I finally got to the range today after buying a new Lyman Trade rifle, .54 cal. percussion, 1:48 twist. Have been shooting my Omega for years and always wanted a traditional gun.

Have I been missing out on a ton of fun. Wish I would have bought one a long time ago!

I shot PRB's only today and played with some different load combinations. I was using Pyrodex RS, .530 and .535 RB's and .015 and .018 patch material. I used Remington #11 caps. Shot the gun the way it came out of the box after thoroughly cleaning it.

My best group came with .018 pillow ticking, .530 Buffalo Bullet Company swagged round balls. I used pre-cut patches that I lubed with Trappers Pure mink oil, I bought from Track of the Wolf, with 75 grains of Pyrodex by volume.

It was 3 shots touching at 25 yards. Couldn't be more pleased. Started at 25 yds to get it tuned up and the sights adjusted and me adjusted to shooting it. I also hadn't shot open sights in a very long time.

I didn't shoot any loads with more than 75 grains on this outing. Will play with some conicals and more PRB's on my next trip to the range. I have .535 and .530 round balls, .015 pre-cut patchs, .018 pre-cut pillow ticking and some bulk .018 pillow ticking.

Clean up was a breeze. I bought this rifle and accessories based on the reviews and comments I read on this forum. Thanks for the guidance. Can't wait to go back to the range.


Paul