Now once I get the gun, what else do I need to get started? I figure I need balls, patches? and powder and flints The gun should have a ramrod and something to clean it with like a barrel brush??
Sam, the barrel brush is optional. Some folks like them, some folks think they put too much wear and tear on the barrel. But you will need a cleaning jag to hold the patches you use for cleaning. There might be a short jag on the end of the ram rod already, or it might be packed in the box. Even if there is, you might want to get a slightly longer version jag with tapered shank - it works a lot better. The threads on the end of the jag have to match the threads on your ram rod or the separate cleaning rod you may want to get.... they come in two common sizes, either 8x32 or 10x32. If you can't tell what size threads are on your ramrod end, haul it down to the hardware store and find a bolt that fits and you'll know what you have.
Cleaning patches are usually a bit larger than your shooting patches, and different type of cloth and (hopefully) cheaper - you'll need a good supply of those. I get mine real cheap from a military surplus store - they were originally intended for cleaning .30 caliber machine guns but they fit just fine.
Check with the previous owner, if you can, to find out what size balls he was using. Probably either .490 or .495. Since the gun has had only a few hundred rounds through it, you might start with the .495.
You'll need patches for the balls. They come in different thicknesses also. You might start with some that are .010 thick and see how they work. Maybe somebody on the forum that owns a similar gun can give you another opinion on ball size and patch thickness for that gun, but that is probably a good place to start.
You can get those shooting patches pre-lubed, or you can get them dry and lube them yourself just before you use them. You can use spit, some homemade moosemilk (see recipe on this forum), or you can buy "bore butter" or pre-made moosemilk.
To get the bullet started down the barrel while loading you'll probably want a short-starter. WalMart has them, or you can make your own.
For powder, I think you will be happiest with 3F powder. You want real black powder and not pyrodex or some other substitute. Most folks on the forum seem to avoid the Elephant brand. Get Goex or Swiss if you can find it. You can use that to prime, too, but some guys like 4f in the pan as a primer.
You can use just the can to hold that powder, but if you do you'll need to get some sort of adapter for the top to make pouring out of it a little easier. Best bet is to get a horn or flask to hold that powder as using the can poses too great a risk of leaving the top off while you are throwing sparks around.
You will need a powder measure. Since you haven't picked your favorite charge yet, you'll want one that is adjustable - one that goes from 50 grains to 100 grains will probably be right for you. I like the kind that has a little swivel funnel on top. Once you get your best charge figured out, you'll probably end up making yourself one of those neat turkey-bone chargers cut to that measure.
For flints, measure the width of the frizzen at its wide spot and get flints to match. I like the black English flints.
Most folks clean with plain water, or water and soap, so you don't really need any cleaning solvents unless you like to use them. You will need something for rust prevention. I use WD-40 after cleaning to get rid of any moisture. After it is good and dry, most folks follow with a coating of some sort of rust preventative such as bore butter, or olive oil, or gun oil.
I use rem-oil to lubricate the lock's internal parts. WalMart has it in spray or liquid form at a good price.
If you can't get the other stuff locally, give the folks at the Log Cabin a call, they should be able to help you out.
http://www.logcabinonline.com/intro.html
Oh, and you'll need a stack of 3 x 5 cards so you can get one with three bullet holes in it mailed to MusketMan before the end of the month
Anybody think of any essentials I missed?
