Author Topic: Update an old Charcoal burner (Read 620 times)

DanielWGriggs · « **on:** October 17, 2005, 10:57:47 PM »

What do I need to know that is particular to the Huntsman? I have shot muzzle loaders for 30 years so am familiar with the old ones even have an old Huntsman in 58 smooth breachplug model # unknown.

I've read about the breech plug and needing anti seize. What type works for you?
What powder, ball, primer, combo?
What is the deal with 777 and the ring in the breech area? Do all the Newer powder have the same problems?

cattleskinner · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2005, 05:50:56 AM »

I think I'll take a stab at it. So far between two different Huntsmans I've had, I've tried Pyrodex RS, and T7 ff. The T7 powder is the hotter of the two, and because of that, where alot of the troubles start. Since it's hotter, it causes trouble with the normal grease you use of the breech plugs. I use TC gorilla grease, and still have trouble with the breech plug...it kind of melts the lube causing the plug to get gummed up. I need something that will have a higher operating temp. Some of the guys use a copper anti-sieze that you can find at auto parts stores, and yet others use the teflon tape. I never had any trouble with Pyrodex, and gorilla grease. If you don't swab between shots, you will find that 3-5 consecutive shots will result in the crud ring. I use a bronze shotgun brush to scrape that junk out. When it comes to bullets....take your pick. The last time that I had my huntsman out, I shot a couple of groups of under an inch with the TC cheapshot sabots, and 85gr. of T7 ff powder at 100yds. It's topped with a 4x simmons pro-diamond scope. I've also found that my muzzleloader prefers the Remington STS primers over the winchester primers you find at wal-mart. Overall, I feel that it's one of the easiest muzzleloaders to clean now a days once you get the breechplug out. I'm sure someone will chime in with their cure to the breechplug. Hopefully this helped a bit.

~~~Amos

DanielWGriggs · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2005, 07:56:51 AM »

I have been doing some reading on the new powders as I am used to using goex black powder. I hope to go with Pyrodex RS but haven't decided on loose or pellets. I like the ieda of loose to be able to taper the charge to what shoots best in the rifle.

Are the huntsman's that come in the combo pack with the rifle or shotgun barrel sent with the magnum ?

cattleskinner · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2005, 09:43:30 AM »

I like loose powder not only for the ability to tailor the load to the rifle, but because I'm a tightwad. I can't remember the exact savings, but between the loose powder/pellets, it was something around 2000 extra grains of powder for 5 bucks less money(pyrodex). That being said, I use T7 powder right now, not because I like it more, but that is what I have to use up. It recoils a bit sharper than pyrodex, and makes the breech plug tougher to remove. I will most likely switch back to Pyrodex when this pound of T7 is used up. Even though Triple seven says that you can clean it with water, it still is hydroscopic, and will corrode/rust the barrel like all the other types of powder. Honestly Daniel, I don't know what the current combo packs are shipped with. I had one of the shotgun/muzzleloader combos from about 5 years ago, and it came with the 100gr. limit barrel(but that was all they made then). Truthfully, I wouldn't let the 100 or 150gr. debate influence your decision. You already know what the traditional muzzleloader will do with 100gr. powder or less, and with the new bullets that are made now-a-days, make the muzzleloader a great deer weapon. I think the 150gr. tag is mostly just to sell the "latest/greatest" muzzleloader, 80-85gr. will get the job done to 125yds or a bit more with less wear and tear on you and the muzzleloader. Sorry about the rant. Have a good'un.

~~~Amos

slayer · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2005, 11:52:59 AM »

Beleive it or not, I find that Pyrodex RS is more dirty in my barrel than my Goex FFG of the same 90 grain load. once the Pyrodex is gone, I will just use straight Black

I also dig the flame and smoke form the Black. Jack.

DanielWGriggs · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2005, 05:03:54 PM »

Thanks Guys,
The only reason I am updating at all is because the wife wants to get me something that I really want and not underwear and ties for Christmas and I told her I would like to have a rifled shotgun. Since I love my Handi's and knew a little about the combo guns I asked for one of the Tracker II Huntsman set ups. I have a .223 and .308 and an older .58 Huntsman now. With this addition I will only need rimfire's to have the minimium's covered. Then I can work on getting a few extra barrels for the other frames .44,.280 and the list goes on.

Not worried at all about magnum barrel. Just wondered if anyone had problems with the mag sabots and nonmag loads not sealing.

Currently shooting 70gr of 2F behind the RB in .58. Same load behind the minie 525gr I think would stop a grizz the way it chews up the dirt at the range. I get plenty of lead from there plus My brother is a plumber and rehabs old houses so have a supply.
I guess I will just have to buy a .50 mould RB.