10+ years ago, I got a muzzleloader for christmas. I have fired the rifle with powder, no ball. Finally, the stars have aligned and I get to put some rounds in the gun this labor day. I have a little experience firing muzzleloaders, but no experience equipping or caring for one. First, here's all the info I have on the rifle: It's a .58 cal, 3 band replica enfield, made in italy by (or for) Euroarms of America. 39" barrel, 55 1/4" gun length. It takes 3.5 drams black powder. The nipple (ha) is 8x1.25 mm. Also the number 5625 is engraved on the barrel. All this was taken off the barrel, or by measuring the rifle. The barrel is in great shape, but needs some cleaning. What now?
I've heard I can gradually increase the powder only load, then drop it back down, add a ball, and work my way back up to make sure the rifle is safe to fire. Beyond that, I know very little about where to start. Grains to drams? Smokeless vs. smoking powder? What I actually need to purchase to fire the rifle? Minie vs. balls? etc. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help a newbie.
I've heard I can gradually increase the powder only load, then drop it back down, add a ball, and work my way back up to make sure the rifle is safe to fire. Beyond that, I know very little about where to start. Grains to drams? Smokeless vs. smoking powder? What I actually need to purchase to fire the rifle? Minie vs. balls? etc. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help a newbie.