lyman trade .54 for sheep

[plentycoupe]

Hey,
I guess I should say hi first.
I am knew to this sight as of a few days ago. I posted this message on the hunting forum and have yet to recieve any replys. Wondering if any of you may have some info for me??
I am toying with the idea of taking my muzzle loader on the TMA sheep hunt that I drew. As of now I plan to take my recurve but the thought of the Smoke pole has been creaping into my head.

I have a Lymon Trade rifle. Like to use 425 grain lead conicle rounds and 100grns of FFG powder. I used this gun quite a bit in Oklahoma, but it has been a little while for me. It shoots real well out to 100 yds. Maybe I could drop the round to the 300grn area and shoot a little farther. I use a rear mounted peep sight for it. This is a percusion style rifel with a side nipple and regular caps.

Asides from the obvious weight difference the rifle adds I have a few other issues.
It will probably be rainy. I have never been on an extended hunt with it. So here are a few questions for anyone who has used one on a sheep or goat hunt.

First could you tell me what loads and rounds would you use?
1. Can anyone tell me the best way to keep the rifle powder dry.
2. Once loaded do I need to fire the load and recharge every morning or will the powder inside stay good?
3. How much extra powder would you take and what possible would go into your bag.
4. Obviously weight is an issue here and just the thought of taking this gun adds weight to my pack. I will be walking into the TMA.
5. There are a thousan questions that I don't even know to ask yet so it you feel like helping just give me what you've got.

Thanks to all who respond. Again this is a possible for me. I like to do things the traditional way. Want to keep all my options open. I am still shocked at the very thought that I drew a tag for that area. I would sure like to be able to hunt it with trad gear!!
Jason
[email protected]

 

[boar]

Plentycoupe Hi welcome to Froum. I have a few thoughts. If me I take gun. As for wet,use the spitfire nipple, they from Cains in W.V. and the hotest cap-vorderlader-zondhutchen,Dynamit Nobel, Germany.If you look in back of Dixie Catlog they are number one.Now after gun is loaded,this isn't PC,But the gun will go off in down pour,take nail polish and seal cap to nipple. Also use a cows knee cover. I use one made out of deer skin.It is not too big and is easy too flip off,well greased with tallow. I have used it on flinter in rain and gun will go of.Now to changeing load each day if useing cronical,I would just pull at nite and recharge.they are easier to pull then PB, be sure to take cap of first. If dry weather might not be big issue,but that is up to you as you want to be sure gun goes off.Another good thing to do is pull nipple and put a little powder in nipple channel. As to the loads I use heavyest loads the gun will shoot the best and at long range. Hope this helps. Dilly-Do-Nothing

 

[boar]

Plentycoupe As to take for bag-Nipple wrench,ball-puller,jag,I like a small horn for hunting ,you won't be shooting like on the range.strip of cleaning cloth,how many caps you think you will need.I would carry my leathermens knife,this wiil give you pliers,screwdrivers,ect.Heres what I use to do before I went to RBs for Max-hunters,Take maxies and put in frezzer,then melt beewaxs,then take fork and dip cold maxies in wax,to coat them. Now if real cold out keep them next to your body so they won't be to stiff,or take prelubed ones. I have taken then out of shooting block and they still had wax on bullet after shot 90yrds.Quick to reload. Dilly

 

[bunkerhillbilly]

The 54 cal is plenty of gun. As long you put in a good shot. Thats the case with anything. I would reccomend using PowerBelt Aero Tip Sabots. They are deadly on game. I know they are not traditional, but are great. I have a 45 cal kentucky rifle and they shoot awesome groups. As long as your rifle has a faster twist(1 in 20 to 30 in) They will drop anything in your sights. I got a doe last season at 95 yards with my 50 cal. Heart shot and she didnt run 25 yards. As long as the weather is good and you dont shoot the rifle, you should not have to reload every day. I some people that do, better safe than sorry I guess. I've left my rifle loaded all seaon before and had no problems. If it is raining the day beefore,I would reload before going back out. There is no worse feeling than misfire.

 

[bibletotingunslinger]

Good thing I read this, I thought we were getting into livestock trading here. :rotf: