At nearly 67 getting into ML for hunting whitetail in WV. Never owned one until 10 min ago when I purchased a Deerstalker 50cal percussion. Based on this, what would be on a list of supplies (mfg, type, etc) for loads, tools, cleaning, etc?
I was intimidated to ask this question in this group, but this is why I came here to learn. Thank you for your patience & information.
I understand the intimidation factor. As a matter of fact I'm am so accomplished a flintlock shooter that I am capable of missing any and perhaps every target at the shooting range, at any distance from me.
But seriously, remember that hunting or shooting a muzzleloader is similar to the same with a modern rifle and similar to golf..,
when discussing gadgets. There is always the newest, coolest thing to hit the market that you MUST buy or forget every becoming successful at hunting or shooting.....,
Of course this is balderdash, as the tech is centuries old, when plastic was not invented....
So with that in mind...,
Most folks get some sort of container with a shoulder strap to carry:
You will need something in which to carry powder,
Something to measure out the powder charge for the rifle or gun,
Some basic hand tools to remove the lock for cleaning,
A couple of basic tools for loading,
Some basic supplies for cleaning,
Something to prevent rust,
I can keep my rifle in good working order, either flintlock or caplock, with these
basic tools,
A powder horn or flask,
An adjustable powder measure (I use a "set" or "fixed" measure in the field, but to work up a proper load, I needed an adjustable to begin)
A small screwdriver that fits the screws for the lock*
A knife with a flat butt to cut patches for the ball, or to cut cleaning patches*
A safety pin and a stout toothpick for a flintlock (or a pair of needle nose pliers if you have a caplock)*
A very small pair of vice-grip locking pliers**
A length of string about 12" longer than the barrel, with a permanent loop tied in the end
a small container of patch grease
Store bought rust preventative like Barricade, or some such moisture barrier
An old T-shirt to cut into cleaning patches
Liquid dish soap
And to actually shoot the thing a pound of 2Fg or 3Fg powder, flints or caps, proper size round ball, and patching material.
Notes:
* Some folks simplify these three tools by using a "leatherman" style multi-tool with a good sized blade, or a Swiss Army Tool that comes with pliers. You don't have to be that fancy though. The safety pin works to keep your touch-hole open AND it works for caplocks to keep the nipple hole open. It fastens to your clothes so won't go wandering. Works in a pinch to fasten the deer take to the deer's ear, and stuff the rest of the tag into the ear.
** The tiny vice grips will work to give you slight compression on leaf springs such as the lock main spring, and the frizzen spring on a flintlock.., but it's better to splurge, I think, and get an actual spring vice for such springs. That's really the only "custom" tool for this hobby. https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/115/1/TOOL-VISE
The looped string is used by passing the open end through the loop, which then allows you to cinch it down on cleaning patches, which patches you have cut from your old t-shirt, and larger ones you use to apply rust preventative on the outside of the barrel and the lock. The toothpick for the flinter you use to plug the touch hole when you pour water down the barrel during cleaning.
Additional useful tools...
A short starter for loading,
A patch worm,
If your gun has a pinned barrel, a punch to fit those pins if you need to remove the barrel, and a very small hammer, is a good idea,
A brush for the pan,
A very wide, flat, brass drift punch to move front and rear sights. You can use your screwdriver, but that's steel on steel...,
a "jag" for the end of the ramrod reduces your cleaning time and you are more thorough too,
A little funnel for the muzzle to help you pour in the water,
A bucket to catch the water that leaks from the touch hole or the nipple hole, and to dump in the barrel water (significant others don't like you to use the bathtub for some odd reason),
A bore brush made for muzzle loading rifles or guns (standard gun brushes are to be Avoided),
Some fishing-bobber lights to illuminate your bore so you can inspect it,
You can use the back of the patch knife to knap flints, but some folks like a tool just for that,
A bullet puller, screw type, or even a CO2 ball discharger,
There are of course a bunch of other items that some folks like and some folks don't. I tried to keep the list to what you can find in pretty much any hardware store (save the spring vice) and if you get used to using those common items, you can always go get some specialty items, but if you're out somewhere and left something behind, knowing that you can probably find what you need at a local store, can save your trip.
LD
