Adobe .PDF - Thompson Center Arms

If you are loading a MAXI-BALL ® or MAXI-HUNTER ® proceed asfollows; - Do not use a cloth patch with these projectiles. Wipe the oil fromthe bore and follow the precharging instructions given for your particular styleof rifle (cap lock or flint lock). Use Black Powder or Pyrodex ® only.PHOTO DMark the ramrod at the muzzle. Use amarking pencil to mark the ramrod.This will allow you to ensure that eachball is seated to the same depth. Eraseand remark each time you adjust thecharge or change projectiles. when youarrive at the desired charge, cut a cleannotch in the ramrod so you will have apermanent reference mark. This referencemark will serve as an indicator onlywith the charge and projectile used whenit was marked. When the charge and/orprojectile change, the reference markwill also change.Start with the lightest charges listed in our loading chart for your caliber.Use T/C graduated powder measure and measure each charge carefully. Lubricatethese bullets with a quality bullet lubricant like T/C’s Natural Lube 1000+Bore Butter as shown in Photo “E”. The Maxi-Ball and Maxi-Hunter aredesigned to be shot as cast (not sized before loading). Sizing will alter thediameter of the forward bearing band. This destroys the accuracy of the projectileand dangerously decreases its diameter (a loose fitting projectile canmove off the powder charge). Study Photo “E”. Note how the forward bearingband graves to the rifling when loading. The base of the bullet upsets (increasesin diameter) on firing causing it to fill the grooves thus stabilizing the projectile.Hold the rifle as pictured on page 26 and pour your measured powdercharge into the barrel. Start the lubricated bullet into the bore with your fingers.The base of the bullet and the rear bearing band will enter the bore easilywith finger pressure. The projectile will hang-up when the forward bearingband reaches the muzzle. The diameter of the forward bearing band is somewhatlarger than the rest of the bullet and must be engraved to the muzzle toensure a snug fit. Start the Maxi-Ball or Maxi-Hunter into the muzzle with thestubby end of the bullet starter. Reverse the starter and drive the bullet downabout four inches into the barrel with the rod end of the starter. Now use theramrod to push the projectile the remainder of the way down the barrel untilit contacts the powder charge. As with the round ball, the Maxi-Ball andMaxi-Hunter must be seated firmly against the powder charge. Seat thebullet with exactly the same pressure shot after shot. Study Photo "F”.Remove the ramrod before you prime the firearm.32