ORIGINAL: Blown Smoke
1st, Can I use Pyrodex P in the flash pan for an
ignition powder?
No...and it won't work as a main charge in a Flintlock either...need real black for reliable performance in a Flintlock.
I have some old Goex FFg I could crush maybe, but I doubtit wouldeven shoot.
Unless the powder itself is contaminated, it should work fine...take a 35mm film canister and fill it half full of 2F, put a lead ball in it, hold the cap on tight and shake it back and forth 15 seconds, look at it, shake more if you need to, etc.
2nd, How often do you have to change the liners at the touch hole, and for whatreasons would I have to change them? Should I order an extra liner with the gun?
Thousands of shots; Yes, a spare for any critical part is always handy in case it's lost during cleaning, etc.
3rd, Do you know what size flints the Lyman's use?
Is thereone type or brand of flint preferred one over the other?
How longwill a flint lastonaverage.
Flints are ordered based upon the width of the frizzen...measure yours...I think it'll be a 3/4" but check to be sure;
Black English Flints are without question the best flints;
(Order 25 or 50 bulk bags from October Country for best price)
I average 40-60 shots per 3/4" BEF in my TC Flintlocks without really doing much to them but cleaning them during the range session...if I knapp them a few times I can nurse them along and have gotten as many as85-95 shots.
Anythingelse you think I should know, I'd be glad to hear it.
Strongly suggest you order someGoex 3F...is actually a little faster than 2F andproduces alot less fouling...also, when you place the order, you can include one can of 4F for priming...and get a"pan primer" with a 3 grain plunger/dispenser tip...they areexcellent for the TC and Lyman size pans, metering exactly 3 grns each time, and filling the pan only half full which is what you want...(keep the prime below the touch hole)...at 3grns per shot, and 7000grns in a pound, one can of 4F will produce about 2300 primes/shots.
MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE:
Bore cleaning, drying, andlubing steps must be done to the 100% level every time or you will have problems.
I think in terms of putting a rifle away in showroom condition every time...a dozen and a half TC Hawkens over the past 15+ years, still look like new...you canafford to take time.....(weeks/months/years).....to learnall the odds and ends about shooting and hunting withFlintlocks.
Butyou can begin losing abarrel inhours if the bore isnot 100% cleaned, then 100% dried, then 100% coated with lube after it's been fired...both Flintlocks and Caplocks.
Enjoy!