.541s or .542s in my 54 caliber?  There’s so much variation in barrel diameters it’s impossible to know.  I am willing to send a sample of one or the other diameter if combined with an order of other products.  Many just order a box of one size and ask for a sample of the other.  This will only work if you send a note reminding me of the need for the samples.  Even then, it’s iffy……….

Montana legal? Absolutely!  The full size conicals are Montana legal according to the recent muzzleloading regulations.  They have no skirts, sabots or gas checks.

Are No Excuses bullets prelubed?  Yes, the conicals are prelubed with a special lubricant specifically designed for use with black powder and other Pyrodex type powders. Sorry that it can be a bit messy in it’s application.

What if some of the lube rings are not completely filled?  The bullets were designed to have twice the amount of lube capacity than needed to effectively reduce leading in your bore.  Often times when the bullets are being lubed they will not fill completely.  It’s OK, it will not affect accuracy.

What if the lube appears to have dried out and looks a bit chalky?  First off, you need to shoot more!  Seriously though, the lube and bullet will shoot just fine.  If you want to touch it up with a little Bore-Butter, that’s fine but isn’t necessary.

They load surprisingly easy.  Is that a problem? They were designed to load easy and not be deformed during the loading process.  They are cast from pure lead and because of that, they obturate (belly out) when fired engaging the riflings on the way out.  There is a danger, however if the bullet is too loose.  It is important that the bullet always stays firmly seated on the powder charge.  If it migrates off that powder during normal hunting or travel, then your particular bore may not be suited to utilize No Excuses in the ordered sized diameter.  We offer nearly all of the 50 caliber bullets in .500, .501, .502, .503 and .504.  Unsure what size you need?  Historically, .503 diameter bullets were made and shot from nearly all muzzleloading platforms.  While they may fit and shoot from those platforms there may be a different diameter bullet that fits better and will shoot better.  It’s a pain to build so many different diameter bullets-I get it!  But, I think it’s worth it and believe you will see the difference.  So, if you are one of “those people” that demand the very best from your muzzleloader and want to know exactly what bullet fits and shoots best from your gun we offer a “Sizing Pack” that takes all the guess work out of it.  Check your particular manufacturers recommendations for suitability.  (Fouling the bore will often aid in securing the bullet over the powder charge).

Can No Excuses bullets be returned if I order the wrong ones? No.  I can no longer attest to their diameter/quality or that they have not been altered in some way.  Sorry-please don’t ask.  It’s for the safety of others.

Can No Excuses be used in conjunction with pellet charges?  They can be, but several customers have had difficulty getting them to group well with pellets.  If you are having difficulties with accuracy, try some loose powder and see if accuracy improves.  It is not a problem with the bullet design but an issue with the amount of applied pressure to the bullet onto the pellets during seating.  One or all of the pellets get crushed during the loading and causes inconsistencies in the burn rate from shot to shot. (at least that’s my belief).

Loads hard in my Gonic?  Gonic guns seem to have a particular tight bore by design.  Especially in their 50 caliber models.  Most of my customers have discovered that the .500 bullet does the trick.  

Bullet length vs. diameter?  A couple states out west have adopted a law stating that they bullet length cannot exceed twice the diameter of the bullet.  Only the 50 caliber 420 and 460 grain bullets can pass that requirement.  The 495 grain bullets exceed it by a few thousandths and the 600 grain bullets are 1/4 inch too long.

Wads?  After years of tinkering with treated fiber wads I believe that they can definitely improve the accuracy of many guns.  I usually try to use the Ox Yoke variety in one size larger than the bore size, i.e. if I’m shooting a 50 caliber bullet I use a 54 caliber wad. They will often turn a mediocre shooting gun into a tack driver.  They do have a tendency to “swab” the barrel each time they are loaded and may minimize the “fouling” effect from the previous shot.  This may or may not be a good thing on those bores that are slightly oversized.  In a nut-shell, I’d do your own testing on your individual gun.

Recommended loads?  I can only tell you what I’ve had success with.  Historically, I have only shot Pyrodex P or BH209 and generally between 90-100 grains (by volume).  I’ve been upwards of 120 grains but the modest increase in velocity was overshadowed by the decrease in accuracy.  Recently, I have been tinkering with some loads for a new Accura and have grown to love the BH209.  Shot a lot of Triple 7 as well.  Triple 7 shoots well but doesn’t seem to be quite as clean and requires more frequent swabbing. Both powders burn a bit hotter than Pyrodex so I have slightly decreased the powder charge with outstanding results. Check with your manufacturers for safe load recommendations for your particular firearm.  Start low and work up.

Sizing Packs?  If you have used a sizing pack from another manufacturer like Thor, it has NO value when trying to gauge what size lead bullet will fit your firearm.  Thor sizing packs (and bullets) are copper coated and have little , if any, give when they are loaded.  No Excuses bullets are pure lead and have much more give when they are loaded.  When in doubt-buy a sizing pack!  Don’t forget, my sizing packs are “one-and-done”.  They cannot be used twice, especially with the larger diameter bullets.  You’ll notice as you force the bullet into the barrel it will be quite snug for the first inch or two and then seem to fit correctly.That is because the bullet is no longer the diameter originally packaged and sold to you but has become the diameter of the bore of YOUR rifle.

Montana 2021 draft regulation -Muzzleloader hunters must use plain lead projectiles and a muzzleloading rifle that is charged with loose black powder, loose pyrodex, or an equivalent loose black powder substitute, and ignited by a flintlock, wheel lock, matchlock, or percussion mechanism using a percussion or musket cap. The muzzleloading rifle must be a minimum of .45 caliber and may not have more than two barrels. May not use a muzzleloading rifle that requires insertion of a cap or primer into the open breech of the barrel, is capable of being loaded from the breech, or is mounted with an optical magnification device. Use of pre-prepared paper or metallic cartridges, sabots, gas checks, or other similar power and range-enhancing manufactured loads that enclose the projectile from the rifling or bore of the firearm is also prohibited

Relationship with White rifles?  None, other than I have spoken with “Doc” White several times.  He had probably forgotten more than I know regarding quality muzzle loading rifles and bullets and was a great source of information for our sport.  Sadly to say he passed this summer.  He will be sorely missed. 

Shipping rate increase?  Thanks to the U.S. Mail.  Supposed to go back down after the holidays.

White rifle parts?  Sorry, wish I did.