What Muzzleloading Stuff Did You Do Today?

tjiann · Mar 31, 2023

aussie pete said:
A picture is probably the best tjiann, to explain what I mean by a fine sight - see my image below the text. I do like the trashcan target minies, as out to fifty metres I find they are very accurate with light loads. My aim here, (no pun intended, right?) is to enjoy the '53, yet save on powder consumption. Real black powder here in Australia is expensive. Another mold I like too in the '53, saving on lead and powder, is the Lyman 575494 - again image below. The Lyman 575213, 510 grains, is a good mold too, but the melt really disappears when casting! More powder required for these too.

When I first started shooting this rifled musket, I was lubing the minies by dipping them into the melted beeswax lard mix (70/30) with needle nose pliers; I loaded them as is, simply using the muzzle to remove the excess lube. This proved to be horrible for accuracy at 25 metres onwards. On the advice of one of our stalwarts here, he firmly told me I had a good lube, but too much of it, the excess preventing the skirt of the minie from being bumped up into the rifling. So, I made my little funnel device to remove the excess lube, and hey presto, the little darlings actually grouped! Then, I was watching the European Nationals on YouTube, and noticed that nearly all the military competitors were using a filling of corn meal over their powder, before seating the minie. I did this, and my groups shrunk again. Mind, all these targets that I present are shot sitting down at a bench with the rifle resting solidly on a front rest, supported by a small bag at the rear, taking care to follow through at the shot.

There are others on the 'net who write they get consistent two inch groups out of their 53s at 100 metres. I'm sure not there yet, and probably never will be, but I'm more than happy with my current results. I've got a leave pass from OC Home Command again tomorrow, so I'm going to attempt another run at 100 metres with the trashcans, and if time, a group at 50 metres with some 562 round balls. We'll see ...

Cheers, Pete

View attachment 211166
View attachment 211168

Incredibly helpful Pete. Thanks for taking the time to provide a detailed response and pics. Really appreciate it!

I need to make this funnel tool as well. I am guilty of the same excess lube on my Minies.

Tim

Tim

aussie pete · Mar 31, 2023

SciAggie said:
A posted a while back that I bought an unmentionable - and waxed my Jaeger in apology. This was my first unmentionable purchase in probably 25 years. Well, it turns out I had to return the 21st century wonder gun to the factory due to issues. So - I'll still be carrying my 18th century flintlock turkey hunting in the morning. It is reliable and accurate. I thought there was irony here that many of you could appreciate.
View attachment 211144
#turkeys_beware

Wonderful image. Makes me want to go out in the bush for a few days! Thanks for posting,

Pete

64Springer · Mar 31, 2023

Walkabout · Mar 31, 2023

Bought a Lyman Trade Rifle .54 cal on GB. Had a .50 Trade Rifle years ago and I was feeling nostalgic. Hope this one shoots as well.

Century to late · Mar 31, 2023

aussie pete said:
A picture is probably the best tjiann, to explain what I mean by a fine sight - see my image below the text. I do like the trashcan target minies, as out to fifty metres I find they are very accurate with light loads. My aim here, (no pun intended, right?) is to enjoy the '53, yet save on powder consumption. Real black powder here in Australia is expensive. Another mold I like too in the '53, saving on lead and powder, is the Lyman 575494 - again image below. The Lyman 575213, 510 grains, is a good mold too, but the melt really disappears when casting! More powder required for these too.

When I first started shooting this rifled musket, I was lubing the minies by dipping them into the melted beeswax lard mix (70/30) with needle nose pliers; I loaded them as is, simply using the muzzle to remove the excess lube. This proved to be horrible for accuracy at 25 metres onwards. On the advice of one of our stalwarts here, he firmly told me I had a good lube, but too much of it, the excess preventing the skirt of the minie from being bumped up into the rifling. So, I made my little funnel device to remove the excess lube, and hey presto, the little darlings actually grouped! Then, I was watching the European Nationals on YouTube, and noticed that nearly all the military competitors were using a filling of corn meal over their powder, before seating the minie. I did this, and my groups shrunk again. Mind, all these targets that I present are shot sitting down at a bench with the rifle resting solidly on a front rest, supported by a small bag at the rear, taking care to follow through at the shot.

There are others on the 'net who write they get consistent two inch groups out of their 53s at 100 metres. I'm sure not there yet, and probably never will be, but I'm more than happy with my current results. I've got a leave pass from OC Home Command again tomorrow, so I'm going to attempt another run at 100 metres with the trashcans, and if time, a group at 50 metres with some .562 round balls. We'll see ...

Cheers, Pete

View attachment 211166
View attachment 211168

Great idea!

Omahkapi'si · Mar 31, 2023

Placed an order for this hat to round out my persona.

Yukon · Mar 31, 2023

smokepolehall said:
I finished a 45 gr antler measure, has a protruded lip n hole drilled n lanyard installed. Have a 25 gr n a 50 gr antler measure drilled but not finished. Attached my butt plate on my butt stock for my UnderHammer

Must be in the air.
I done about the same. Made a 80 90 100 grain antler measure.
Took a dremmel and groved inside for marks 80 the lowest and 100 to the top level.
But these ice cubes and Ginger Brandy says it's time to relax till tomorrow

Dale Lilly · Mar 31, 2023

Made a sheath for my latest knife; perused this great forum [as usual] and loafed. Now I am taking my lovely lady [Little Sparrow] to dinner... barbecued ribs I bet

.

