I’m a greenhorn to the flintlock world so I have really enjoyed this forum and took the advice of many of you. For the first month of shooting I got a load worked up that shot pretty well at 25 yards and just worked on my loading, flint setting, and basic accuracy for the first month. Second month began to back out to 50 and work on accuracy and off hand shooting as this will be a hunting rifle for elk and deer. As I got more accurate and confident the third month I really honed in on a load that shot well. Last week I got all five rounds in the black circle of a 50 yard MLRA rifle target with a 6 o’clock hold. Tonight I backed up to 75 and to my suprise I got 3 out of 5 in the black, the 2 misses were right close. Tried 100 yards, not good enough to feel confident shooting at deer or elk at that distance quite yet. So gonna go with 70 grains 3F Goex, .018 wonder lubed patch, .530 ball. It shot pretty well with a .015 patch also but it did not like a .020 patch. The .020 shot very high and all over the place. It’s amazing how a little change here and there with powder and patch makes such a difference in how they shoot. So much fun!!
Woodsrunner Ready for Fall
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Glad you’re having fun. We need pics!
The .54 Woodsman's rifle is a top choice piece for deering and elking.
Congrats!!
Congrats!!
Terry Lightle
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Hope to see a picture of it laying across a dead animal real soon
westrayer
40 Cal
That gun will shoot better. It just takes a bit of experimentation with charge and patch. My .54 flinters always seemed to like 90 grains of FFFg. T/C and Lyman Deerstalkers. Sometimes guns will prefer a .535 ball and .015 patch. Others, a .530 ball and .020 patch. Different patch lubes can also make a difference. Likewise 85 grains vs 80 or 90 grains.
TV may lead you to believe that the original shooters just dumped powder down the barrel but is another TV myth.
TV may lead you to believe that the original shooters just dumped powder down the barrel but is another TV myth.
I am confident it can shoot better. Not so confident in the shooter!
westrayer
40 Cal
Yesterday I took the Deerstalker to the range for the first time. First few groups were disappointing, even for a production 1-48" twist gun.
While my old T/C Hawken likes a .495 ball and .015 patch, this likes a .490 and .020 patch. Better groups. Running around 1 1/2" at 50 yards.
So try different combos.
While my old T/C Hawken likes a .495 ball and .015 patch, this likes a .490 and .020 patch. Better groups. Running around 1 1/2" at 50 yards.
So try different combos.
Sounds like you're doing everything just right. Good luck with your hunt!!
good luck
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