how to start with my new sidekick

[kwbty]

First hello I am new to muzzleloading. I just got a new SS Sidekick. What is the step to start an set it up, sighting it in, the right load?

[mangulator]

Welcome aboard and congratulation on your new rifle. The first step is to read the instruction booklet that came with the muzzleloader. I like Pyrodex Powder are you wanting to use pellet or loose? I have tried both and for convience I like the pellet. But if you really want to taylor a load the loose type powder is the way to go. I like two 50 grain pellets of Pyrodex with 250 grain Shock-Wave bullets and Winchester 209 primers. When you start make sure the breach plug is well greased with a good quality breach plug grease. Do not over tighten the breach plug just finger tighten and between three and five shots loosen the breach plug. When setting the bullet on the powder charge do not extend the ram rod until you get the bullet about a quarter of the way down the barrel then extend the rod because it is not very sturdy. I would bring to the range a rod of good quality and use the rod with the gun when you are in the field hunting. I would clean the barrel after every third shot to get the best accurracy. Good luck

[kwbty]

Thanks for the info. Think will be getting the .25 breech conversion have read many +++ about it. And will probably use pellets instead of powder for ease. Looking toward 220 Dead Centers. Have read up on the Hubbard rod may get one.

[MikeC]

I got the .25 breach plug as well. I liked the idea of using a socket wrench to install/remove it. I found that after about 10 shots I have to clean it out (primer fouling). It became hard to get the .25 shell out otherwise. I just got some Winchester t7 primers that are supposed to be very clean so I put the original breach plug back in. I haven't had time to try them yet however.