[Big Daddy K]

I'm assuming this is an entry level BP.

Just picked up a used one.

Any comments on the gun?

Powder, Primer, Bullet, Cleaning etc.

[GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL]

Big Daddy K..
I just went to the Traditions website. I couldn't find your rifle..

[Big Daddy K]

Barrel says Traditions Lightning-Bolt

Made in Spain
Old Saybrook CT
50 Cal

Not sure how old it is

[SAKOHUNTER]

2004 Black Powder Blue Book says made from 1997-2002 with a last MSR price of $199.

50 or 54 cal. perc.
#209 primer ignition
24" round barrel
Fully adj. fiber optic sights
SS breech plug
Bolt action
6 lbs. 8 oz to 7 lbs 12 oz

100% $180
98% $150
90% $105
80% $75

+$130 for stainless steel fluted barrel and muzzel brake
+$160 for all-weather synthetic/break-up stock and SS barrel
+$80 for SS barrel
+$40 for all weather walnut stock. New 2002
+$30 for blue barrel with muzzel break
+$20 for nickel barrel

A little dated on values but maybe the info will help.

[Big Daddy K]

Thanks.

Mounting a scope now but had problems with the exisiting screws. Seem a little short for the mount and the ones that came with the mount are to small.

I have it pretty tight so we'll see tomorrow when I shoot it a few times.

[mykeal]

I've had this for about 2 years; picked it up at a farm auction. Musket cap nipple, .50 cal, shoots the lighter Powerbelts in 2" groups at 100 yards from 90 gr 777 ffg.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/mykealsm/Guns/Tradtions%20Lightning/834.jpg

[Big Daddy K]

It does use a 209 primer and pyrodex right?

[Big Daddy K]

Minimum gns of pyrodex suggested to shoot out of this rifle?

[arcticap]

If you're shooting longer, heavier bullets (rather than balls) then you need to generate enough velocity to give the projectile the higher RPM's necessary to stabilize out to the distance that you're shooting at.
I'd probably start around 70-75 grains and work up in 5 or 10 grain increments depending on the powder and the distance.
For accurate 100 yard shooting with bullets you'll probably need to use more Pyrodex though unless it's Pyrodex P.
Remember to reduce 777 loads by 15% in volume, and Pyrodex P by ~10%. :)

[mykeal]

Lightnings were made in two versions, 209 and musket cap. Conversion kits are available to switch from one to the other. Don't know which yours is.

Agree with Articap - start with 70 gr and work your way up.