First blackpowder rifle - Need accessories...

[Firethorn]

I received a .50 cal percussion Hawkins for christmas(can't really hide the sucker), and I need the accessories for it. It was obtained used, without the instruction manual.

For example, what caliber balls do I need/can use? I noticed the local Scheels carries both .495 and .490 caliber balls, but their selection otherwise, is well, poor.

Any good sites that you can suggest would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking for items of reasonable period authenticity for the moment.

For the time being, I'm only looking at target shooting.

 

[Hawken50]

if all you have is the rifle you will need-

ram rod- i'm assuming you got one with the rifle.

round balls- .490 or .495, get both, try both

ball starter- handy but not necessary

patches- precut and pre lubed patches are handy. they come in a couple diffrent thicknesses. get a couple, mix and match w/ round balls to see what works best. generally smaller balls will be better with thicker patches

powder- if you want to use real black powder FF (2F) would be a good bet. substitutes will usually have an "F equivilant" on the label (pyrodex is "R")

powder measure- adjustable ones are fine.

powder flask- for holding powder

caps- your gun probably takes #11 percussion caps. dosen't really matter what brand if you're just starting out.

capper- handy but not necessary till you start heading to the woods with it.

nipple- you gun probably came with one, get a couple more.

nipple wrench- tool for removing the nipple for cleaning.

cleaning jag- you'll get to know this tool well

bore brush- get a couple of the appropriate size

cleaning patchs- just a cut up sheet will work, but you're gonna need alot of them.

patch worm- incase you loose a patch in the barrel

i probably missed something but get that stuff and you'll be good for starting out. i know it seems like alot, but most of it is small stuff. 3/4 of it will fit in your pants pocket.

just remember to clean your rifle after every shooting session. the same day.

 

[4v50 Gary]

The list pretty much covers it.

50 caliber jag - if one isn't already attached to your cleaning rod. You use it for ramming the ball down the barrel and for cleaning it afterwards.

BTW, don't think you have to spend a lot of $ and many buckskinners make their own powder horns, powder measures, hunting (possible) bags, bullet board (holds several patched bullets for quick loading), capper (piece of leather with holes punched in it for a few caps). Goggle buckskinning and you'll find plenty of info including horn making.

 

[georgeduz]

well i can not live without the bullet starter.i shoot mostly balls,

 

[Hawken50]

well i can not live without the bullet starter.

yeah, they do make things alot easier.

 

[sundowner]

instruction manual

If you can go to the manufactors web site and see if you can download a manual for the rifle .

 

[Firethorn]

Thanks for the assistance. I'm looking at the rifle, and the nipple appears to be permanently mounted.

 

[Chawbaccer]

It's unlikely your nipple is permanently mounted. You neen a nipple wrench that fits. What brand is it and you will get some help.

 

[Manyirons]

And if you are actually going to shoot, practice, a RANGE Loading Rod! Rods WITH arms generally weak, good for occasional field loading. Decent cleaning rod, and rubber tube for nipple for hydralic cleaning. You put tube on nipple, other end large bottle hot soapy water, tight-fitting cleaning patch and pump clean.

 

[Blue Line]

Along with everything else mentioned here, I recommend going to the local bookstore mega store or library and grazing the books that can be had there. One author I can recommend is Toby Bridges, he has written several good books on the smokepole subject. In addition, you may want to look into the National Muzzleloading Assoc. Lots of good articles and info every month on everything from traditionalists to the modern plus a calendar of shoots.

Look up pyrodex's website and read some on it, it is supposed to be a lot easier to clean up a gun after shooting. I use regular blackpowder although because I enjoy all that goes with it from the smoke to the smell and yes even the cleaning. I have a TC Hawken and just take the barrel off and use lots and lots of hot Hot water. The hot water heats the barrel and dries the water out then I give it a light coat of oil.

My blackpowder rifles have a fun factor right up there with 22's - Enjoy your new sport.

 

[Firethorn]

Ooops, yep the nipple is removable. Wasn't looking at the right spot.

I figure that I'll buy all the accessories online except for the balls & powder.

Thanks everyone for the assistance.

 

[smokemaker]

Hey Firethorn, you wouldn't happen to be in ND would ya? Scheel's made me think maybe. Maybe Minot, eh? Been there... 5 years... Former AFSC: 4F051 Aerospace Medicine Tech. 5th Med grp attached to the 54th RQF. A pretty girl behind every tree and all that.


(For anyone who hasen't been to ND, there aren't many trees.)

Have fun with the muzzleloader brother.

 

[SASS#23149]

How about a ball puller,for those 'oops' occasions?

I didn't see it so i'll bring it up.It's a screw device that fits on the ramrod for pulling a ball when things don't go as planned.
don't ask me how I know.:banghead:
They are cheap,so get 2 and cut the taper off of one of'em.Then if the pointed one wont quite 'grab' the ball,the blunt one can save the day.
Again.don't ask me how I know.

btw,.our t/c fifty cal. takes .490 balls.

 

[rehoppe]

bullets?

I got a kit from Bruce a while ago and put it together. He does a lot of different bullets. Last I saw he charged $2 a pound plus postage for what he calls 'first pail'. That's what I got and when I weighed some of them they were amazingly close to the same weight. He gets $4 for the ones he weighs for you. Don't know what you have to pay there, but in Denver it's worth the postage. My .36 cal underhammer I got from him is pretty trick as well. I still have to do some trigger work on it. Got it down to a 'hair', well maybe 'half a hair' trigger, now I need to give it just a little more pull. The good news is that if you can get a deal on 000 buck, they shoot great in the .36.

http://www.muzzleloader.biz/

I have no affiliation with Bruce, other than as a customer. And he'll probably tell you a pain in the A$$ one at that! I don't know what else he may have for sale by now as I haven't talked to him in a while.
hop