Crocket rifle debut

[Trapper Scott]

Well, I finally had a decent day health-wise and decided to break the new off of the Traditions Crocket rifle. I shot at 25 yards using Swiss 3F and a mixture of Hornady round balls and some round balls I cast using a Lee mold. I started out at 15 grains using some pre-lubed .018 pillow-ticking patches I got from TOW. My initial shots were a little loose and crazy with a wide pattern. My neighbor came down to participate since he had never shot an ML, I spent a lot of time explaining the process and let him shoot some. I didn't try to shoot too well with him there since he struggled with shooting. After he left, I increased the powder charge to 20 grains and got more consistent groupings. The best group of four shots was about 1 1/2" but I think I can shrink that more with more practice provided my right arm and hand isn't shaking too much. All in all, it's been a great day shooting my new rifle and I was tickled my cast round balls worked so well. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

 

[TDM]

Very nice shooting for the first time out. It can only get better!

 

[deermanok]

That's pretty good shooting right there.
Nice looking rig too!

 

[Trapper Scott]

Very nice shooting for the first time out. It can only get better!

I'm hoping I can get them a little tighter, but it's good enough for small game the way it is I think. I can't see much past 30 yards anyway.

 

[Trapper Scott]

That's pretty good shooting right there.
Nice looking rig too!

Not bad for someone with Parkinson's. I just have to time my shots to my shakes.

 

[Polecat_Tom]

I would be happy with that group for the first time out.

 

[windini]

Looks & sounds like it was a fine day! Nice shootin'.

 

[Trapper Scott]

Looks & sounds like it was a fine day! Nice shootin'.

Thank you. It was a rare awesome day for me. Got to shoot my new rifle and visit with a neighbor.

 

[deermanok]

Not bad for someone with Parkinson's. I just have to time my shots to my shakes.

Yes sir, you'll do fine.

 

[Coolhand]

What diameter round ball were you shooting? I like your ball pouch as well! Did you make it?

 

[Trapper Scott]

I shot a few store-bought Hornady .315 round balls but mostly shot my cast which is .311 diameter. It seemed to like the .311's and they grouped a little better. Yes, I did make the ball bag and put the finishing touches on it yesterday. Thanks

 

[Coolhand]

My .32 shoots the smaller diameter RB better as well, also likes a heavier charge. I like those crockets they are nice rifles.

 

[Trapper Scott]

My .32 shoots the smaller diameter RB better as well, also likes a heavier charge. I like those crockets they are nice rifles.

Yeah, the 15 grains were just lacking a bit, but with 20 grains it perked up. Next time out I may try and bump it up a tad just to see how it reacts.

 

[frankie]

Well, I finally had a decent day health-wise and decided to break the new off of the Traditions Crocket rifle. I shot at 25 yards using Swiss 3F and a mixture of Hornady round balls and some round balls I cast using a Lee mold. I started out at 15 grains using some pre-lubed .018 pillow-ticking patches I got from TOW. My initial shots were a little loose and crazy with a wide pattern. My neighbor came down to participate since he had never shot an ML, I spent a lot of time explaining the process and let him shoot some. I didn't try to shoot too well with him there since he struggled with shooting. After he left, I increased the powder charge to 20 grains and got more consistent groupings. The best group of four shots was about 1 1/2" but I think I can shrink that more with more practice provided my right arm and hand isn't shaking too much. All in all, it's been a great day shooting my new rifle and I was tickled my cast round balls worked so well. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I think it looks great. Thanks for posting

 

[Trapper Scott]

I think it looks great. Thanks for posting

Thank you, Sir.

 

[Urban Coyote]

Sweet, nice rifle and darn good christening grouping. You're going to love the smallbore muzzleloader thing, less lead, less powder and lots of fun on paper, plinking or hunting.

 

[Trapper Scott]

Sweet, nice rifle and darn good christening grouping. You're going to love the smallbore muzzleloader thing, less lead, less powder and lots of fun on paper, plinking or hunting.

Thank you and I think you are right. I own several 50-caliber percussions, one flintlock, and a few with the new-fangled primers, but this is the first rifle that is smaller than a 45 and it impressed me so far.

 

[JRL1164]

Yeah, the 15 grains were just lacking a bit, but with 20 grains it perked up. Next time out I may try and bump it up a tad just to see how it reacts.

Nicely done! I'd be curious how 25 grains may group. I wish you the best of luck and health on your next outting.

 

[Trapper Scott]

Nicely done! I'd be curious how 25 grains may group. I wish you the best of luck and health on your next outting.

Thank you and if I can remember the next time I take it out I'll try 25 grains just to see.

 

[JohnnieT]

Fine shooting! Very nice rifle, too.