"speed loads" for hunting?

[swank]

I was wondering what the most convenient ways are to make up and carry hunting loads for patched round balls. I pre-roll my minieballs and powder in paper cartridges for hunting with my enfield, maxi-balls and powder I carry in film containers.

Since I have never hunted with PRB

 

[Rebel]

http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=35564&Forum=,,,,,,f1,,,,,,&Words=loading%20block&Searchpage=6&Limit=25&Main=34187&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=&daterange=1&newerval=4&newertype=m&olderval=&oldertype=&bodyprev

Not sure if this will work or not. if it does, it should take you to the link with photos of loading blocks.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I'm gonna wear out Claude's ball block. Purtyer than mine.

This system is plenty fast. A ball block and a powder horn with a powder measure hung from the horn's neck.

Pour in the powder, pound in a ball, prime & shoot. If you carry the block in a front pocket of your jacket or hunting pouch it is a fast system.

 

[Leonredbeard]

Hey Swank,
In the days when I was just getting into ml hunting I thought I had to have speed loaders or readi loads. :shake: Now I just carry the horn, balls in a small pocket in my pouch along with the patches and lubricant in a small bottle in its own pocket in my pouch. I have never figured out how one would ever load a front stuffer fast enough to get off a second shot at a fleeing deer, no matter what speed loader you have. :hmm: :shocking: Just relax. Make sure of that first shot. :imo: :thumbsup:
Take your time and reload while the deer falls down and gets weak. :results: After you have used up a full minute reloading and repriming then stand and breath a little and then slowly walk in the direction the deer disappeared. Let the modern hustle and bustle breath out of body and mind while you are out there. :m2c:
God bless.
volatpluvia

 

[gordy]

The loading block isn't nearly as fast as a speed-loader,but between the block and haveing a combination plug/charger for all my horns,it keeps components much more organized.With the block the patch stays centered and it's a little easier than cutting at the muzzle under preasure. :imo: :thumbsup:

 

[Keith]

I use plastic speedloaders. I really am not interested in a fast second shot. Like Volatpluvia said you ccan't reload a ML fast enough for a second shot. The speedloaders are just real convenient a couple in a pocket takes up very little room.

 

[crockett]

I look at speed loaders as a convenient way to carry some extra shots without toting around a hunting pouch, powder horn etc. I think that was what you were referring about. With most of the plastic speed loaders you can put in the powder, patched round ball(for storage) and a couple of patches if you swab between shots. Most of the plastic speed loaders have a spot for a cap or two for percussion shooters. If you shoot flint, just use an extra loader for priming powder. You'll still need a short starter.
I hunted this way for a while but then decided it was simply a lot more fun to go totally traditional.

 

[roundball]

Actually, TC's 4-N-1 Quick Shots have it all built in...holds a cap or priming powder...has built in short starter. (also available in what they call the 4-N-1 Quick Shot Magnum with larger powder section for up to 150grns).

I've used them for several years in several calibers and IMO, they're the best non-traditional reloader there is. Just flip the top open & pour in the powder, set the projectile end over the muzzle and tap it like a short starter.

I carry one in a shirt pocket and a couple extras in the pouch for a day hunt...they're handy, quick, waterproof, etc...just not PC if that's an issue for you.

 

[swank]

Thanks for all the responses. As Crockett pointed out I was primarily interested in having an efficient way to carry the components for my loads. I am not at all concerned about quick second shots, although I have had one deer let me zip a second arrow at him. I always try to make my first shot count I just wanted to see how most of you experienced roundball guys carry your gear.

The loading block + short starter + powder horn sounds as good as it'll get for just throwing in a pocket for now.

Traditionally speaking, what should be used as a powder measure in lieu of carrying around one of those nice modern brass measuring doohickeys?

 

[Rebel]

You can make a nice powder measurer out of a piece of deer antler. Once you know what load you are going to use, just drill out the antler until it holds that much powder.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Traditionally speaking, what should be used as a powder measure in lieu of carrying around one of those nice modern brass measuring doohickeys?

I've really gotten fond of turkey thigh bones. A LOT quicket and easier to open out to the required hole size. Who had a 1/2" electric drill in his cabin in 1790, anyway? I can have a bone measure ready in 20 minutes without using power tools. Antler takes forever to whittle out with a pen knife. Bone is mostly hollow already. Lately, I've been chopping off both "knuckles" and using the center section of the bone. I add a wood plug to one end with a forged iron staple to hang it. A piece of coathanger pounder into square stock and heated red hot to form (you can even twist it to make it fancy) the staple looks like iron.

Sections of river cane and horn tips make good measures, too.