What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Black powder rifles and pistols, reloading black powder, and other information. The smoky stuff.

What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by CAVEMAN » 25 Jul 2020, 8:57 am

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.
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by Oldbloke » 25 Jul 2020, 9:14 am

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.
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by CAVEMAN » 25 Jul 2020, 9:21 am

Thanks for the info.

Yeah just a percussion cap muzzle loader, something basic.
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by Oldbloke » 25 Jul 2020, 10:06 am

CAVEMAN wrote: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.
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by CAVEMAN » 25 Jul 2020, 11:38 am

Didnt even think about that, will have to look into that.
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by No1Mk3 » 25 Jul 2020, 1:13 pm

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.
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by on_one_wheel » 25 Jul 2020, 1:25 pm

+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.
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by CAVEMAN » 25 Jul 2020, 1:33 pm

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.
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by No1Mk3 » 25 Jul 2020, 3:21 pm

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.
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by Oldbloke » 25 Jul 2020, 5:35 pm

No1Mk3 wrote: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.
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by Gamerancher » 26 Jul 2020, 1:11 pm

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)
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by No1Mk3 » 26 Jul 2020, 3:12 pm

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.
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by Gamerancher » 27 Jul 2020, 3:07 pm

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 )
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by bigpete » 27 Jul 2020, 5:23 pm

on_one_wheel wrote:+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
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by Gamerancher » 27 Jul 2020, 5:59 pm

In .45 cal,1 in 18 shoots Creedmoor or Postell styles @ 540 grains out to 1000 yards quite well. :lol:
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by bigpete » 27 Jul 2020, 6:16 pm

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

Do you mean 1 in 48 ?
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by Gamerancher » 28 Jul 2020, 8:46 am

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
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by Oldbloke » 29 Jul 2020, 10:02 pm

Ball starter.

traditions-deluxe-bullet-starter-32-58-cal-a1336.jpg
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by perentie » 31 Jul 2020, 9:21 am

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


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 :D
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by Gamerancher » 31 Jul 2020, 9:50 am

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.
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by perentie » 31 Jul 2020, 5:52 pm

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. :(
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by perentie » 31 Jul 2020, 6:05 pm

Creedmoor no 2 001.jpg
Creedmoor no 2 001.jpg (158.59 KiB) Viewed 9111 times
OK. Here is me at (I think) 800 yds.

Dave Gullo is down there somewhere in the smoke :)
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by Oldbloke » 31 Jul 2020, 6:41 pm

Looks like your laying down on the job mate. :allegedly: :lol:
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by perentie » 01 Aug 2020, 6:48 am

Us Old Blokes need a bit of a camp now and then :)
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by on_one_wheel » 01 Aug 2020, 8:00 pm

One of these is essential if you want to hang with the cool kids in the front stuffer brigade :thumbsup:
20200801_192238.jpg
8 ball starter
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by CAVEMAN » 02 Aug 2020, 8:40 am

on_one_wheel wrote:One of these is essential if you want to hang with the cool kids in the front stuffer brigade :thumbsup:
20200801_192238.jpg


Was that taken from one of Napoleons men at Waterloo?
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by bigpete » 02 Aug 2020, 11:02 am

on_one_wheel wrote:One of these is essential if you want to hang with the cool kids in the front stuffer brigade :thumbsup:
20200801_192238.jpg


Don't need it if you cone your muzzle ;)
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Re: What do you need to shoot Black Powder?

Post by on_one_wheel » 02 Aug 2020, 11:11 am

CAVEMAN wrote:
on_one_wheel wrote:One of these is essential if you want to hang with the cool kids in the front stuffer brigade :thumbsup:
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 ;)
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