OK Help me with my list

[stevinator]

I am going to pick up a 50 cal traditions  percussion deerhunter on sale next week.What should I figure I need to shoot it at a target or two and deer hunt .Items for loading it in the field and cleaning and so on.I figure you guys know what you need and don't need as far as overkill.I will probably shoot powder and round balls out of this gun from what I have learned here.I am sure I gotta have a ball starter and powder flask and measure ,that type of stuff to shoot in the field and probably a better ram rod too.I am curious what you guys like and don't like. Thanks Steve

[necchi]

gimmie a little bit to compile a list of links;

Ya need;
a cleaning jag for the end of your rod like this;
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(mehigfraco0kdt55bcki3f45))/categories/tableList.aspx?catId=6&subId=49&styleId=152&PageSize=25&Page=1
I just use .22 cal 100% cotton cleaning patches for spit patch for between shot wiping, and larger cotton patches for cleaning, but cleaning patches can be any thin cotton cloth, The same thing on the end of your rod WILL seat the ball too.

something to help you handle caps, I like the Riflemens;
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(3eldryjzkb4f3mbdcdy3rx55))/Categories/partlist.aspx?catId=18&subId=127&styleId=417

A nipple wrench, the little one #7064 works,,
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(rwytoh55s21jrc55j3ttrc45))/Categories/partlist.aspx?catId=15&subId=87&styleId=316

Patches for the ball, .15 or thicker, ox-yoke oiled or wonderlube;
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(3eldryjzkb4f3mbdcdy3rx55))/Categories/tableList.aspx?catId=2&subId=33&styleId=112&partNum=OX-15-50-L


Lot's of this stuff is available at sporting goods stores, you shouldn't need to mail order

[stevinator]

Ok I am putting down capper tool of some sort,nipple wrench ,lubed patches for round balls and #11 caps.Cleaning jag and some cleaning patches,I will have to look at the solvents and lubes.Solvents I have a ton of from trapshooting and hunting but maybe not the right stuff.They have 490 round balls in the 100 pk and most everything I listed above,bullet starter also I suppose.I can find a flask and measure of some sort also.This barrel has a 1-48 twist and is 24'' length,what would be a good powder to shoot?

[OB One]

Use Goex fffg black powder if you can find it.  Maybe by asking at the counter at BassPro, Cabelas, or Dick's sporting goods.  You have to ask at the counter as they are required to keep it in the back locked up.  A second choice would be Pyrodex RS and a third choice would be 777.  If you use 777 you need to reduce the load (How much powder) by 15 percent.  Get a brass, adjustable powder measure and start out with 50 grains of BP and work your way up or down to an accurate load at 25 yards.
Do not load powder directly from a flask to your gun. Use the powder measure.  And the most important thing of all is to find someone who is experienced and can mentor you on the proper way to load and shoot a muzzleloader.  Don't trust a salesperson as they are for the most part like a used car salesman.  Good luck
OB

[necchi]

I use Triple 7,
 Believe it or not the best solvent for all the black powders is plain mild soapy water. If you buy the stuff that's all it is.
put 2-3 "drops" of dish soap in a gallon of water and your good to go.
Think "baby bath" temps and soap quantities,,really.
And spit, ya got it with ya all the time and it's free, there is a school out there that shoot "spit patch" alot and very accuratly! I use a single spit patch for between shot swaps, once down and back, toss that patch then load.

Handi link for loading;
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/homestudy/muzzleloader/load.phtml

handi link for cleaning,,Only you DO NOT need to use hot or boiling water!!;
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/homestudy/muzzleloader/clean.phtml

[stevinator]

Keep the ideas coming I appreciate it.I bought the gun today and can pick it up as early as tommorrow.I got some hornady 490 round balls because they were the last box,they have remington #11 caps but no real black powder.They had triple seven and pyrodex rs and pyrodex select rs I believe.I can check where I get my shotgun powder also he may have real goex powder.I have alot of cleaning solvents plus soap and water LOL and realized I have a bunch of rig universal and it says it could be used for ball patches lube.Does that sound right to you guys?

