, 3475V
06-24-2010, 10:01 AM
You said it, Phil: The Model '41 is the Rifleman's Rifle. It has no equal.
Jim


And I will get to work on another run of M1841 Tee shirts !!!

Phil

John Holland
06-24-2010, 11:27 AM
Phil - Make sure you get some in Size FH....like 2X.....It seems Skirmishing has made me a "Bigger Man" ! ! !

John

Mike McDaniel
06-24-2010, 11:47 AM
Skirmishing...the Sport That Adds Substance :D

Sam Sellaro, 12403
06-25-2010, 04:38 PM
MIke, I think the word you were looking for is Girth.