How hard is it to learn?
 

Hello, I don't really know anything about black power but am kind of interested in possibly getting into it. I don't have anyone who knows about this stuff to teach me so how could I lean about it? Is it hard to learn? Is there good books that teach you? How do you know how much powder to use? Which gun and bullet?

Is it worth while?

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

A. It's not hard to learn
B. I'm sure there are some good books, but the manual you should receive with a new ML should give you the basics.
C. It defintely worthwhile; it increases your hunting seasons, and gives you something else to play with (by that I mean you can spend as much or as little time as you wish working up loads, experiementing with different powders and bullets, etc). It also provides a bit more (maybe a lot more) satisfaction when you take an animal, since you have had a larger part in putting together the components.

I'm sure you'll get a bunch of replies to this question.

Good Luck and have fun.

IM jaybe :)

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

I agree with Jaybee you will love this sport once you get into to it. Also the manual that comes with the gun will lead you in the right direction on all of your questions.

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

Just do it..I let thinking it would be complicated and the short seasons keep me from getting into muzzle loading for many yrs. and I really feel left out because of all the enjoyment lost that I'll never get back.

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

So the manual will tell you how to load it and how much power to put in? Do you need a special scale to measure out the powder? If not how do you measure it?

Also I am very familiar with rifles and am comfortable with them but I have always wondered if muzzle loaders are alot more dangerous to new comers. Is it possible to blow your self up or shoot your self when packing in the power and bullet?

Thanks guys.



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RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

When you think of a muzzleloader, think of yourself as an in the field reloader. If you have ever reloaded shotgun shells or cartridges, you have some of the basics already. It's just that there is no casing. You dump the BLACKpowder, then depending on the projectile you seat that next. After you make your ignition source in the back of the rifle or side if it is traditional, the rest is just pure fun.

Sure there are things you are going to have to learn. Forums like this are a real help in getting started when you do not have someone that can show you all the tricks. The big thing is common sense. If the manual says the max load of your rifle is 110 grains of 2f powder, then they mean it. It does not mean to experiment and see how high you can push the rifle. You are technically making a small explosion when you shoot the rifle. The difference is instead of blowing up, the projectile comes out the end. When it does not that is when you have some real problems.

The manual will help. There are books, video, and forums to ask anything you do not understand. Just decide if you want a traditional rifle or an inline, and before you purchase one, feel free to ask some questions on the board here and decide if this is something you want to get in to. I have a feeling the first time you shoot your black powder rifle they will not be able to get the smile off you for a while. And the hunting with them really makes the whole sport of hunting a new level. Once shot, one kill never meant so much as with a muzzleloader.

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

As others have said, "Just do it". Its really not that tough, I learned on my own before I discovered forums, and with Cayaugad hanging around these parts you cant miss.

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

These guys are being modest. You want to learn quickly? Keep reading these post. I've been learning for months now, and when you have a question, ask it. Cayugad, tripleseven and a ton of others are great and very helpful. I used borrowed equipment last year and I am hooked hard. Good luck.

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

It didddnt take me long to learn. Remember, everyone starts somewhere.

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

Not hard to learn but you need to find some written directions (there are several books or magazines that give you the basic information). Try to read alot and understand that real black powder is somewhat more sensitive than smokeless powder and must be treated with some respect. It is possible (as with anything else) to hurt yourself if you do not follow the procedures as they have been developed. There is basically nothing dangerous during loading if you follow directions and do not cap the rifle before you load the charge and bullet. The percussion cap (primer) is the last thing that goes on just before shooting. I started black powder about 40 years ago and then set it aside. I am now coming back and have almost put the centerfire rifles aside now. The rifles and materials have improved vastly in the last few years. The old "traditional" rifles will still shoot with the best of the newer "inlines" but require a lot more attention to detail and actually can be more fun to deal with. There are a few ultra-magnum muzzleloaders available at very high costs but for most of the people that can get within 100 yards of game anything on the market will do the job. Don't get wrapped up in the cheapest thing on the market just to see if you like it as you will soon be buying another that is more like what you really wanted in the first place. Personally I would steer clear of the Spanish rifles at this time CVA and Traditions due to questions as to how they proof their barrels (there are a lot of owners that swear by the spanish rifle but I put mine in the safe and stopped shooting it with anything but minimum charges).