[necchi]

I have a bunch of rig universal and it says it could be used for ball patches lube.Does that sound right to you guys?

Nope, any and all petroleum based products should be kept away from the bore. That's why we all advise to clean the bore of new guns really well, they have a packing/shipping grease.
Any oil left inthe bore will combine with the heat/pressure/residue of BP or fuax BP and become TAR ! Really,, potassium percholate and oil mixed with a little heat and you have thick hard goo that causes alot of problems.
 I've even gone as far as useing gas, and the pump action described in the cleaning procedure to clean new guns.

[stevinator]

Ok so don't use a lubed patch at all then when shooting.At least with some thing petroleum based anyway?I will go through the instructions good too when I get it,I do try to follow directions pretty much on unfamiliar ground.I will want it clean and cared for because my hunting friends always say I am ANAL about my firearms.I have a cheap o/u and clean it and take care of it just like my good one.I just can't abuse a firearm .If you shot maxi balls or hunters out of this gun do you just stick them on the powder with no patch under it?Same way with sabots to I guess.I only have a few of those in 50 cal and 220 grain a guy gave me,he got them in a box of stuff and doesn't have a ML.

[DennyRoark]

You might consider some sort of loading block.  A block of wood that holds several PRB's ready to load in an instant.  Available at Track of The Wolf or I always made my own.  Great for "timed" shoots or a quick follow-up.

If you shot maxi balls or hunters out of this gun do you just stick them on the powder with no patch under it?

Most conicals are designed to shoot directly over the powder charge.  Many people use a fiber wad over the powder.  T/C Maxi-balls (not Maxi-hunters) are notorious for slipping off the charge during rough handling with muzzle down (never a good thing!).

[Swampman]

A bottle of Windex for all your cleaning.  A bottle of olive oil for all your patch lubing.

[Ron T.]

Steve...

You really need to find a mentor, as was previously suggested.  You will find that if you ask 10 black powder shooters as to what to use, you will get 10 different answers, some good... some not-so-good!!!

Eventually, you will find what supplies, cleaning items, tools, etc. you need that work for you... and a local mentor can be of serious help in such matters.

I wish there was one simple formula... one set of instructions... for this kind of thing, but there isn't.  Go... find a MENTOR... and judge the mentor by how well his shots group together.  If he is an excellent shooter, then listen to him... 'cause he's got it all figured out!!!  

BTW, I also shoot a Traditions... a "Shenandoah" .50 caliber rifle... and Traditions recommends a .490 round ball with a .015" patch.  I found that my rifle "likes" a .016-.017" denim patch with a .490 round ball.  Don't forget to WASH your patch material BEFORE using it to take the "sizing" chemicals out of the cloth that the manufacturer put into it.  I cut my material into 2-inch wide "strips" after I cut a 31" square of it.  

I add the 1 inch (30-inches + 1-inch) because about a half inch of the cloth frays all around the parameter of the cloth when it's washed.  Thus, I end up getting 15 strips of cloth 2-inches wide each (totaling 30-inchs).   I place the ball on the lubricated strip (I won't tell you what I use to lube the cloth... you wouldn't believe it), and "cut" it at the muzzle with a very sharp knife after I use my short starter to push the ball slightly below the barrel's muzzle.  

This yields a "perfect patch" around the ball without too much excess cloth ahead of the patch.  I learned these methods from my MENTOR who was, at one time, the State Champion... and, at 83, he still wins a good many of the local black powder matches.  I promised him I would not tell what kind of "lube" he uses... and this is why I can't tell you, but I use the same "lube" he uses... and it works really well.  


Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

[stevinator]

I thank everyone for their ideas and help it really works.I have been on this forum before and I use shotgunworld also because of reloading and trapshooting.What is nice you get to see what others do or don't do.It's nice to know this web site and shotgun world have great people and info  throughout ,not just in the threads you usually frequent.That's why I am not afraid to pick your brains.Just like  trap or reloading questions we respond and some people do things the same way and some don't but the new person gets to see different ideas that they can use or not use and sometimes get the reasons some people do it a certain way.