Loading Muzzleloaders in the field

[Billnpatti]

Every once in a while, I run across something that sounds like a great idea. This is one of them: http://www.muzzleloadingshotguns.com/articles/thebellyfob

I have not yet tried it but it is on my "to do" list for the next time I head out to the range. If anyone tries it, please come back and let everyone know how it works for you.

 

[coloradoclyde]

:rotf: seriously?..... :rotf: OMG that's funny..... :hatsoff:

 

[Kansas Jake]

I'm sure no one here will take this topic off course. I'll start. What do you tie it to?

 

[coloradoclyde]

Why it hooks on your belly button of course....... :grin:

Sorry couldn't resist. :haha:

 

[coloradoclyde]

Seriously though I have done similar in the past.
The problem is being held by a "string" you get a lot of lateral swinging as you are reaching for your gear. the next thing you know the butt has slipped on the mud or morning dew and then you really have a mess.
I like to have positive control of my weapon.

 

[Spikebuck]

In addition, you will be loading the gun without the aid of a loading rack or bench.

Well yeah! You're in the field!!! I don't even use a rack or bench for loading a longrifle or smoothie when at the range!

I have not seen anyone else use a similar device

Perhaps he should take the hint! :grin:

Pheasant hunting requires a lot of walking and you generally have to carry all of your loading supplies with you. When its is time to load the gun...Withdraw the ramrod and place the Belly Fob in the top thimble of the gun.

I wonder if at times he has someone else carry his loading supplies? :hmm: :idunno: Maybe if he dispensed with the Belly Fob he wouldn't have so much to carry!!! :blah:

 

[tozzybum]

why gentlemen i smell sarcasm :nono: :blah:

 

[19 16 6]

Well, now, there is a lot I do not know, but that, gentlemen, looks like a good idea.
I, myself will be giving it a go in the near future.
O.

 

[Tom Compton]

Spike and I used a bow hunting 3rd hand. Just a piece of flat sheet metal S shaped covered w soft leather or cloth. One end to fit over a belt and the other big enough for a bow grip was also good on the Beretta O/U.

 

[BrownBear]

All my muzzleloaders and bags come ready equipped with one. It's the point at which the straps join my shooting bag. Just slip the muzzleloader under your shoulder strap and let it slide down a little toward the bag.

Gotta say it's handier with shotguns than long barrel rifles, so I use it only with shotguns or shorter barreled rifles. But handy it is.

Good for me too, cuzz I don't want one more thing to remember to forget. :rotf:

 

[longcruise]

Maybe shotguns are loaded differently than a rifle, but when I load in the field, the rod comes out to wipe, then goes back in the thimbles while the powder is measured and the ball started, then comes back out to finish running the ball down the barrel. So, if the thimbles has the dowel in it what do you do with the rod while you pour powder and start the ball.

Maybe I'm missing something, or maybe I don't know how to load, but I don't think it would work for me.

 

[hanshi]

I don't know but it seems the writer is taking a rather straight forward action (reloading) and making it overly complicated.

 

[Vaino]

I just use a "gun bearer".....Fred

 

[Alden]

Stock on the ground to move around, muzzle moving a foot one way, then the next, the shooter trying not to move or doing "The Robot" to maintain the muzzle and not unmoor the butt from its resting spot...

This is a really odd idea. I guess it would make more sense if it were only a tether to keep the gun from falling altogether, and that would scare me once there was powder down the bore...

A solution to a problem that doesn't really exist or an accident waiting to happen -- you decide.

 

[coloradoclyde]

If Alden and I both agree....it has to be right... :td:

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

A friend of mine has arthritis. He made an adjustment or addition to his belt using another wide piece of leather. He used the leather as a loop to hold his rifle during reloading. Basically it is the same idea as the one shown in the article. He made and used his two or three years ago during a rendezvous shoot. He placed very high in scoring. The targets were scattered along the crest of a fairly large hill on uneven ground. His troublesome knees and hands didn't hold him back from completing the target course. There was never an issue with safety and maintaining muzzle discipline during loading. He was shooting a rifle and not a shotgun, so the loading wouldn't be as involved. It worked for him. :hmm:

 

[coloradoclyde]

A handicap or physical impairment would be the exception that would prove the rule...as well as the overly cautious would not fall into the same category as the average user.... :2

 

[BrownBear]

In rough country field shooting with lots of reloads, many are the times you need your hands freed up right in the middle of a reload, having nothing to do with the steps of reloading. Slipping the muzzle under the strap of your bag is still the best solution I've found. Easy, quick, and no extra gear needed.

If you haven't come across the need to free up your hands, it's out there waiting for you. Try standing on uneven ground with your rifle in your hand and need two hands for glassing. Just one example.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Sure.... :thumbsup: but there are better methods than a dangly string IMO....
Haven't you ever been to a woods walk shoot where you had to reload on the move...
I was once in a parade and our whole group was shooting blanks into the air.. and no one had time to stop and reload...
Heck I've even reloaded from a tree stand.. and laying on the ground:grin:
I'm sure that thing would work great for some....but others have more refined systems of reloading.... :v

 

[coloradoclyde]

Of course if you cut at the muzzle you might need an extra hand... :hmm: