Recently finished a Lyman GPR .54 cal. This is my first attempt at a kit built gun. Never fired a muzzleloader, much less a flintlock. Just curious as to how many rounds I should put through it before going to the trouble to seriously sight it in? It hasn't been fired yet. Thanks
Rounds before accuracy???
- Thread starter 1950DAVE
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CrackStock
69 Cal.
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- Dec 23, 2004
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My thinking is that you should go ahead and fire several rounds to see how things are going. You can look up lapping the bore and such processes after that initial try - if necessary.
Where are you located or shoot? You might find a shooting buddy here to help you out. A lot of friendships are made that way. Also look up your state coordinator for NMLRA or other similar group for help in locating a range or group.
The more, the merrier, I say.
CS
Where are you located or shoot? You might find a shooting buddy here to help you out. A lot of friendships are made that way. Also look up your state coordinator for NMLRA or other similar group for help in locating a range or group.
The more, the merrier, I say.
CS
Thanks Crackstock, I'm in NW Alabama. I have 2 sons that hunt with muzzleloaders, one with a traditional capper and the other with an inline, but I have shot neither. I haave always told them, should I own a muzzleloader it would be a flintlock, sooooo theey and their sister bought me the kit for Fathers Day. I just finished it over the X-mas, New Years time. Work has kept me from Firing it. I have a gravel pit on my property so a place to shoot is not a problem. Just wanted to know how much break-in a new barrel might need.
We used to say you had to fire off a hundred rounds before filing the sights. But with adjustable sights that's less of an issue. Still, it's probably going to take that many to smooth the bore a bit and get her throwing unmollested patches.
I was in your place not too long ago. What I did is to shoot until I got used to a flinter. Then, when groups showed up, I sighted it in. You can always adjust slightly later.
Sounds like you have some good kids there and we need to see pics of your work!
PS-this is the place to ask. Very knowledgeable people here.
Sounds like you have some good kids there and we need to see pics of your work!
PS-this is the place to ask. Very knowledgeable people here.
Rusty Spur 82
40 Cal.
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Billdave,
I have a couple of GPR'S also.I have read where about 100 shots are the norm for break-in but with my experience with the short time that I have owned them,they shoot just fine out of the box.Both of mine will shoot better then I can.The flint lock is harder to get used to but with good practice,there will be improvement.There are gentlemen on here that have way more experience then I with the GPR and I am sure that they will be along shortly to offer their comments and experience with the GPR.Enjoy your front stuffer.
Rusty Spur
I have a couple of GPR'S also.I have read where about 100 shots are the norm for break-in but with my experience with the short time that I have owned them,they shoot just fine out of the box.Both of mine will shoot better then I can.The flint lock is harder to get used to but with good practice,there will be improvement.There are gentlemen on here that have way more experience then I with the GPR and I am sure that they will be along shortly to offer their comments and experience with the GPR.Enjoy your front stuffer.
Rusty Spur
How many shots? That's kinda difficult to say.
Assuming your using .530 diameter roundballs and a lubed .015-.018 thick cotton patch, the shot patches will tell you when you've shot enough.
Your fired patches will be very tattered all around the outside and this is normal. After all, cloth doesn't like going from supersonic speeds to zero in 20-30 feet.
Further towards the center of the patch check to see if the area of the patch where the ball was squeezing it is not torn, burned thru or has any rips. is the important thing.
If rips/tears/burn thru's don't exist your ready for some serious shooting.
Your GPR's front sight is probably too tall.
I know this because All GPR's front sights come from the factory too tall so the new shooter can file them in to suit the range and load they will want to shoot.
Because your front sight is probably too tall, your gun will be shooting low on the target.
At 25 yards it isn't uncommon to see the shots hitting 8 inches lower than the point of aim (even with the rear sight adjusted all the way up if you are using one).
With this in mind select a piece of cardboard that is large enough to allow for these low shots.
You'll want to have them hitting the cardboard, not the dirt in front of it.
If your shooting place will allow it set the target at 25 yards range. Use about 50 grains of black powder under your patched ball.
That is a good starting place and at that range your gun should be able to keep all of the shots inside a 1 1/2" circle without a problem.
Your first couple of times out with your gun should be spent just getting to know your gun so don't worry too much about the place on the target. Just aim at the center of the bulls eye and try to make a small group.
