Leather or Lead?

[Blumax]

I am a new member of about 30 minutes and I have a question about the usage of lead vs. leather to hold flints in place. Any recommendations from the group?

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

I'm sure you will get one or two opinions. :wink:

But seriously, welcome to the Muzzleloading Forum. I'll bet we'll be able to learn from you just as you will learn from everyone here, may your stay be long, informative and, above all, enjoyable.

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

I have a question about the usage of lead vs. leather to hold flints

That is a pandoras box sort of question.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[paulvallandigham]

Go up to the Member Resources section on the index page, and look at( click on ) "Articles. There is an article there on Shooting and Tuning Flintlocks. It describes a simple test YOU can do yourself to determine what works best with YOUR GUN. Its your choice, not ours.

 

[Jumpshot]

Howdy, fellow Fresnan! I grew up there.

I've never tried lead, but leather works fine for me.

 

[Black Hand]

The use of lead as a pad will void the warranty on some locks. Check with your supplier.

On another note, leather has worked for me...

 

[lakota]

I used to like lead better until I tried thin deer skin. Now I prefer the deer skin.

 

[Walks with fire]

Leather stays tight and lead doesn't. Can't see any reason to use lead. I used it for a while but I had to check to see that it stayed tight and didn't do anything leather didn't.

This topic rates right up there with .50 or .54. Welcome to the forum.

 

[mr.flintlock]

Welcome to the forum. Leather for me.

 

[LRB]

Lead for muskets, leather for longrifles.

 

[wattlebuster]

I've tried both an I like leather the best :thumbsup:

 

[hanshi]

Welcome, Blumax. I've tried both and settled on leather. Flints loosen when clamped in lead and leather holds them better. I do have lead wrapped flints inside leather on two small Silers. I did this simply to add a bit of mass to the cock. I made sure the lead conformed perfectly with the flint but it's the leather that holds the whole thing in.

 

[tg]

I will say with absolute certainty that you will have to try both with your gun and decide for yourself which will work better then take into consideration any warrenty issues and weigh the opinions and their sources as to potential ill effects to the lock or flint by one or the other, I personaly prefer leather.

 

+1 What Wick said, for the simple reason muskets, and a lot of trade guns had very large locks, with double throated cocks, and were built to handle more abuse. The lock is an engine designed to put sparks in the pan. Rifles, and fowlers have locks generally with thin single throated cocks that are pretty slim, and a bit more fragile. The use of lead could effect the operation, but there is no specific proof. It's more just what they did 200 or so years ago. As has also been said try both make your own decision.

Bill

 

I am a new member of about 30 minutes and I have a question about the usage of lead vs. leather to hold flints in place. Any recommendations from the group?

AAAHHHHHhhhhh........ :wink:
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/260300
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/255590
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/238390

 

[smoothy]

My vote is for leather. But if you do use leather do not leave it in storage very long in the jaws of the cock. In humid weather it will hold moisture and cause unwanted rusting. I'm not sure that lead will do the same thing.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Jim Chambers recommends against lead. That's enough for me. Leather has worked fine in my flintlocks.

 

[BigDogg]

I like leather.

 

[roundball]

"...lead vs. leather to hold flints in place. Any recommendations..."

If you're referring to civilian/sporting/hunting type flintlocks...leather flint wraps.

Good thick pieces of cowhide are excellent, and thick spongy elk hide is outstanding.

 

[Robby]

Oak tanned leather soaked in a Balistol/water solution.
Robby