grey8833
40 Cal.
Well, I took my just finished, custom - 60 cal Hawken (expertly stocked (by me :rotf: ) to the range yesterday. I have not fired a BP weapon in over 30 years, so it was fun afternoon. I think my buddy half expected the thing to blow up when I fired it, so i kinda think he was there out of curiosity, plus a chance to shoot - assuming it didn't blow up. Well, since the first shot didn't kill me he figured it was safe enough. We I shot at 13 yds (to check the sights) 25 off hand to get a feel for the gun and 100 yds from a rest - just to see what it would do. Shot well enough, sights need very little adjustment.
Tried the .595 ball with a wonder lubed .010 and .015 patch, then the .600 ball with the .010 patch. The .600 is a tight fit, but the gun really liked it. Went from 70 grain to 80 grain, but still working on loads.
Bunch of guys from the trap range came down to see what all the cannon fire and smoke were about. Average reaction was "Nice looking gun! The caliber on that thing is WHAT!!?? :shocked2: ).
Even stuck a .600 ball in the bore. Really helps if you put the powder in first :rotf: . Got to test all the new toys - bullet puller (works), and the patch worm (also works). My buddy said - Gee, even the screw ups are fun with this thing (thanks to all the forum members who wrote in on these things - kept me from panicking).
Need better weather to work out the loads.
Mike
Tried the .595 ball with a wonder lubed .010 and .015 patch, then the .600 ball with the .010 patch. The .600 is a tight fit, but the gun really liked it. Went from 70 grain to 80 grain, but still working on loads.
Bunch of guys from the trap range came down to see what all the cannon fire and smoke were about. Average reaction was "Nice looking gun! The caliber on that thing is WHAT!!?? :shocked2: ).
Even stuck a .600 ball in the bore. Really helps if you put the powder in first :rotf: . Got to test all the new toys - bullet puller (works), and the patch worm (also works). My buddy said - Gee, even the screw ups are fun with this thing (thanks to all the forum members who wrote in on these things - kept me from panicking).
Need better weather to work out the loads.
Mike
