I have entered to BP world

[DennisCA]

RE: http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=142118

I just purchased a Traditions Kentucky Pistol: Caliber: .50 Cal and would like some load recommendations, plus a tips you may want to pass along.
A freind of mine suggested I get the following:
As a minimum, I would recommend the following supplies to get started:
.490 round balls
0.15 lubricated patches
Goex FFF black powder, or Pyrodex P black powder substitute
Ball starter
#11 percussion caps

Also when I shoot it do i clean it after each firing or how many?

Your (helpful) suggestions/comments are welcome.

 

[Mike OTDP]

Your friend has given good advice. You'll need a powder measure, powder flask, and preferably a dedicated ramrod as well. Avoid the wretched BP substitutes, you'll get better performance with the real thing. Buy some .010 patches as well. And a nipple wrench.

Start with the manufacturer's recommended load...then vary it in 3 grain increments until you start getting good groups. Then fine-tune until the gun is shooting a tight group. I run a wet patch through the bore about every 15 rounds...or so.

 

[Melnic]

Nipple Grease? and is there a difference between nipple grease and anti seize if one already has plenty of anti seize?

Denise, let me know if you can't find No11 caps. I could part out a partial Tin of what I have for someone in need. (I work near Basspro)

All the accessories are almost the cost of half the rifle/pistol. LOL but that's part of the fun I guess?

 

[John from MD]

Also when I shoot it do i clean it after each firing or how many?

If you shoot Pyrodex, you can pretty much shoot all day without cleaning. If you shoot BP, run a dry patch down after every load and it will keep loading easy.

Make sure to clean it ASAP after shooting. I usually carry a spray bottle with water and a little Murphy's oil soap and clean right at the range. Less mess and stink to bring home.

John

 

[Indiana Jones]

For the love of God clean it after firing. (When your done for the day)

 

[budman93]

Also when I shoot it do i clean it after each firing or how many?

If you shoot Pyrodex, you can pretty much shoot all day without cleaning. If you shoot BP, run a dry patch down after every load and it will keep loading easy.

Make sure to clean it ASAP after shooting. I usually carry a spray bottle with water and a little Murphy's oil soap and clean right at the range. Less mess and stink to bring home.

John

Pyrodex is cleaner than BP put still very dirty. If to you shooting a muzzleloader all day means less than 15 shots or so, you might be ok but by then it'll be getting tight.

 

[budman93]

For the love of God clean it after firing. (When your done for the day)

Definitely. He was asking about between shots though.

 

[onthefarm]

I usually swab with a slightly damp patch, then a dry patch between each shot. That is for consistancy and accuracy, not because I cannot force a ball down the barrel.

+1 for cleaning right after shooting, or immediately when you get home. I like to do it at home as I have all my stuff there and can do a thorough job.

You can use .015 or .018 lubed patches, you have to test to see what works.

Good luck on the #11 caps. I haven't seen any in a while, either in stroes or mail order.

By the way, after you shoot this pistol, you might start thinking about a matching rifle......

 

[onthefarm]

Molly's in Kennedyville on the eastern shore had #11 caps, both Remington and a German brand this morning, about 20-30 tins total, $8.99ea. Expensive, I know, but BassPro sold it earlier this year for $8 so not too ridiculous. I am glad to get it from them for that much, though I won't do much stocking up at those prices.

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