School me on cleaning, please.

[Desk Jockey]

I bought a Thompson strike and want to get it zeroed for next deer season.

Before I shoot it, I want to get supplies and be ready to clean it. Other than touching off a few rounds from friends, I know nothing about muzzle loaders and black powder so you won’t insult me by explaining the basics.

One nice thing about the strike is that it breaks open like a shotgun and you can unscrew the breach plug to get access to and clean the barrel. If I do the bath tub thing, do I need to soak the receiver too?

Also, stupid nude question - does anyone make non-corrosive powder pellets and primers. Seems like that would be a No-brainer, but what do I know.

 

[rayporter]

blackhorn 209 is the easiest to clean. it is called non corrosive and you just use standard solvents and clean like any rifle. but it does not come in pellets.

I would still advise cleaning after shooting, noncorrosive or not.

it is a great powder but needs a special breech plug - and don't forget to put anti seize on the breechplug.