Learning to shoot muzzleloaders

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Jack Stetson

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Guys --

I don't have any experience shooting muzzleloaders, and was hoping to find a resource, e.g. book, that might keep me out of trouble. I know enough to get into trouble, but definitely not enough to stay out of trouble. Can anyone recommend a good reference for learning to shoot a flintlock? This doesn't seem like the right hobby for trial and error learning.

Thanks in advance, sorry if this thread is in the wrong spot.
 
There are a number of good books on the subject, none of which are as good as spending time with an experienced shooter who can tutor you through the learning curve.
However, for a member of the USAF, I'll send you a copy of Lyman's "Black Powder Basics" at no charge, in gratitude of your service. PM me with a mailing address, and it's yours.

Trent, who lives near Wright Patterson AFB and the National Museum of the USAF.
 
Rotte:
Welcome to the forum. :)

If you have a used book store handy there are several older books that give good advice.
One of these is "SHOOTER'S BIBLE BLACKPOWDER GUIDE" and another is "BLACK POWDER GUN DIGEST".

Lyman's "BLACK POWDER HANDBOOK & LOADING MANUAL" both older and new editions is also a good place to look.

You might also try the local library for any of these books if you don't want to buy them.

Asking questions here in the Muzzleloaderforum is an excellent way to learn.
We've got thousands of avid shooters who can tell you all of the 'how to" and "how not to" you could ever want.
Just ask. :thumbsup:
 
Rotte said:
I don't have any experience shooting muzzleloaders,,,
Click to expand...

"Shooting" a muzzleloader is no different than shooting any gun, just pull the trigger. :wink:

The only thing unique about a muzzleloader is in the loading process.

Start with the amount of powder and ball size recommended by the manufacturer and you'll be fine. You can always refine the process and accuracy by asking questions.
 
Welcome to the forum.

If you stick with muzzleloaders, one word you'll know inside and out is "Repetition". You'll need to do the same thing exactly everytime in order to shoot accurately. :thumbsup:
 
.
. sep 7 / 1:45am


my first 'how to' book was "lyman's blackpowder handbook".. it's a little dated but does an excellent job of explaining both flintlock and percusssion weapons, loading, and shooting.. lots of pictures, diagrams, and charts.

for more depth and an introduction to just about every facet of blackpowder i recommend "the complete blackpowder handbook" by sam fadala.. he's an excellent 'hands on' author and the book is full of pictures, each worth a thousand words..

both can be had used from alibris.com or amazon.com for $5-10 each.
 
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trent/OH said:
However, for a member of the USAF, I'll send you a copy of Lyman's "Black Powder Basics" at no charge, in gratitude of your service.
Click to expand...
You, sir, are a gentleman and a patriot. My hat is off to you. :hatsoff: As a former Marine, let me say "UH-RAH!!" Well done!!
 
Here are some contacts who may be able to get you in touch with a fellow ML'r in your area. First, give the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association a shot. Contact them on line at www.nmlra.org. They may be better able to give you some contacts nearer to you than I am. Since there are no ML clubs in Wyoming that I could find right off, I am going to give you the names of persons who represent ML clubs in surrounding states.

Montana...........Dorothy Kovacich..406-428-2286

S. Dakota.........Lynn Aspaas ......605-335-4023

Nebraska.......Greta [email protected]

Colorado..........Darrell Harper....970-929-5348

Utah..............Jeff Streba.......801-359-7452

Idaho.............Arnold Burr.......208-870-0551

Good luck. :hatsoff:

Bill
 
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Rotte, Do you have a flintlock to shoot yet? Some recommendations could get more specific if we knew what you'd be shooting. Some general things to do include; keep the flash-hole open, make sure there is powder on the inside of the flash-hole, keep the flint sharp and held in the jaws of the cock very tightly, and, of course, use real black powder.
 
From the NMLRA charter clubs list:

Club: Crow Creek Fur Company
Contact: Todd McAffee
1320 W. Leishen Road
Cheyenne, WY 82007
(307) 637-3352

Or as listed in the state organization:

CROW CREEK MUZZLE
LOADERS

Mike Penz
117 East 3rd Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82001
307-635-0791

Chris Allen
2920 Ames Court
Cheyenne, WY 82001
307-635-8425

They do have a monthly club shoot. I don't know what weekend it is but you should be able to find out from the contacts.
 
trent/OH said:
There are a number of good books on the subject, none of which are as good as spending time with an experienced shooter who can tutor you through the learning curve.
However, for a member of the USAF, I'll send you a copy of Lyman's "Black Powder Basics" at no charge, in gratitude of your service. PM me with a mailing address, and it's yours.

Trent, who lives near Wright Patterson AFB and the National Museum of the USAF.
Click to expand...

That is tremendously generous of you. Yesterday I ordered a copy of Lyman's Black Powder Handbook, so that may be a place to start. Many thanks for your support.

I read Claude's How-to article section with great interest. But much of that is aimed at a more experienced audience.

In re the rifle, I don't have one yet. I've been swapping e-mails with Don Stith, and have about settled on a Harper's Ferry 1803. Very difficult to narrow down to one gun from a huge tradition of beautiful firearms. But an 1803 seems appropriate for me and my interst in the early western fur trade.

Thanks for the great responses. I do plan on contacting Crow Creek and trying to get involved with the local club, but this site has already been a huge help!

Jack
 
Bits of advise

Forget everything you know about modern firearms, it does not apply.

Petrolium based oils is for you car, not muzzleloader

Powder, patch, and ball!
 
Claude said:
Rancocas said:
You can start right here on this forum by going to the "Articles" section and reading "Flintlocks-How to Shoot Them", by our own Claude.
Click to expand...

That article was written by Paul Vallandigham, as stated in the article.

Flintlocks: How to Shoot Them

By Paul Vallandigham
Click to expand...
Click to expand...


Oops! Sorry about that.
In the index I think it just says "Claude". I didn't go back to the actual article and see that Paul Vallandigham was the author when I wrote my previous post.
My appologies to both of you. :hatsoff:
 
LeMat1856 said:
.
. sep 7 / 1:45am
for more depth and an introduction to just about every facet of blackpowder i recommend "the complete blackpowder handbook" by sam fadala.. he's an excellent 'hands on' author and the book is full of pictures, each worth a thousand words.. amazon.com for $5-10 each.
Click to expand...

Just got the Fadala book a little while ago... lots of info if you are looking for percussion, inline, cowboy, or BP Metalic cartridge.... If you are looking for flintlock then it hardly has anything for ya....
 
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You've already opened the cover to one of the best resources on the subject. Keep looking back through all of the forum categories. These guys taught me a couple years ago, and I have been pleased as hell! :hatsoff: Ask a lot of questions. Some threads come up twice a week it seems, so don't be offended if you are directed toward a thread link. Sometimes a repeat thread even makes for a very interesting conversation (yep, I like them lead wraps best! :shocked2: :stir: ) From lowly screwballs like me to gunmakers themselves, you will probably find more information here than you will in any book.
 

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