Description
Let’s talk about what you’re really looking at here. The Hornady .495 Diameterrd Ball is exactly what it sounds like: a pure lead, round ball projectile designed for muzzleloading rifles and pistols that require a .495″ diameter ball. It’s a classic, no-frills component for the black powder shooter who values consistency and a proven design. I’ve loaded these behind a healthy charge of FFg in my own .50 caliber Thompson/Center Hawken more times than I can count, and they’ve always performed exactly as expected. At $15.02 for a box, you’re getting a fundamental piece of the traditional shooting experience.
Here’s the thing—modern shooters sometimes overlook the importance of a quality round ball. It’s not just a hunk of lead; it’s the final, critical link in the ignition chain. Hornady’s swaged lead construction ensures each Hornady .495 Diameterrd Ball is uniform in weight and dimension, which directly translates to better accuracy downrange. You eliminate one major variable right out of the gate. They’re drop-in ready for loading, requiring no additional sizing or preparation, which is a huge plus when you’re at the range or in the field. Just patch and load.
Key Features & Why They Matter
Precision swaging is the secret. This process creates a perfectly spherical ball with minimal seams and a consistent surface. That uniformity means each ball seats with the same resistance against your patch, builds consistent pressure upon ignition, and flies true. It’s a simple product, but that precision engineering is what separates a Hornady ball from a cast ball you might make at home with more variance.
Compatibility is straightforward. This .495″ diameter ball is the standard for .50 caliber muzzleloaders using a patched round ball system. You’ll find it’s the go-to for rifles like the Thompson/Center Hawken and Renegade, Lyman Great Plains Rifle, and many traditional-style pistols. It’s designed to be used with a lubricated cotton or linen patch, typically in the .010″ to .018″ thickness range, to engage the rifling properly. The total projectile weight is right around 177 grains, giving you a solid balance of mass and velocity for hunting or target shooting.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Diameter | .495 Inch |
| Projectile Type | Pure Lead Round Ball |
| Approx. Weight (per ball) | 177 Grains |
| Primary Caliber Use | .50 Caliber Muzzleloaders |
| Construction | Swaged Lead |
| Surface Finish | Lubricated |
Pros, Cons, and Straight Talk
The Good: The consistency is the top selling point. You get a box of identical projectiles, shot after shot. The swaged construction means no sprue to worry about orienting in the barrel. They’re convenient, reliable, and from a trusted name in ammunition. For the price, they save you the time and hassle of casting your own while delivering superior uniformity.
The Considerations: This is a component, not complete ammunition. You need black powder or a substitute, patches, lubricant, caps, and the knowledge to load safely. They are only for traditional, patched ball shooting—not for use in sabots or modern in-line muzzleloaders designed for conical bullets. And like all pure lead projectiles, they can deform if handled roughly.
Who This Is For
This is for the traditionalist. The hunter who enjoys the ritual of loading a sidelock rifle for deer season. The rendezvous shooter competing in paper target matches. The hobbyist who appreciates the history and mechanics of black powder firearms. If you own a .50 caliber replica rifle or pistol and shoot patched round balls, this is your standard ammunition. It’s also a perfect, low-pressure way for a new shooter to get into muzzleloading without the added complexity of casting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use these in my modern .50 caliber in-line muzzleloader?
A: No, you cannot. Modern in-line muzzleloaders are almost exclusively designed to shoot saboted jacketed bullets or full-bore conical bullets. The Hornady .495 Diameterrd Ball requires a rifle with a slower twist rate (like 1:48″ or 1:66″) and is loaded with a cloth or lubed patch. Using a round ball in a fast-twist in-line rifle (like 1:28″) will result in very poor accuracy.
Q: What thickness patch should I use with these .495″ balls?
A: Patch thickness depends on your barrel’s groove diameter and personal preference for loading effort. A good starting point is a .015″ thick, pre-lubricated cotton patch. The combination of the ball and patch should require a firm, steady pressure on the ramrod to seat. Experiment with different thicknesses to find the best accuracy in your specific rifle.
Q: Are these suitable for hunting deer in Missouri?
A: When loaded with an appropriate powder charge in a capable rifle, a .50 caliber patched round ball is absolutely a proven and ethical choice for whitetail deer at reasonable ranges. Always check the current Missouri Department of Conservation regulations for muzzleloader season specifics and any legal requirements regarding projectile type.
If you’re stocking up for the next black powder season or a weekend at the range, these Hornady balls are a reliable staple to have on your shelf. They are available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide where regulations permit. Find them in the muzzleloading section and pair them with some good quality patches.
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