Hornady 6088 Lead Balls 50 Black Powder Lead Balls 175 gr 100 PK Horn 6088 Lead Balls 50 .480 100

The Hornady 6088 Lead Balls are precision-swaged round balls designed for traditional black powder shooting. Each .480-inch ball weighs 175 grains and comes in a 100-count pack—enough for a serious range session or hunting season. Whether you're loading a caplock rifle, smoothbore musket, or revolver, these balls offer the consistency modern shooters expect from a heritage round projectile.

Cold-swaging Hornady's pure lead eliminates the air pockets and voids that plague cast balls, which means tighter shot groups and more predictable performance downrange. The result is a uniformly sized, weighted, and concentric projectile that seats reliably in your powder column and patches cleanly. The smooth, round surface promotes better rotation in the bore and reduces fouling buildup—critical when you're pushing extended strings of fire through a muzzleloader.

Traditional black powder enthusiasts and historical reenactors prize balls for their simplicity and authentic performance. But modern-day hunters and competitive shooters choose them too: there's no sabots to lose, no plastic to worry about, and the pure lead construction ensures soft, consistent expansion on game. If you load patched balls or run a compression-fit system, confirm your bore size before ordering—bore diameter determines the correct ball size for your particular firearm.

Key Features

• Cold-swaged pure lead construction eliminates air pockets and voids
• Uniform size, weight, and concentricity for consistent accuracy
• Smooth, round surface improves bore rotation and reduces fouling
• 100 balls per pack, .480-inch diameter, 175-grain weight
• Compatible with traditional patched-ball and compression-fit loading systems

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber muzzleloader does a .480 round ball fit?

A .480-inch ball is designed for rifles and smoothbores with a .50-caliber bore. Always verify your firearm's actual bore diameter before selecting a ball size, as bore dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers and vintage pieces. If using a patched ball, you'll also need to account for patch thickness.

Can I use these balls in a black powder revolver?

Yes, .480 round balls are commonly used in cap-and-ball revolvers chambered for .50 caliber. Check your revolver's loading requirements and ensure the ball seats securely over the powder charge in each cylinder.

Why are swaged balls better than cast balls?

Cold-swaging eliminates air pockets and voids that can form during casting, which improves consistency and accuracy. Swaged balls are also rounder and smoother, promoting better rotation in the bore and cleaner loading cycles—especially important when shooting long strings of shots.

How much lead is in a 100-pack, and will it last?

A 100-pack contains roughly 1.25 pounds of pure lead. Your supply's longevity depends on how often you shoot; a single pack suits a weekend range trip or small-game hunting campaign, but competitive shooters and serious practice enthusiasts typically stock multiple packs per season.