I just purchased my first muzzleloader and was looking to purchase a ball starter, powder flask, and a clear measure. If you have an extra one of any of the three I'd love to talk to you about it. I don't have much of a budget so I thought I'd go after some used stuff first to try and save at least a little coin.

I'm also in the market for some round balls so if you can help there please speak up!

Thanks guys.

check your local Wal Mart and see if they have any of the accessories on sale. Last year I was picked up jags for $2.00, a range rod for $4.00, #11 caps for $2.00.. a lot of the things you mention are sometimes on sale at them.

I went there the other day and they appeared to only have 209 caps and sabots, no #11 or roundballs.

There are a TON of ramrods and jags there for very cheap, though. The powder and patches have also been marked way down.

Is it essential to get another ramrod? I just don't see the justification in buying something that came with my gun hehe.

edit: I just noticed you said "range rod." What is the difference?

I just posted a question like this before I read thru. My neighbor has a flintlock and he told me to buy another ram rod cause the one that came with this gun I purchased would most likely break in cold weather.It's like a hard plastic and said a wooden fiberglass or graphite and wood wood be more favorable in cold weather hunting.But I am looking for a kit for it with all the powder measure tools and ball starter myself.

You can make your own short starter...I used a hickory rod a and a wooden handle (like from Hobby Lobby)...Drill a hole through the handle, insert the rod, glue, then when dry, drill a hole through the handle, through the rod and pin with a nail...

For a "flask"...years ago I would use a 10 oz container that contact solution came in...You can use 35mm film canisters for quick loads...And can fashion a measurer from modern cartridges...

What rifle did you buy??? What caliber???

I got a CVA Bobcat in .50 cal. I wasn't really in the market for one though muzzleloading has always intrigued me. My walmart marked their stock of these down to 50 bucks and I happened to take notice and got one after reading what guys on here had to say about it as well as realizing that even video games are 50 bucks these days and I'm far more likely to still be using this 10 years from now than a video game.

How exactly do you make a measurer with a modern cartridge?

The reason I like a range rod is for a number or reasons.. they are usually stronger then the rod that came with the rifle. It saves the rod that came with the rifle for hunting only, where it does the most good. The range rod always get a 32" because you will find the longer rod comes in handy when cleaning your rifle. Don't believe that, take the rod you have with the rifle and drop it down the barrel. Now pull it out. Now think in terms of a patch on the end of that which does not want to come back out the barrel. The longer rod gives you something to grab onto. Also the short rods in the rifle when used all the time seem to end up being shot down range for some reason. The longer rod sticks out in your face, and you remember to take them out.

The thing to remember is, getting the rifle is the first cost. After that you have to accumulate all the stuff necessary to shoot and care for the rifle. Believe me, that can get costly. But in the long run your rifle will shoot better and be cleaner.

You've been far too helpful cayugad. I planned on assembling all the supplies as I got a chance or found a good deal before I even thought about shooting and in the mean time giving myself a course on how to do this. I think it's a good plan and also doesn't cause me to drop another 100 bucks in a weekend.

So you have'nt shot yet Donnie? Let us know how you like it, I am waiting on my Optima Pro, should be next week.

I noticed on your myspace you like Pantera?

My B-in-law is friends with Vinnie Paul and those guys, Vinnie's production company is promoting B-in-laws band Destroyer here in Dallas.

You don't need a powder flask. Just buy the pour spout lid for the bowder you buy. I made my own pour spout for gorex from a short bit of copper tubing soidered in the hole I drilled in the lid. some flex tube with one end sealed makes a dandy stopper in the tool kit but a 375 mag empty closes it up at the range.

Al