What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

[CAVEMAN]

I was lucky enough to take a shot with a black powder rifle one day and it was a memorable experience, such a different sensation to a modern firearm.

So lately I've been toying with the idea of getting a rifle for a bit of fun. What i would like some input on is what do you need to start at a baseline. Nothing fancy just whats required to load fire and clean. I've got a bit confused in my research as whats needed and whats desired, so if someone can give me the bare bones of what i need to enjoy myself it would be much appreciated.

[Oldbloke]

I am assuming muzzle loader here. (From memory)

Powder 3f or 2f
balls
Powder measure or scoop
caps unless it's a flint lock
Wads (cotton cloth)
Lube (there r many recipes)
Pipe cleaners
Hot soapy water for cleaning and a jam tin. Lol
Brush and jag
Rags. Lol
Oil
Container for powder.
Ball puller in case u fuk up. Lol like I did.


Check out this bloke. (Old school) lol

https://www.youtube.com/user/historicaltrekking

Noisy dad and bigpete are the local experts

P.S. I must shoot mine more often.

[CAVEMAN]

Thanks for the info.

Yeah just a percussion cap muzzle loader, something basic.

[Oldbloke]

Thanks for the info.

Yeah just a percussion cap muzzle loader, something basic.

Lol. They are that,,,,,basic.
Shop around, I got a used on good condition cva percussion for $250.

Something I fell for is twist rate. Try to get one that shoots minnies/bullets. Better for hunting. Mine is ball only.

[CAVEMAN]

Didnt even think about that, will have to look into that.

[No1Mk3]

G'day CAVEMAN,
As a rule of thumb the long rifles such as Kentucky, Pennsylvania etc in all calibres such as 31,36, 45 will shoot ball better than bullet, either solid or Minie, the shorter rifles such as Trade, Hawken, Plains etc will shoot either, and the military replicas such as Enfield, Zouve etc will shoot Minie and solid better. The smoothbores are best suited only for roundball or shot. As a minimum you will need a single load powder measure, don't be conned into loading from a flask as there is a distinct safety problem that the new BP shooter should not have to worry about, some lube, 50/50 beeswax and vegetable oil is what most of us use, but almost even straight dishwashing liquid works, you only need a smidgin, then rifle, caps, powder and clear the decks! That is what I started with 50 years ago, using a Hawken in 45 cal, purchased Minies which are dear as buggery so it will lead you into casting your own as a next step in BP shooting. Accesorys that are good to have even from the start is a bullet puller that screws onto the end of your ramrod, and a purpose made ramrod to avoid damaging the one that comes with your rifle/musket. Cleaning is warmish water and dishwashing liquid with a bristle brush and patches and an old toothbrush, rinse with boiling water then oil. Be aware the BP can be more addictive than heroin, Cheers.

[on_one_wheel]

+1 on looking for one with a tight twist.

Most modern replicas seem to be 1 turn in 48" which is only good for patched round balls.

I'd be going for a .45 cal with a 1 in 20 twist if you can find one. It'll open up your options for sending a huge variety of projectiles down range, be more accurate and versatile.

[CAVEMAN]

Excellent points all round, and much appreciated.

Now i'm located in SEQ, i know Rebels is the go to around here. But just looking around i'm finding it hard to find rifles. Anybody know of a source with a bit. Happy for interstate transfers and such just so i know where to look.

[No1Mk3]

G'day CAVEMAN,
Down here, Forbes Wholesale, Graeme is the biggest BP importer but some folk have a poor opinion of his attitude. Personally I have never had a problem with him, very dry sense of humour though and can be, shall we say, a bit crotchety? Centreway Firearms in East Keilor always carries a few muzzle loaders, John & Paul are easy to deal with, and up North give Owen Guns a try, he used to have them as well, Cheers.

[Oldbloke]

G'day CAVEMAN,
Down here, Forbes Wholesale, Graeme is the biggest BP importer but some folk have a poor opinion of his attitude. Personally I have never had a problem with him, very dry sense of humour though and can be, shall we say, a bit crotchety? Centreway Firearms in East Keilor always carries a few muzzle loaders, John & Paul are easy to deal with, and up North give Owen Guns a try, he used to have them as well, Cheers.