Polecat

Grenadier1758 · Mar 31, 2023

Set up camp at the trade Faire at Fort de Chartres. Waiting for the storms to show up.

TDM · Mar 31, 2023

Hope the weather cooperates for y'all.

Bunk · Mar 31, 2023

Today was a busy day casting 200 of the 124 grain Colt Cartridge Works bullets thanks to Eras Gone (shameless plug) to feed my 1851 Navy in percussion mode with paper cartridges or when it is in the 1871 .38 Colt unmentionable disguise.
It goes two ways and in either way is a hoot to shoot.
Tomorrow is clean the RCBS Pro Melt take it completely down and get rid of the dirty that has built up.
Respectfully submitted
Bunk

Bunk · Mar 31, 2023

TDM said:
Mine is 1-66, haven’t tried fillers in my rifles, but I do used lubed over powder wads, used them for several shots today but didn’t seem to help. I’m just going to right it off as an off day. Tomorrow I’ll shoot my SMR, doubt I’ll be disappointed. Fingers crossed.

any day spent shooting is not and off day
Not very productive perhaps, but not off.
Bunk

JamesA · Mar 31, 2023

Put this on layaway. Could have paid it off but the wife would kick my [behind]. CVA, 58 cal, double set triggers, I like that it is browned instead of blued, no brass, 32 inch barrel. I have no idea if it's a good shooter, I bought it because of the wood. It's used so the price wasn't too whacko....

Boys get older and become men. It doesn't mean they have to "grow up"

.

Sparkplug · Mar 31, 2023

Just finished makin a batch of 100 #10 and 75 #11 caps. Best friend will be here tomorrow to learn about the smoke poles his dad left to him.

Maybe I'll convince him to hold on to 'em!

Bunk · Mar 31, 2023

JamesA said:
Put this on layaway. Could have paid it off but the wife would kick my [behind]. CVA, 58 cal, double set triggers, I like that it is browned instead of blued, no brass, 32 inch barrel. I have no idea if it's a good shooter, I bought it because of the wood. It's used so the price wasn't too whacko....

View attachment 211388 View attachment 211389

Boys get older and become men. It doesn't mean they have to "grow up".

I would say there are a lot of hard workers in Washington D.C.

JohnBHM · Mar 31, 2023

I wrapped up work early, came home and cleared my bench. After a little something to eat I finished assembling the Woodsrunner. Now the work begins.

Dale Lilly · Mar 31, 2023

JamesA said:
Put this on layaway. Could have paid it off but the wife would kick my [behind]. CVA, 58 cal, double set triggers, I like that it is browned instead of blued, no brass, 32 inch barrel. I have no idea if it's a good shooter, I bought it because of the wood. It's used so the price wasn't too whacko....

View attachment 211388 View attachment 211389

Boys get older and become men. It doesn't mean they have to "grow up".

I have two CVA Mountain Rifles, .50 cal. Your .58 big bore is more valuable, and the wood is very nice. Treasure it; they are great shooters. I would not sell either of mine for $500. Congrats. Polecat

pacanis · Apr 1, 2023

Grenadier1758 said:
View attachment 211357

Set up camp at the trade Faire at Fort de Chartres. Waiting for the storms to show up.

I have a candle holder very similar to the one in your picture. I didn't realize it was fashioned with any historical significance.

Gordoncourtney · Apr 1, 2023

I won at holts auction a tatty 8 bore percussion in need of love for £126

And I also won a pair, double , .5 no 2 rifled barrels by Wesely Richards

I’ll get them to post it. I usually collect but not with price of uk fuel now. Miles away top of Norfolk fuel cost £160. No way packing delivery up to 3 weeks £24

purchases

Sale S0323 Lot 2009A - 30 Mar 2023 Norfolk

Lot Detail Sale Info Enquiry

A SET OF WESTLEY RICHARDS .500 (W.R. NO.2 EXPRESS) DOUBLE-RIFLE BARRELS, serial no. 14181,

£200 - 300

Purchased for £260

Sale S0323 Lot 2033 - 30 Mar 2023 Norfolk

Lot Detail Sale Info Enquiry

A 8-BORE PERCUSSION SINGLE BARREL SPORTING GUN BY J. TRASDALE, CIRCA 1850, no visible serial number,

Gordoncourtney · Apr 1, 2023

Gordoncourtney said:
I won at holts auction a tatty 8 bore percussion in need of love for £126

And I also won a pair, double , .5 no 2 rifled barrels by Wesely Richards

I’ll get them to post it. I usually collect but not with price of uk fuel now. Miles away top of Norfolk fuel cost £160. No way packing delivery up to 3 weeks £24

purchases

Sale S0323 Lot 2009A - 30 Mar 2023 Norfolk
Lot Detail Sale Info Enquiry

A SET OF WESTLEY RICHARDS .500 (W.R. NO.2 EXPRESS) DOUBLE-RIFLE BARRELS, serial no. 14181, £200 - 300

Purchased for £260

Sale S0323 Lot 2033 - 30 Mar 2023 Norfolk
Lot Detail Sale Info Enquiry

A 8-BORE PERCUSSION SINGLE BARREL SPORTING GUN BY J. TRASDALE, CIRCA 1850, no visible serial number,

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