Sticky request

dotman said:

I know there are other muzzleloader forums but I was hoping that a few of the resident experts could maybe put a beginners guide up that could become a sticky?

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People have asked me to make a sticky of this list. For those starting out with a rifle, they are often at a loss as to what they need to start shooting. I am not saying this is a complete list, but it will get you started. Also you do not need every single item on this list. It breaks down to which on this list you want to use.

Dave



WHAT KIND OF SUPPLIES DO I NEED TO SHOOT MY RIFLE?
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Black powder rifle supplies

DECIDE ON THE KIND OF POWDER

? Pyrodex
? Triple Se7en
? Goex
? Black Mag3
? American Pioneer Powder
? Black Horn 209

Make sure your rifle can shoot the kind of powder you select. Also decide if you want to shoot pellets or loose powder. Both will work in inline rifles with a 209 ignition system. Loose powder is cheaper. If starting out, I would go with Pyrodex RS or Triple Seven 2f until I establish a load. After that if you want to experiment with other powders, that?s where the fun comes in.

WHAT KIND OF IGNITION SYSTEM DO I HAVE AND WHAT DO I NEED?

* 209 primers
* musket caps
* #11 percussion caps


Rifles normally fall into three groups. The 209 primer, the musket cap, and the #11 percussion cap. But also remember, some rifles are set up to shoot small rifle primers and of course there are flintlocks. But you need to recognize the ignition system your rifle has and also consider the kind of powder you intend to shoot.

For instance, those that shoot BlackHorn 209 powder require a good strong hot 209 primer. The manufacturer often recommends not to use the weaker primers like Winchester Triple Seven or Remington Kleenbore primers. The reason is, the powder needs that hot strong ignition flame from the primer.

On the other hand a person wanting to shoot Triple Seven powder might find that if they use too hot of a primer they get a very nasty crud ring in the breech area of the rifle. A crud ring is powder that is caramelized for better words, from the combination of the heat of the primer and the triple seven powder components. Not all rifles shooting Triple Seven will develop a crud ring. But the problem was so apparent in many rifles that primer companies developed a weaker primer that the company hoped would produce less flame and hence less of a crud ring. These primers include Winchester?s Triple Seven primer, and Remington Kleenbore Primers. These primers still set off most all powders but BlackHorn and when shooting Triple Seven might help in the reduction of any crud build up. This crud ring can be normally easily swabbed out of the bore.

If you are shooting a percussion style traditional rifle, it might have a musket cap or a #11 percussion cap. You can tell which one your rifle needs by the size of the nipple. The musket cap is much larger then the #11 percussion cap. Know what your rifle needs and purchase according.

If you are shooting a flintlock, of course you will need a good quality flint or agate. I like the Black English flints by Thomas Fuller. But I have used agates and had great results with them as well.


TOOLS NEEDED

? See through powder measure
? Cleaning jag
? Cleaning mop
? Patch worm
? Bore brush
? Short starter
? Capper/de-capper - cappers come in different styles. The purpose of the capper is to hold 209 primers, musket caps, or #11 primers and they allow you to carry the caps/primers easier and to reach in hard to get to nipple, like when the rifle is scoped, and still put the cap on with relative ease. The de-capper is a small end that slips behind the 209 primer and allows you to pry the primer out of the breech plug. Also on the other end of the de-capper there is normally a place for you to set a 209 primer and reach into the rifle breech and put the primer in the breech plug.
? Loading jag for the projectile
? Nipple pick
? Breech plug removal tool ? these are often included with the rifle. Also what works in some cases are a socket set with long extensions


CLEANING SUPPLIES
? Isopropyl alcohol 91%
? Car windshield washer fluid
? Bore butter or lube for conical bullets
? Gun Oil ? Birchwood Casey Sheath, REM OIL, Breakfree CLP, Montana Extreme gun products.
? Q-tip safety swabs
? Cleaning Patches
? Bore Solvents
1. Birchwood Casey Bore Scrubber
2. Butch?s Bore Shine
3. M.A.P. ? Murphy?s oil soap, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide

PROJECTILES

? Sabots for the caliber of rifle
? Bullets to match sabots according to the diameter of the bullet
? Conicals


When you select a projectile, often times the manufacturer will give recommendations. I normally start off with some 250 grain Shockwaves and some 300 grain Hornady XTP's with the sabots that come with them. This will get you on paper, sometimes shoot very well, and also get you used to the rifle. After that you can experiment with all sorts of things. Conicals are another area of concern for some. Some states require Conicals for hunting. Look at the BullShop Conicals, No Excuses, and Great Plains if you wish to throw large chunks of lead around.

I am sure I forgot some things. Also I can not stress the value of a good range rod. They are better built then the one that comes with your rifle. They are longer, and can take more abuse. I save the rifle ramrod for hunting and show. Otherwise I get a good range ramrod and do all my loading and cleaning with that.

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