Hey all:
Recently I have been reading some VERY interesting posts here on the smoothie and rocklock forums regarding the use of a hard over-powder card, Hoppe's BP solvent/lube (thanks Roundball :thumbsup: ~!), and flintlock accuracy tips. I had been having some loading problems with this smoothbore in the ccccccccold & dry weather, until Master Blaster put me onto mink oil. Thanks John :thumbsup: ! I also have been religiously dry-firing 20 or more practice shots each night using both my smoothie (with wood flint) and Win low-wall (with snap-cap), all at a black painted thumbtack placed on the wall about 15' away. Master Blaster just got a 28 gauge smoothbore and he too got impressive results using a over-powder card.
Thus, I tried the card and Hoppe's Black Powder solvent/lube and I will say it loaded easily on each shot, almost too easy - but look at the accuracy! My 62cal smoothie now shoots like a house a-fire! This ~1.5" group was honestly shot at 50-yards from the sitting position, with my right elbow (I'm a leftie) tucked into the crook of my somewhat raised right knee, but otherwise my upper body positon was in the traditional Schuetzen style manner (i.e., arched back, rifle held by bones - not muscles). This was with 0.600" cast roundballs from Mario of TMA. Some off-hand groups put all shots easily into a < pie plate circle @ 50 yards.
My patching was 0.010" homespun material. Using strips ripped ~1.25" wide, I dribbled 4 drops down in a zig-zag pattern going from side-to-side on the patch in a diagonal measuring ~1.25" too. For those who can visualize it, this left me a "/" or "\" shaped line of lube drops down the length of the patching. I'd do enough for ~10 shots and would rub it really good into the material, then cut them at the muzzle. Can't wait to try this in colder weather too ... oh wait a minute ... yes I will wait 'til NEXT year on that!
Thanks all here :hatsoff: ! Since buying this smoothbore, none of my other toys have even had a day at the range. I'm hooked to say the least :thumbsup: !
Recently I have been reading some VERY interesting posts here on the smoothie and rocklock forums regarding the use of a hard over-powder card, Hoppe's BP solvent/lube (thanks Roundball :thumbsup: ~!), and flintlock accuracy tips. I had been having some loading problems with this smoothbore in the ccccccccold & dry weather, until Master Blaster put me onto mink oil. Thanks John :thumbsup: ! I also have been religiously dry-firing 20 or more practice shots each night using both my smoothie (with wood flint) and Win low-wall (with snap-cap), all at a black painted thumbtack placed on the wall about 15' away. Master Blaster just got a 28 gauge smoothbore and he too got impressive results using a over-powder card.
Thus, I tried the card and Hoppe's Black Powder solvent/lube and I will say it loaded easily on each shot, almost too easy - but look at the accuracy! My 62cal smoothie now shoots like a house a-fire! This ~1.5" group was honestly shot at 50-yards from the sitting position, with my right elbow (I'm a leftie) tucked into the crook of my somewhat raised right knee, but otherwise my upper body positon was in the traditional Schuetzen style manner (i.e., arched back, rifle held by bones - not muscles). This was with 0.600" cast roundballs from Mario of TMA. Some off-hand groups put all shots easily into a < pie plate circle @ 50 yards.
My patching was 0.010" homespun material. Using strips ripped ~1.25" wide, I dribbled 4 drops down in a zig-zag pattern going from side-to-side on the patch in a diagonal measuring ~1.25" too. For those who can visualize it, this left me a "/" or "\" shaped line of lube drops down the length of the patching. I'd do enough for ~10 shots and would rub it really good into the material, then cut them at the muzzle. Can't wait to try this in colder weather too ... oh wait a minute ... yes I will wait 'til NEXT year on that!
Thanks all here :hatsoff: ! Since buying this smoothbore, none of my other toys have even had a day at the range. I'm hooked to say the least :thumbsup: !
