I started BP hunting with an old fashioned side hammer percussion gun using Buffalo bullets that were pre-lubed and didn't require a patch. It seemed every time I took it out it was damp from light rain or snow and I had trouble getting it to fire. I finally got an in-line BP rifle after snapping several caps on a buck that was just standing there staring at me. The gun finally fired but it was a hang fire and I flinched and missed.

I now have 2 in-line BP rifles, one for me and one for my wife. I have taken one deer with mine several years ago and I am just now getting back into using it in hopes of getting another. Since getting back into BP though, I am now interested in taking the old style gun off the wall and giving it another try. My younger brother has bagged two deer with a patch-and-ball from a gun he had never even shot until he shot the first deer (it was borrowed from a friend).

So not to be out done and having the desire to get a deer with a historical style gun and ammo, I would like to get mine ready for next year. Can someone give me a brief intro on how to select ball ammo and patches?

Thanks.