RE: Breaking Nipples
 

Ditch the triple 7 too. Go with Pyrodex P or Pyrodex RS. 80 grains of triple 7 tells me that the accuracy is horrible:D Its burning up your patches and theres no way you're getting the accuracy that you should be getting.

I used 60 grains triple 7 and patched roundball and my patches were burned and shredded badly and the accuracy sucks big time.

You did get a great price on that rifle, especially with a .54!

RE: Breaking Nipples
 

Granted, in some cases Triple Se7en will smoke a patch. All you need do is add a bore button. I have a CVA Mountain Stalker in .54 caliber that with 80 grains of Triple Se7en 2f, a wonder wad, and a patched roundball it will shoot groups all day. Also works great on deer. It will drive that ball right through them. Good luck with your rifle.

RE: Breaking Nipples
 

Mine is the Traditions Woodsman Hawkin. I am going to pick up those new nipples today. Not sure what you ean by a stiff load.......just more powder?

I was using 80 grains 777 FFg was siting in the rifle at 50 yards. All my shots were right about 4" and I was working on adjusting the sights when the last nipple broke.

RE: Breaking Nipples
 

80 grains of Triple Se7en is a stiff load. If you were shooting Pyrodex you would have to load over 90 grains of powder to get the same effect. I have two of the Woodsman, both in .50 caliber. A percussion cap and a flintlock. Both are excellent rifles with beautiful wood. You did get an excellent deal on that rifle...

RE: Breaking Nipples
 

Its funny you say that.....I saw a smoldering pile in the grass. It was what was left of my patch burning up! I was out with my boys too so it was not a serious test for the gun. We were more out just having some fun.

I need to get to the range and really work on my loads and sights.

RE: Breaking Nipples
 

Never used a wonder wad. Is there diff thicknesses or are they all the same? I want to at least shoot up the 777 I have now. Not planning on going hunting this season so have lots of time to get familliar with the rifle and loads.

RE: Breaking Nipples
 

Wonder wads can be purchased, made or substituted with stuff like corn meal. Try dumping the powder. Tap the rifle on your toe to level the load. Then add 20 grains of cornmeal down the barrel and tap lightly again. Now load the patch and ball. The patch will look brand new, and the corn meal will help keep the fowling down.

If you have a 1/2 hollow hole punch, go to the lumber yard and get some construction grade wool felt strips. This is the stuff that they pack around doors and windows to weather proof them. Then knock out some of the 1/2 buttons with the hollow hole punch. Put a little bore butter on them, or use with without lube, between the patched ball and the powder and it will solve the burning patch problem. Also many times you get better accuracy...

RE: Breaking Nipples
 

Its easier to just switch powder. Triple 7 isnt exactly all that great. Ive stopped using it due to being on perfect, then a couple weeks go by and its way off. Powder just doesnt hold anything when you put pyrodex next to it.

4" groups @ 50 yards? Did i read that correctly?

RE: Breaking Nipples
 

I am going to try that. I tell you I am hooked on this gun! I cant wait to get it back out! I also saw a smaller .36 cal traditional rifle by traditions that would be great for rabbit hunting. Dont remember the model though.

Thanks for all the info!

RE: Breaking Nipples
 

traditions crocket?
You did good on that rifle, for that prices they are hard to pass up. You could also call traditions and see if they make a .54 flintlock barrel and a lock for it. Just swap'em out and have a sidelock and a flintlock!