Random Blackpowder thread.

[bigpete]

Awsome work Bigpete, thanks for sharing those pictures. Love the loading block and mini powder horn, looks handy as for a walk around hunt

Its pretty handy. Plus the mini powder horn is flattened so it sits in your pocket better

[bigpete]

Oh,hang on,what you think is a mini powder horn is actually my antler powder measure

[Gamerancher]

[quote="on_one_wheel"]Looks like it's the right time of year for Muzzleloading state championships. Unfortunately I'm not feeling rich enough to renew my SSAA membership and participate. I might head over for a look though.

Done and dusted according to the dates??
I believe the Nationals are on at Para at Easter though.

[on_one_wheel]

Oh,hang on,what you think is a mini powder horn is actually my antler powder measure

Powder measure Even! Even better... I thought it was a minni horn to hold a few charges

[on_one_wheel]

Looks like it's the right time of year for Muzzleloading state championships. Unfortunately I'm not feeling rich enough to renew my SSAA membership and participate. I might head over for a look though.

Done and dusted according to the dates??
I believe the Nationals are on at Para at Easter though.

Your right. Its the Nationals.
I thought I read "Nationals" but the document I downloaded said "State" then I H OT all confused and didn't even notice the date on that paperwork....

Oh well, Nationals are an even better excuse to get out and about for a look

[bigpete]

Oh,hang on,what you think is a mini powder horn is actually my antler powder measure

Powder measure Even! Even better... I thought it was a minni horn to hold a few charges

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Here's the full hunting setup. 7 caps,6 pre patches balls,antler powder measure, and my flattened powder horn that holds enough powder for 10 full power loads

[on_one_wheel]

It just keeps getting better ...

I made a loading block today, just a little 3 ball one.

[bigpete]

I coned the muzzle on my hawken too. Makes loading heaps easier

[on_one_wheel]

I've just finished casting some pure lead, Lee R.E.A.L bullets.
Apparently they shoot best with a lubed felt wad behind them.
Interested to hear what peoples experience is here.

[LawrenceA]

Heard that to but never tried.
With my Trapdoor the wad helps keeps the barrel squeaky clean

[Oldbloke]

mobile 087.jpg

In the absence of a dedicated blackpowder section I thought I'd start a thread here for random blackpowder bits n pieces... I truly wish we had a dedicated section as I'm getting keen on expanding my BP collection and skill set with flintlock and BP shotgun loads.

As requested by Bigpete, here's a picture of my most recent project... here's cheers Bigpete
I wasn't happy with the modern varnish finish on my replica Hawkins .50cal, so I decided to strip the varnish and finish it in oil for a more traditional finish. I'm even considering refinishing the metalwork in a rust brown at a later stage for that proper antique finish... that'll come later.

After a complete breakdown I simply used some heavy duty paint stripper, scrubbed it under water, scrapped of what didn't budge then spent about 3 hours sanding it down in ever decreasing coarseness until the stock was polished with 000 steel wool.
After applying some boiled linseed oil I discovered that Tung oil is far superior, so off I went to town and bought some along with some Gum Turpentine to thin the first two coats... what! $$$ $$$
It's going to be a time consuming process as I'll need 24 to 48 hours between coats.
Unfortunately I don't have any good close-ups from before but it's definitely looking so much better with the natural finish

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I think I will give my old CVA a spruce up too. I've not bothered because the timber is pretty plain but I've changed my mind after seeing the above.

It will just have to wait now as I'm heading off on a trip.

[bigpete]

I've just finished casting some pure lead, Lee R.E.A.L bullets.
Apparently they shoot best with a lubed felt wad behind them.
Interested to hear what peoples experience is here.

I was using them in my .36,they shot well,didn't use any wad underneath. Shot this goat from 40m and head shot the fox at 50m both offhand with the combo

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Screenshot_20220407-174358_Gallery.jpg (418.33 KiB) Viewed 3887 times

[Oldbloke]

New hunting spot?

[dnedative]

I've just added another front-stuffer to the collection. Nice Parker Hale built .58 calibre Enfield 1861, plan on using it at Easter at the Australian Muzzle-loading Championships. This is an event that has been held at Hill End ( NSW ) for the last 60+ years. Unfortunately, it was cancelled for a number of reasons but luckily a club at Gunnedah has put their hand up to host it this year. The programme has been changed to suit their range but I am going to attend despite the lack of any long range events. ( My favourites )

Found out I've got the weekend off so I might drive up, probably shoot my brown bess and the 3 bander
You wouldnt have the contact details? I remember having or seeing an email but cant find it.

[Gamerancher]

Here's the information I received. I sent an email indicating that I was going to attend, Ken got back to me with a "no worries".

AMLChampionships Flyer (1).pdf

(184.21 KiB) Downloaded 290 times

AMLChampioships Program (1).pdf

(391.75 KiB) Downloaded 372 times

[bigpete]

New hunting spot?

Not really

[Gamerancher]

So, after repairing water leaks in our pipeline, feeding cattle, fixing the truck, finishing a knife build and various other jobs that needed doing, I finally got a chance to have a shot with the Enfield. The shoot I'm going to at Easter has a class for Military musket shot off-hand at 25 yards, so I did the first test for that. First shot/sighter is the one high right, then put 5 shots into the black. Pretty happy with the result. Looks like she's a shooter
45gr 2F Swiss, 560gr pure lead Minie', RWS musket cap.

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