My First Burnside - Percussion Cap/Powder Selection

**Mike McDaniel** · 10-04-2020

I've heard of people getting very good accuracy out of a Burnside with round balls. The rate of twist isn't that high.

**Eggman** · 10-04-2020

Absolutely. Best consistency by far. Use the glob of lube lube system. Also round balls loadable into the curled in case mouth.

**Duigiud** · 10-05-2020

Originally Posted by Eggman

Absolutely. Best consistency by far. Use the glob of lube lube system. Also round balls loadable into the curled in case mouth.

Eggman, what is the caliber of round balls for the Burnside?

**Eggman** · 10-05-2020

As I recall I used .559 which was large enough to grab the rifling. Lee version is sprueless. No longer shoot Burnside -- traded it for Maynard and Nirvana.

**EPPS1919** · 10-05-2020

.562 round ball is what most people shoot

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**Eggman** · 10-05-2020

Yeah I used that size too. Can't remember any significant improvement. I believe I still have both (Lee and Lyman). Holler if interested in a used.

**Carolina Reb** · 10-05-2020

I've shot those too. For some reason, my 4th model decides once in a while to throw one completely wild. I'll get a 1" group going at 50 yards, then one will go completely out of the scoring rings. Never figured out why, and it doesn't do it with regular bullets. Well, each one of these is an individual for sure.

**noonanda** · 10-05-2020

Accurate makes a couple good Burnside bullet molds, Ive got the 56-50 throwing a .563 bullet. Ive been using the plastic cases and just got a sizing die to bring my bullet down from ,563 to .561 . I am working up a couple loads using GOEX. You can use regular 4 wing caps.

http://www.accuratemolds.com/catalog.php?page=25

**rcbloom2** · 10-21-2020

Originally Posted by Eggman

Hi Dui,
Go to Lodgewood Mfg. You not only need .562 bullets and musket caps (any brand will do), you also need some cartridge cases. Lodgewood has some nylon ones cheap.
I don't use black powder substitutes. It seems contrary to nature. But if you insist, you'll probably find a modern gun store with the stuff. There's a ton of information on Burnsides on this site if you use the search up above. Good luck! By the way, use LOTS of lube on your bullets. Crisco will do.

Says bullet should be .562. Do you have issues seating these bullets in the nylon and brass cases? Too large?

**Carolina Reb** · 10-21-2020

My Accurate 56-390A drops at 0.560". With the brass cases I have to neck expand some cases to get them to seat. If you go with 0.562" you may have to size down a bit.