Hey guys, i missed my chance of getting my black powder licence because i had to work this year. But i really love it and wanted to get as much practive as possible. Me and my buddy went out today and bought powder, the lubricated patches, .50 cal balls, the caps and a few other odds and ends. We went up to the range by stokes state forest and set up a target 25 yards away. We shot 6 shots (it was 4:00 when we got there and got drak by 4:45) we forgot a screwdriver so we couldnt agjust the sights but all shots were VERY close together and when i aimed lower i got one right above the bulls eye. I was impressed on the pattern the gun left. We had ALOT of fun and got some tips on powders and shot to use from some older black powder guys that were really nice. we got home and made a solution of water and detergent and cleaned the barrel of the gun, then used a combo lube, cleaner, solvent spray. By the way this is a hawkens gun.

If you guys have any tips on anything black powder, (none of that inline stuff lol just joking) please let me know. Also whats the best way to store the powder and supplies? thanks alot guys.

Store your powder in the original can, if possible, or a good flask. I'm bad, I do keep my hunting horn filled during the season so I don't have to mess with transfering BP. Caps stay in the cap tin. Keep your rifle clean and lubed, and it will do almost anything you ask of it. I suggest picking up a Lyman BP manual, and you might order a catalog from Dixie Gunworks and Track of the Wolf. Both will have a lot of tools and information in them that you can use.
Good to see somebody else likes traditional muzzleloaders.

http://mamaflinter.tripod.com/beginn...ers/index.html

Thanks alot guys, me and my friends are going out tommarow again to shoot, i cant wait. we hope to shoot as many rounds as possible, my friend had said that you should run a normal cleaning patch through after each round. is this true? i will need to pick up a ball starter though as last time we had to use the ram rod the entire time. Are there any tricks or tips you can suggest to us? what range should i sight the gun in for? i was thinking 50 yards cause that way i know i can shoot 50 yards and anything farther will be cake. I was shooting at 25 yards the toher day and i could hardly see the different areas of the target. thanks alot guys.

Wipe between shots? It depends.With genuine BP, you will need to wipe at least every fourth or fifth shot. A ball starter makes loading much easier, particularly if you have a tight patch/ball combo. If you are shooting round ball, sight in about 2 to 3 inches high at 50 yards, and you will be in the ballpark at 100 yards also.