New to this, several questions...

[dullh]

I am new to this forum and new to muzzleloaders. The muzzleloader I have is a T/C Encore Stainless 209x50. A couple questions...first keep in mind I got all my start-up info from a friend who has been at this a while, I don't doubt him, just wanted to get some more varied opinions...

1) How do your clean your muzzleloader? My friend suggested nothing more than a bucket of hot soapy water, let the patch pull the water up the bore and dry swab after. Sounds easy enough.

2) He uses .430" 300gr XTP's, that's what I got along with a pack of T/C sabots, but when I look around the 'net I see alot of muzzleloader hunters using .451" bullets more. Any advantage one over the other?

3) I have a jug of FFg Triple Seven, what's the difference between FFg and FFFg? Also, is Shockeys powder worth the extra couple-a-bucks over Triple Seven?

Thanks for any input...

-Harry

 

[arcticap]

1. Using water is probably the most popular method. Waterless cleaning can also be done using a variety of BP solvents. It depends on the powder used and personal preference. But which ever method is used, there's nooks & crannies, threading, trigger and action parts, nipples, rifling grooves & such that can require additional individual attention and elbow grease.


2. I don't think there's much of any difference, it's based on individual results with a particular sabot/bullet brand combo. that people choose to shoot and hunt with.
The .430's are generally just not as popular maybe because of smaller bullet selection and sabot availabilty. But I don't think that it's based on accuracy issues.

3. The difference between ffg and fffg is the size of the individual powder granules with fffg being smaller. fffg contains slightly less air space between the grains of powder and may not require as much effort to compress and flows better. They are generally interchangable with fffg shooting slightly cleaner and with higher velocity.
Shockey's ffg is larger grained compared to just about any other powder. 110 grains of it may be required to equal 100 grains of black powder, while only 85 grains of 777 is required to equal a 100 grain volume of another powder, or 15% less.

I buy APP (American Pioneer Powder) fffg for much less per pound than its twin Shockey's which I only see in ffg or sticks. The stick form has been criticized for inconsistencies, and the ffg requires more volume because it's very chunky, but otherwise it works. It's also said to absorb mosture if not kept tightly sealed.
It's also said to not compress 777 too much when loading bullets on top of it. But everyone uses their own loading methods.

 

[mykeal]

1. I agree with the bucket of soapy water, followed of course by a bucket of clear rinse water. Lots and lots of different cleaning methods and formulas out there, but soap and water work and they're the cheapest.

2. What are you using the gun for? Your choice of projectile really depends on what your target is. For instance, I certainly wouldn't be using those .430 rounds for moose.

3. FFFg has smaller granules than FFg. FFFg is generally a pistol and small caliber rifle primer. FFG is a shotgun and large caliber rifle primer. The line between large and small rifle caliber is about 50 caliber. However, FFFg and FFg can be interchanged with good results anywhere except at the extremes of that range, so using either in your .50 is ok. As for Shockey's vs 777, I've only used 777, so I can't compare them. 777 does have compression issues as articap mentioned, so don't over do the force when loading the bullet; just make sure the bullet is seated on the powder and no more.

BTW, I don't use 777 any more except in 'emergencies'. I use real black powder. I can get it mail order for about half what 777 costs locally.

 

[DrLaw]

Welcome

One of the best things that you can do for yourself is to use that search function above and dedicate some time here. Also, googling Black Powder helps, too.

If you can think of the question, it has probably been brought up here before.

BTW, that's a new b-p. Now you need (yes, need) Traditional!!!

The Doc is out now.