First shots with a new barrel

[skippy 10Z]

I just put on my new GM barrel in 50 cal. and will try to sight in the rifle in a few days.  On the old barrel I was using .498 RB.  Should I start out with something smaller like .490 and work up to .495 and then on to .498 after a hundred or so shots, since the barrel is new, or do you see any harm in starting out with the .498 RB?  The  question is not which ball is best, I'll figure that out later. The question is will any harm be done  starting out with a tighter ball in a brand new barrel? Would appreciate any expert advice based on experience.  Thanks a lot.  Skippy  :grin:

[roundball]

I just put on my new GM barrel in 50 cal. and will try to sight in the rifle in a few days.  On the old barrel I was using .498 RB.  Should I start out with something smaller like .490 and work up to .495 and then on to .498 after a hundred or so shots, since the barrel is new, or do you see any harm in starting out with the .498 RB?  The  question is not which ball is best, I'll figure that out later. The question is will any harm be done  starting out with a tighter ball in a brand new barrel? Would appreciate any expert advice based on experience.  Thanks a lot.  Skippy  :grin:

Soft lead won't harm a hard steel barrel.

Suggestion:

Before you shoot it, thoroughly scrub / clean the barrel in a big bucket of steaming hot soapy water repeatedly to get all the factory machine oils out of the metal.

Then get it 100% bone dry...100% dry...did I mention 100% dry?

Then lube it with whatever you normally use for lube...I happen to believe non-petroleum lubes are best with blackpowder, but lots of people use lots of different things.

Main thing is 100% clean, 100% dry, 100% surface of all area lubed.

Enjoy !

[victorcharlie]

Hey skippy......I bought a GM back in late October......got about 50 rounds through it so far........I've very happy with mine........I've been shooting .490 round balls with .018 patch over 70 grains of pyrodex.........same hole at 25 yards........bounces coffee cans at 100.......very low recoil......

Please let me know how yours shoots!

[crazy frenchman]

:money: Skippy, Proofing the barrle first should be done, Don't know if you know that one should do proof first befor ANY load testing.

[roundball]

:money: Skippy, Proofing the barrle first should be done, Don't know if you know that one should do proof first befor ANY load testing.

As a reminder, this is not some old used unknown barrel, it's a brand new barrel made with modern steel by Green Mountain barrel company, one of the top muzzleloader barrel manufacturers in the country...I've never proofed a TC or a GM barrel...have a houseful of them...

My 2 cents...
 :grin:

[skippy 10Z]

Well thank you guys, I appreciate all of your responses.  I frequent quite a few blackpowder forums, mostly just a reader or lurker or whatever they are called.  Anyway, when I need answers and advice I ask it here. No kiddin. So, if I can stuff those .498s down that new barrel, then that's what I'm gonna do.  As far as proofing, you are right, I know I should, but I also know I probably will not.  My idea of proofing is usually closing my eyes, turning my head and hoping for the best.  So, if I don't post back within the next couple of weeks as a report in on how the barrel did, then you'll know that all of you need to start proofing your green mountain barrels.  Thanks and see you later, Skippy  

[crazy frenchman]

:mrgreen:Roundball, yes I was aware that this was a GREEN Mt. barrel. so that is why the top builders also proof their barrels. I have been and still proofing ALL barrels after 40 + years. I have had a couble of GREEN MT. barrels that did not PASS!!! and also other so call top of the line barrels that also FAILED!!!

[lostid]

i kinda think ya need ta slow down a bit..GM barrels have been "proof" tested for years,, they exceed all recommendations for safety standards.

 the best thing you can do to "learn" your new barrel is to use moderate loads for the first 50-100 shot's. after that patch and/or lube properties can be changed for the most accurate/best load for your rifle and your shooting technique.  Your new barrel will be accurate and consistant only after about 200 rounds using your own shooting style. I'd use the .490's and keep it loose,,ya wanna just cut them threads out and experiment anyway's don't ya?

ain't no need ta "proof" a GM barrel, an ain't no need ta stuff tight ball down a new barrel, you all', can do that if'n ya want.
  But it sure seems ta be the hardway ta get ta bein a good shooter

just get sum powder, an sum ball an shoot