Tom L ... good luck to you and your father with the new rifles. I am sure he is going to be thrilled. Also you might want to give that to him ASAP and get out to the range right away. Some rifles load and shoot real easy and fast, while others can be more stubborn to find a load.

Speaking of loads, I do not own a Sidekick, But I have read a lot of posts on the rifle because I have considered getting one for testing and playing with at the range here. I have heard a couple people comment on 100 grains of Pyrodex and a 240 grain T/C Mag Express XTP. From all the hunting posts I have read on that charge and projectile that is a meat getting combination.

You might also want to pick up some maxiball in 370 grain. Shoot them if you think the barrel is ruff, and that will break the rifle in faster. You might want to cut the charge back to about 85 grain on the maxiball. They have a lot of weight to them and will really make the rifle kick.You could even try some Powerbelts if you like. The 295 grain is where most people start in their search for the perfect powerbelt...

I would recommend getting Triple Se7en instead of Pyrodex. It burns a lot cleaner (most of the time) but there have been cases of it causing a hard crud ring. If you want to avoid the crud ring and fowling, then get some American Pioneer Powder in 3f grade, not 2f. The 2f grade of powder is very course. APP does not fowl the barrel they claim and it cleans out very easy. Also save some money and shoot loose powder. Why pay all that money for expensive pellets or sticks when loose powder can do the same job for about half the price..

Keep is posted as to how you like the rifle. Get a good range ramrod and then save the one that comes with the rifle for emergency loading in the field.... Good luck!!