First Range Trip

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Broadbill

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May 8, 2006
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Well it took me over a year to get the components together and now tomorrows the day. I realize there must be tons of stuff I should have but I'm hoping I have enough to safely fire this baby. Please let me know if I'm mistaken or horribly wrong.

I have a 50cal Investarms percussion Hawken
.490 round balls
.010 and .015 prelubed patches
.015 Unlubed Patches
FFFG Triple7
FFG Shockeys Gold
Adjustable powder measure
#11 Percussion Caps
Ball starter
Bore Butter

Am I missing anything critical?
Roughly how many times can I fire it before it gets all fouled up?
I just want to have fun, no problems or stuck balls.
I'm figuring to start with the Triple7 at 60grs, I probably won't even open the Shockeys tomorrow.

Please, any advice welcome.

Broadbill
 
Do you have a plan & tools to remove stuck balls?
I run a cleaning patch down the barrel after every shot or two. Doesn't take long for what you gain.
 
A good cleaning of the bore to ensure no petroleum based oil in it before hand. A bore brush for scrubbing if fouling gets heavy. A ball puller JUST incase one forgets to put powder in before the ball. Ear/eye protection. A nipple pick/wrench to remove/clean a fouled nipple. All in all... ya have a good list goin' on there. You'll love how clean the 777 is for shooting.
 
I bought one of those screw type extractors for the ramrod but thats about it. I don't have an additional range rod. What do you clean with between shots?

BB
 
I don't see how you're going to get the powder from the can into the measure - use a dipper or fill a flask with a spout to fill the measure. Fill the flask with a funnel.

Cleaning patches; they're larger in diameter than the unlubed .015 shooting patches & will do a better job. Leave the unlubed .015 patches at home.

Nipple pick is useful, but not mandatory.
 
alemonkey said:
Believe me, the screw type ball pullers Suck with a capital S. Eventually you'll want to get a C02 discharger.
Click to expand...
I've got a CO2 inflator for motorcycle use (retired, takes WAY too many cartridges to inflate my bike's tire size)... me thinks me needs to shop for a nipple adapter for mine.
 
I've got a CO2 inflator for motorcycle use (retired, takes WAY too many cartridges to inflate my bike's tire size)... me thinks me needs to shop for a nipple adapter for mine.
Click to expand...

I don't have an actual CO2 discharger, but how's this for redneck engineering....I brew my own beer (hence the username) and I have a little handheld C02 charger that uses airgun cartridges and hooks to kegs to dispense them at parties so you don't have to haul around a heavy C02 bottle. I found if I stick that over the nipple and hold it just right it will blow the ball out. Then I can use the rest of the cartridge to drink beer:evil:
 
Quick thought, lubed patches can smolder and be a fire hazzard, careful where you shoot !! Otherwise, have fun, and learn as you go like most of us have done.
 
CO2 Ball dis-charger is a good recommendation because you "will" forget sooner or later to put the powder in first. Especially the older you get. Some ranges require them for safety before they will allow you to shoot BP. A good .50 caliber patch jag is very useful as is an extra "range rod" or even just a spare ramrod. Some basic tools are nice to bring with you in case you have to perform some field maintenance. Don't forget safety glasses as well! I know I have forgotten more items but other posters will surely fill in what I've left out. Have fun, be safe and good shooting!:)
 
alemonkey said:
I don't have an actual CO2 discharger, but how's this for redneck engineering....I brew my own beer (hence the username) and I have a little handheld C02 charger that uses airgun cartridges and hooks to kegs to dispense them at parties so you don't have to haul around a heavy C02 bottle. I found if I stick that over the nipple and hold it just right it will blow the ball out. Then I can use the rest of the cartridge to drink beer:evil:
Click to expand...
I likes it !! And... waste not, want not ! Lastly... how kewl is finishing up a day of playing, by... playing with sampling a fine beverage !?!
 
Believe me, the screw type ball pullers Suck with a capital S. Eventually you'll want to get a C02 discharger.
Click to expand...

+1 If you search some of the black powder forums you well find a LOT of people have tried to use one of the screw type pullers and just made matters worse.
I think alemonkey is on the something, I like dual usage tools.
 
A log book to record your shots and document the group size.
 
Don't get me wrong, a dedicated C02 extractor would work much better and I do plan to buy one. I just had a stuck ball one day and got sick of trying to use the screw extractor. I just haven't got a round tuit yet. Round tuits seem to be in short supply around my house.
 
That's because the round tuit stock isn't being cut into tuits on the table saw... instead they're being used as bungs on the kegs. :D
 
Thanks to all of you.
I just wanted to let you know it was a success.
I only shot a few rounds but I met two guys who were very knowledgable and wanted nothing more than to help a newby.

I shot 60 and 70 grains of FFFG Triple7 with both 010 and 015 patches and a 490 ball.
I ended up liking 60grs and the 010 patch.
I swabbed after every 2 shots.
My last three shots grouped under 1 1/2" at 50yds, and thats with my old eyes.
I haven't fired iron sights in years.
I looked all over and couldn't find a fired patch, just wanted to take a look.
I had more than one that the cap didn't fire on the first try. I ordered a new nipple. Mine was kinda mushed from experimental dry firing over the years. I may have to push the caps on a little tighter also for better ignition.
Today was all about safety and fun not shooting style and accuracy.
I can't wait until next week to try again.

Thanks again,
Broadbill
 
A day at the range

is almost always better than sex , more rewarding , less bitching , and much less expensive . :D
You win ! Glad you had a good time .

Jaeger
 
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