New Rifle

Just received my new addition. Traditions deerhunter rifle in 45 caliber. 1/66 twist barrel.
Heading to the range in the morning.
I have 3f powder, both Swiss and Old Ensyford.
I see what the rifle likes best.

Please post a range report when you get back! I bet it shoots great.

I will for sure. I saw where one fellow's best load was 60 grains. I intend to start with 50 grains under the patched ball.

Nice looking muzzleloader my friend.
Please let us know how she shoots!

Respectfully, Cowboy

Nice looking rifle! I have a couple of Traditions rifles and they are all shooters. Hope yours does great.

I have a older deer hunter in 32. It would be fun t find a 45 or 50 barrel for it. I like my little pea shooter.

I made it to the range this morning with my new 45 cal.
I started off with 50 grains of Swiss 3f under the .440 ball with a .010" thick spit patch.
My first couple of shots hit low at 50 yards. Switched to the Old Ensyford 3f, 60 grains, same patched ball.
Much improved. It was a little bit of work figuring out just how to aim the iron sights but I finally got the hang of it.
I forgot to take a picture of my last target. This is the first one though. Maybe not the best grouping but good for me using the primitive sights on the gun.

Had a 45 I built out of scrap parts and a TC barrel 1/60 twist. Used a .440 ball from a Lee mold and pillow ticking patch with Crisco for lube. I named it HOJ (Hunk O Junk). She shot lights out! It was nothing to head shoot cottontails at 35yds off hand. Only competition I entered I won with it. 60 grains of GEOX FFF was the ideal powder load for it. Like a dummy I gave it to my son who has no interest in BP anymore at all. GRRRR.......... Bet yours ends up a deer killer for sure! Good luck and ENJOY the fun.

That is a great start! Looks like it will be a shooter.

I've owned/hunted with two Traditions rifles; a .32 Crockett and a .50 DeerHunter like yours. I had the DeerHunter nearly 25 years and it reaped quite a few deer. The Crockett shot 1" groups up to 50 yards and was the grim reaper for small game. They aren't fancy or refined but they are very good.