Never shot black powder before. I think I wanna try.

Status
Not open for further replies.
NorthBorder

NorthBorder

Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2011
Messages
1,207
Location
2 miles past the end of the earth
Went to a Two Rivers Rendezvous yesterday where only muzzle loaders are allowed. They were all dressed in period clothing and hawking period stuff. Now I really think I got the bug. Looking on line at Dixie Gun Works they have a lot of kits like Traditions, Lyman, or CVA, and my knowledge of such stuff wouldn't fill a thimble. So if I were to pick up either a kit or finished rifle what would you recommend. And, yea, budget is a factor.I know this question is pretty broad, and purposefully, because sometimes when you know nuthing you aren't sure what questions to ask. Just as an aside right now I am looking at this just to blast away at targets and make smoke. In other words, for fun.
 
First a completed rifle usually not that much more than a kit.
Decide style basically long barrel or short.
Flint or percussion.
Caliber. 36 and 45 are minimal to shoot as far as powder and lead. 50-58 little more. Whichever you get the ball should be -.010 of the bore with either a .010, .015 or .020 patch. Best to measure the bore before selecting projectile and patch. Saves on buying so much. I like to go for a .015 patch. Can buy .015 thick cotton pillow ticking at fabric store pretty cheap. Olive oil decent patch lube.
If you choose pillow ticking look up cutting patch at muzzle. Choose a combination that will start with a gentle impact and Rams smooth.
Plenty of powder choices. Real black or numerous black powder substitutes.
You will need equipment. A variable powder measure. Flask or horn, (do not load the charge from your flask or horn. Always put in a measure then barrel.) Very rare but an ember setting off a load from a measure way better than your flask or horn exploding. Treat all powders as corrosive and always clean as soon as possible. Soapy water a good solution. Dry well and light oil. Heavy oil if for storage.
A short starter. Cleaning jag by caliber. Patch chaser jag. Ball puller jag by caliber. A good nipple wrench. A range rod is handy.
A possibles bag or a shooting box.
Search them online and see going prices.
Check pawn shops.
Take a bore light with you. Make sure bore is clean, no rust and putting. Riflings clearly visible, sharp and we'll defined. Good idea to have cleaning rod with loop jag to run a snug patch to make sure the pressure to run it is even through out the bore. Any loose spots are a no.
I found a Traditions Kentucky 50 percussion 80% built in a pawn shop for 150.
If you buy used search net for manual and load recommendations. Start at low end and work up a load that achieves desired performance. More isn't always better so stay in recommendations for the gun.
 
Last edited:
I bought a replica Colt 1860 Army about 30 years ago. The most beautiful revolver ever. I still have most of the original can of fff black powder. You won’t believe what a mess it makes in just a few shots. I spent a lot more time cleaning it than I did shooting. And you can’t put it off or the gun will rust in a hurry. Once every 10 years or so is enough for me.

Disclaimer: I know there are black powder substitutes, but I wanted the authentic experience. Or so I thought at the time.
 
That is a broad question, but maybe look for a St. Louis Hawken. The kits are cool because you get to make It like you want it, but finished would get you shooting quicker. They’re surprisingly accurate too. Mine kicks like a mule :). Fun. Mine is really old. I bought it when I first started working for Bass Pro in 1978. I like the double triggers for setting the front trigger as light as you want it.
 
When I clean my revolvers I disassemble them and soak in a tub of hot soapy water. 20-30 minute soak gets it done. They can get real messy. Especially if you put more than necessary charge in them. On my rifles I use a hose attached to the nipple a small bottle and a tight patch to draw and push the solution. Flushes out everything.
 
Traditions 50 Kentucky pretty good middle road rifle. 1:66 twist ball barrel. Weight is not bad. Kits are decent. 20191018_102034.jpg
 
Mr.northborder, if you do a search for the user frontiergander in this forum it will come up with some great posts of his muzzleloaders. As he mentioned earlier, Traditions brand Hawken. But check out his pics and posts as he works with them a lot and for more than just target practice.
 
The Hawken 50 is a nice handling rifle. The 1:48 twist shoots bullet, maxi, mini and ball well. The rear sight with elevation and windage makes sighting in easy. It has a good range and is easy to maneuver when hunting. Loads can be worked up for enough projectiles to take pretty much any game in north America.
 
very accurate and reliable rifles. I own 2, one percussion, 1 flint. Built my dad one for Christmas one year. Earlier this year I built a friend one. All of them have been 100% reliable, accurate and dependable. The kits lack sights, they come with plastic, but i crap can them, cut my own dovetail and put the rear sight where it needs to be for my eye sight. In truth, its a blessing that they didnt cut a dovetail. The 1:48 twist is excellent with round ball, conicals and even lighter 160gr sabots.

This isn't a st.louis hawken, but the hawken woodsman.. The difference? The name stamped on the barrel :D
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhLzYma6dKhOOKOtpdD4Bw/videos?view_as=subscriber
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Driftwood Johnson
  • Locked
Shooting Black Powder in Cartridge Guns
2 3
Replies
65
Views
21K
Loyalist Dave
Loyalist Dave
E
  • Locked
So... You Wanna Go To Iraq?
Replies
3
Views
1K
pax
P
D
  • Locked
  • Sticky
For the New Reloader: Thinking about Reloading; Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST
Replies
0
Views
105K
DaveInFloweryBranchGA
D
B
  • Locked
All you wanted to Know about Swords
Replies
17
Views
961
Marko Kloos
M
P
  • Locked
AAR Tactical Response Fighting Rifle Mar 12-13 2011
2
Replies
25
Views
735
possum
P
Back
Top