January 8th 1823

[RanchRoper]

My frontier flintlock, 32F today, overcast. Had the range to myself because the other 3 shooters that showed up couldn't shoot from the sheds & benches cuz the big sliding doors are frozen & drifted in. Ahh, the simplicity of shooting black powder...everything I need is in my shooting pouch so I just stand outside and shoot off hand... ...all the other guys left

50 yds, I did manage to tag my little 6" gong a couple of times.

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100 yds, no groups but got on the 10" target at least.

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Great to get out and shoot! Like my new year resolution: more 1823, less 2023! Stay safe, RR

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[Headhog]

Good to have the range to yourself and always good to be out burning powder. As usual great shooting RR. I do believe you have mastered that smoke pole.

Paul

[North Country Gal]

Plus one for shooting offhand. Keep it simple. Great work, as always.

[daytime dave]

Nice job RR. I like your resolution too.
In 1990 I said, "Yeah, I'm a 90's type of guy, 1890's."

[Sir Henry]

Shooting offhand is far mor challenging and much funnier once a person gets reasonably good. Glad you got out.

[fortyshooter]

Another great range day in the book for you RR ! I can't shoot off a bench worth a dang and when I do it will often hit target in a much different spot than when I have it dialed in for offhand shooting which I do all the time. I say shoot it the way you will use it!

[RanchRoper]

I always shoot off hand now, I am glad I spent the time getting comfortable with it.

[Mr. Neutron]

Hey, RanchRoper!!!

Was that 100 yard target shot offhand??? If so, by MY standards for offhand shooting, THAT's a GROUP!!! And a really good one at that!

I envy you guys that shoot that well offhand. It's something I'm trying to work on.

[RanchRoper]

That one was 100 yds off hand. BUT….conditions have to be just right meaning No Wind!!

[Mr. Neutron]

All the more respect for ya, Sir!!!

Hee hee...... Does the wind push them .50 cal. balls around quite a bit?

[RanchRoper]

It sure does. It also pushes the 39" barrel around too.

[Redthies]

Nice shooting RR. I recently inherited a TC Hawken in .50 cal. Any tips you’d care to offer? I know virtually nothing about black powder shooting. I hear caps are scarce these days? I was going to sell it off, but with our current worries, it might be the only rifle left in my safe some day, so I’d best get it figured out!

[RanchRoper]

Caps are scarce up here right now but I’ve read you can find them in the US if you hunt around.
With a caplock you can shoot black powder substitutes. I use Triple 7 powder 2f or 3f. Works great and easy clean up. I have Pyrodex too but it’s dirtier powder to shoot and clean.

Reduce your load with T7 by 15% as per mfg. it’s punchy powder. Good luck!

[Mags]

Right after Christmas, Sportsmans had a lot of black powder and caps.

[Redthies]

Right after Christmas, Sportsmans had a lot of black powder and caps.

Sportsman’s Warehouse? We have one in Spokane I’ll check. North 40 Outfitters is my local shop and they have nothing.

I’ve heard you can convert a cap lock to use large rifle primers too?

RR, you shoot mostly balls or do you ever shoot “bullets”?

[RanchRoper]

Lead balls only from the black powder guns. My cartridge guns are all 45 Colt which I reload. Mostly 250gr lead.

Not sure on your primer/cap question, I only use #11 caps. The reason there's a shortage in Canada is because I have them all.

[Mags]

I’ve heard you can convert a cap lock to use large rifle primers too?

I've heard that too. Supposedly very carefully removing the anvil in the primer cap.

I've also heard of this VariFlame II Large Rifle Primer Conversion for Muzzle Loaders

[Hatchdog]

Right after Christmas, Sportsmans had a lot of black powder and caps.

Sportsman’s Warehouse? We have one in Spokane I’ll check. North 40 Outfitters is my local shop and they have nothing.

I’ve heard you can convert a cap lock to use large rifle primers too?

RR, you shoot mostly balls or do you ever shoot “bullets”?

Morning James,

Next time I’m in Sportsman’s I’ll check for caps. If available I would be happy to pick some up for you and hold them until next time you come this way. I’m only a couple miles east of Deer Park and can meet you there when you drive thru.


Best,
Mike


Mods, the above was supposed to be a PM which I have sent. Feel free to delete this if you choose.

[RanchRoper]

One more tip with black powder rifles, and maybe the most important; follow through on every shot. Don't move! Count to 3 before you move a muscle after it goes boom or you'll miss your mark.

[Redthies]

Thanks for the tips RR! I am definitely going to keep the Hawken now, so I’ll start collecting bits and pieces I need. Lots to learn.