After you become more familiar with your gun take a good flat mill file with you to the range.
Take your time in filing the top of the front sight so you don't accidentally scratch up the top of your barrel.
If you are shooting at 25 yards, removing about .024 (slightly less than 1/32") will raise the group 1 inch. Remember this number or write it down for reference.
When you've shot a 5 shot group, measure from the center of it to the point of aim (the center of the bulls eye). Multiply the distance times .024 and the answer is the amount of material you must file off of the sight.
For instance if the center of the shot group is 7 inches low you will need to remove 7X.024= .171 or a little less than 3/16.
Have fun. :thumbsup:
Assuming your using .530 diameter roundballs and a lubed .015-.018 thick cotton patch, the shot patches will tell you when you've shot enough.
Your fired patches will be very tattered all around the outside and this is normal. After all, cloth doesn't like going from supersonic speeds to zero in 20-30 feet.
Further towards the center of the patch check to see if the area of the patch where the ball was squeezing it is not torn, burned thru or has any rips. is the important thing.
If rips/tears/burn thru's don't exist your ready for some serious shooting.
Your GPR's front sight is probably too tall.
I know this because All GPR's front sights come from the factory too tall so the new shooter can file them in to suit the range and load they will want to shoot.
Because your front sight is probably too tall, your gun will be shooting low on the target.
At 25 yards it isn't uncommon to see the shots hitting 8 inches lower than the point of aim (even with the rear sight adjusted all the way up if you are using one).
With this in mind select a piece of cardboard that is large enough to allow for these low shots.
You'll want to have them hitting the cardboard, not the dirt in front of it.
If your shooting place will allow it set the target at 25 yards range. Use about 50 grains of black powder under your patched ball.
That is a good starting place and at that range your gun should be able to keep all of the shots inside a 1 1/2" circle without a problem.
Your first couple of times out with your gun should be spent just getting to know your gun so don't worry too much about the place on the target. Just aim at the center of the bulls eye and try to make a small group.
After you become more familiar with your gun take a good flat mill file with you to the range.
Take your time in filing the top of the front sight so you don't accidentally scratch up the top of your barrel.
If you are shooting at 25 yards, removing about .024 (slightly less than 1/32") will raise the group 1 inch. Remember this number or write it down for reference.
When you've shot a 5 shot group, measure from the center of it to the point of aim (the center of the bulls eye). Multiply the distance times .024 and the answer is the amount of material you must file off of the sight.
For instance if the center of the shot group is 7 inches low you will need to remove 7X.024= .171 or a little less than 3/16.
Have fun. :thumbsup:
longcruise
70 Cal.
Sight it in any time, but expect 300 to 500 shots to break it in. You will be using lubricated cotton to wear barrel steel. :shocked2:
Best to hand lap or fire lap it and then you can get on with the real shooting. :haha:
hanshi
Cannon
It's probably going to be best for you to do what most experienced flint shooters do. Shoot the rifle and don't worry about # of rounds. Just shoot and work up your most accurate load. ONLY THEN should you touch the sights to sight that group in. Simple as that. By the time you've found your best load you will have had plenty of rounds through that bore.
Welcome to our forum! You are starting a fascinating journey.
Just shoot the gun and get used to it. Learning how to load and fire it and make it a reliable firearm is the beginning. Sighting in comes later. If you have not drilled your touchhole out with a #50 drill, save yourself some frustration and do so before shooting the Lyman.
My favorite load.
70 grs of 3f GOEX
530 Hornady round ball
4f GOEX for prime
018 pillow ticking patch with either Bore Butter or just plain olive oil lube.
Have a wonderful time!
Just shoot the gun and get used to it. Learning how to load and fire it and make it a reliable firearm is the beginning. Sighting in comes later. If you have not drilled your touchhole out with a #50 drill, save yourself some frustration and do so before shooting the Lyman.
My favorite load.
70 grs of 3f GOEX
530 Hornady round ball
4f GOEX for prime
018 pillow ticking patch with either Bore Butter or just plain olive oil lube.
Have a wonderful time!
Thanks for the replies. All of your posts have been taken into consideration.I have posted my " no ignition problems" after 10 shots, more to come soon.
