Chip,

I highly recommend shooting at least 2 dozen patched round balls through a rifle right up front. This will help break-in the bore (something plastic sabots cannot do), plus it will help break you in on the operation & workings of your rifle.

Don't worry about accuracy, just set up a target at 25 yds, load up about 70 or 80gr of whatever powder you're using (make that 60 to 70gr if you're using Triple 7), and a .490 ball with a .015 lubed patch and you're all set to fire away off-hand with open sights.

You won't get great accuracy out of shooting balls, but you will end up with a better shooting gun and a better shooter behind the gun.


"Every moving thing that liveth, I give unto you as meat" (Gen 9:3)

Trust God..........but keep your powder dry!