I shoot a lot of centerfire and rimfire rifle and pistol, and some shotgun, in regular smokeless cartridges. But I recently came into some black powder firearms, and I need help... I have scoured this forum and others, and have gathered some info, such as "starter kits are generally junk," and "you will eventually end up with other stuff." Some places people give a generic list of items. The trouble for me is, lack of specific recommendations.
What I have - and these came with no accessories, and no manuals (I managed to find the manufacturers' manuals online):
Please bear with me, as I am still getting a grip on the terminology of the various action types.
The pistol will only be a range firearm, but supposedly a lot of fun (It has double set triggers.) From what I can gather: 0.490 balls and 0.015 patches and 3F powder, and - what - #11 primers? Is it realistic to use, at least initially, one powder for all three firearms, or is it much better to use 3F in the pistol and 2F in the rifles - OK, I can go with that, but it would really help to know one or two brands to try and stick to at first.
I may eventually hunt with the rifles, but I will start on the range to get the hang of things first. And, I KNOW I need to try a bunch of powders and projectiles and primers...but I really would like to minimize the up-front number of items and maximize the probability of success, given that I'm not made of money, OR time...
I think the Knight should use 209 shotshell primers (depends on the powder?) and 2F powder. What primers for the Investarms? 2F powder also?
I'm sort of thinking to stay with balls even for the rifles to start with, to get familiarity. Then to conicals for hunting...
Finally, for the tools/accessories. I really need specific manufacturer and model number of recommended starter, range rod, powder measure, etc, etc as opposed to the generic lists I find on most sites. Without those specifics, those lists might as well be "get a starter kit," but with all the recommendations to get the "right stuff" to start with...I'm lost without specifics.
I appreciate all the help I know I will get, and I'm sure more questions will surface.
What I have - and these came with no accessories, and no manuals (I managed to find the manufacturers' manuals online):
- Traditions Trapper percussion pistol, 50 cal
- Investarms Model 160 muzzleloader, sidelock, 50 cal
- Knight DISC inline, 50 cal
Please bear with me, as I am still getting a grip on the terminology of the various action types.
The pistol will only be a range firearm, but supposedly a lot of fun (It has double set triggers.) From what I can gather: 0.490 balls and 0.015 patches and 3F powder, and - what - #11 primers? Is it realistic to use, at least initially, one powder for all three firearms, or is it much better to use 3F in the pistol and 2F in the rifles - OK, I can go with that, but it would really help to know one or two brands to try and stick to at first.
I may eventually hunt with the rifles, but I will start on the range to get the hang of things first. And, I KNOW I need to try a bunch of powders and projectiles and primers...but I really would like to minimize the up-front number of items and maximize the probability of success, given that I'm not made of money, OR time...
I think the Knight should use 209 shotshell primers (depends on the powder?) and 2F powder. What primers for the Investarms? 2F powder also?
I'm sort of thinking to stay with balls even for the rifles to start with, to get familiarity. Then to conicals for hunting...
Finally, for the tools/accessories. I really need specific manufacturer and model number of recommended starter, range rod, powder measure, etc, etc as opposed to the generic lists I find on most sites. Without those specifics, those lists might as well be "get a starter kit," but with all the recommendations to get the "right stuff" to start with...I'm lost without specifics.
I appreciate all the help I know I will get, and I'm sure more questions will surface.