+1 for John & Paul.

[Gamerancher]

I was told last weekend that Graeme has sold up, arrogant c#nt would be a better description of the man. ( Yes, I have dealt with him)

[No1Mk3]

G'day Gamerancher,
Interesting news, I knew he was looking to sell up and retire so he must have found a buyer or just thought it was time. Your opinion is shared by many, but as I said I always got along. Perhaps I just struck the good days? Cheers.

[Gamerancher]

Yeah, well, when you just dropped $3k on a rifle and another $300 on a part for another, you don't expect to be abused and accused about not doing something that you have already done. ( Payment )

[bigpete]

+1 on looking for one with a tight twist.

Most modern replicas seem to be 1 turn in 48" which is only good for patched round balls.

I'd be going for a .45 cal with a 1 in 20 twist if you can find one. It'll open up your options for sending a huge variety of projectiles down range, be more accurate and versatile.

1 in 48 is fine for both, 1 in 72 is usually just round ball, 1 in 28 is usually just minies

[Gamerancher]

In .45 cal,1 in 18 shoots Creedmoor or Postell styles @ 540 grains out to 1000 yards quite well.

[bigpete]

In .45 cal,1 in 18 shoots Creedmoor or Postell styles @ 540 grains out to 1000 yards quite well.

Do you mean 1 in 48 ?

[Gamerancher]

Nope, 1 in 18. It's a common twist rate in black powder cartridge rifles and muzzle-loading target rifles.
My front stuffer is the Pedersoli Gibbs Long Range, 1 in 18.
Here's my first crack at 1000 yards with it. Shot prone with a sling. Vernier tang rear and Globe front sights.
Load was: 535gr Creedmoor bullet, 20:1, cast from a Buffalo Arms mold, 105gr of 1.5F Swiss powder, Remington #11 percussion cap. SPG lube.
That's the official size target, black "aiming" mark is 44".

Gibbs 1000 yds.jpg (95.34 KiB) Viewed 9183 times

[Oldbloke]

Ball starter.

traditions-deluxe-bullet-starter-32-58-cal-a1336.jpg (19.23 KiB) Viewed 9154 times

[perentie]

In .45 cal,1 in 18 shoots Creedmoor or Postell styles @ 540 grains out to 1000 yards quite well.

Good one. They seem to be mainly thinking of front stuffers. Lets get more into cartridge rifles and we might get some more competitions going

[Gamerancher]

Trust me mate , I'm trying. Have been pestering the powers that be to get a proper "Creedmoor" shoot going, for both cartridge and front stuffers. Had nothing but resistance, usually due to ignorance of what is required and what these rifles are capable of.
P.S. Plenty of muzzle-loaders out there that have tight twist barrels. Originals were around 1 in 20, Metfords even had gain twist rifling.

[perentie]

Yes , I had the pleasure of competing in the 2006 World Creedmoor at Brisbane that Graham Wright of SSAA Big Bore organised. US Aus and NZ were all that competed. Three of us were from our little country range here. Cant seem to find the links but it was a great shoot. I was younger then.

[perentie]

Creedmoor no 2 001.jpg (158.59 KiB) Viewed 9112 times

OK. Here is me at (I think) 800 yds.

Dave Gullo is down there somewhere in the smoke

[Oldbloke]

Looks like your laying down on the job mate.

[perentie]

Us Old Blokes need a bit of a camp now and then

[on_one_wheel]

One of these is essential if you want to hang with the cool kids in the front stuffer brigade

8 ball starter

20200801_192238.jpg (2.37 MiB) Viewed 9026 times

[CAVEMAN]

One of these is essential if you want to hang with the cool kids in the front stuffer brigade

20200801_192238.jpg

Was that taken from one of Napoleons men at Waterloo?

[bigpete]

One of these is essential if you want to hang with the cool kids in the front stuffer brigade

20200801_192238.jpg

Don't need it if you cone your muzzle

[on_one_wheel]

One of these is essential if you want to hang with the cool kids in the front stuffer brigade

20200801_192238.jpg

Was that taken from one of Napoleons men at Waterloo?

It was taken from The Commercial on a Friday night
They play 7 ball there now