Shooting my new flintlock

Tanker · Jul 24, 2019

I got my new pedersoli hawken flintlock out finally today to the range. It shot great. A lot better than my TC PA carbine. I only shot at 25yds today to see how everything worked so I have no idea how longer ranges will be. I started at 60 grns of 2 f. It was shooting about an inch low and the grouping we're about the size of a 50 cent piece. I worked the powder up to 70 grns and the grouping was about a quarter size. Ball size was 530 patch is .18. All shooting was done off a sandbag. Unfortunately a thunderstorm rolled in and ended the range time. Flash to bang was very fast. Can't wait until the next time to do some more testing and work on the load more and sighting it in. Next trip I will move out to 50 yds. I do have one question for the group. I noticed my flint hits the top part of the frizzen. On my TC it hits about middle. Which is correct? Both spark fine but the hawkens definitely Sparks a lot more. Well off to cleaning.

Grenadier1758 · Jul 24, 2019

We aim for the flint to start scraping the frizzen about 1/3 from the top. If the flint is scraping the frizzen and you get good sparks in the pan then it is correct. I would probably put an extra layer of leather under the flint in the T/C and a match stick at the back to provide more of a scrape.

Tanker · Jul 24, 2019

Grenadier1758 said:
would probably put an extra layer of leather under the flint in the T/C and a match stick at the back to provide more of a scrape

I will try that next trip. My 14 yr old son is getting into flintlocks so he uses it now. If I can make it even better for him it might keep him interested in sticking with it.

hanshi · Jul 24, 2019

If it functions well then you got it right.

MSW · Jul 27, 2019

Tanker, you mentioned getting the charge up to 70 grains, which sounds about right for a .54 (which is what I assume you have, since you're using .539 ball). If you want a really cool accessory, check out Dutch Schoultz method. Here's a link:

http://blackpowderrifleaccuracy.com/

I would encourage you to put at least a couple hundred shots through the barrel before you start to do any serious tinkering with load/patch/lube/ball combinations. This will allow for the minor imperfections to smooth out and for everything to settle down. (It's also a great excuse to get to the range more often)

I'm glad your son has an interest in shooting in general and flintlocks in particular. Considering the demographic of our sport, it's great to see someone who isn't a 65+ year old white male making good smoke

Larry (Omaha) · Jul 27, 2019

Tanker said:
I got my new pedersoli hawken flintlock out finally today to the range. It shot great. A lot better than my TC PA carbine. I only shot at 25yds today to see how everything worked so I have no idea how longer ranges will be. I started at 60 grns of 2 f. It was shooting about an inch low and the grouping we're about the size of a 50 cent piece. I worked the powder up to 70 grns and the grouping was about a quarter size. Ball size was 530 patch is .18. All shooting was done off a sandbag. Unfortunately a thunderstorm rolled in and ended the range time. Flash to bang was very fast. Can't wait until the next time to do some more testing and work on the load more and sighting it in. Next trip I will move out to 50 yds. I do have one question for the group. I noticed my flint hits the top part of the frizzen. On my TC it hits about middle. Which is correct? Both spark fine but the hawkens definitely Sparks a lot more. Well off to cleaning.

If it hits 1/3 from the top it should be close as Grenadier said. Every lock can be different with what it likes. Having a longer or shorter flint will make a big difference on striking zone. Don't be fixed on the 1/3 just use that for a starter and experiment. The bottom line is does it spark good and hit the pan? I had a lock once that sparked terrific, but hardly ever hit the pan. In my opinion the geometry of the lock was horrible.
Flintlocklar

Sinner · Jul 27, 2019

Thanks for posting your question Tanker. I plan on getting a flinter soon, and enjoy reading all the advice and tips!

Tanker · Jul 27, 2019

Thanks for all the good advice. I do have the Dutch Schoultz method on print somewhere. I actually forgot all about it until now. I will have to find it and put it to use.

Tanker · Jul 27, 2019

Sinner said:
Thanks for posting your question Tanker. I plan on getting a flinter soon, and enjoy reading all the advice and tips!

No problem I have owned a flintlock for over 25 yrs now and have shot a lot from time to time but I still consider myself a novice at it. I read through everything I can on here to soak up the knowledge. This is a great resource.

Rat · Aug 30, 2019

Whoa.....18" patch. That's a big one. Made out of a blanket? Sure it's not a .58" or .62"?? Ha just kidding, I'm sure you meant .018".

Have fun, flintlocks forever. .018" works good for me, in most of my rifles and smoothbores. I find the .010" material just too thin, but I use heavy loads.

Tanker · Aug 30, 2019

Rat said:
18" patch

Didn't even see I did that. Kind of funny. Maybe it would be from the front stuffer version of the battleship Missouri

Rat · Aug 31, 2019

I agree. The Mighty Mo probably would use 18" patches. And 70 pounds of powder.

Shooting my new flintlock

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