Video of my Loading Technique

[Dave Rosenthal]

Congrats on the nice build and the cool video. It's nice to see the next generation using and enjoying a traditional sidelock percussion rifle!

As you explore the past through it's use, may I politely suggest the use of a T-handle brass Range Rod (available mail-order from several outlets). It will vastly improve both your safety and your accuracy, as well as your eventual dry-ball out in the desert. Lots easier on the palms of the hands, and no risk of breakage. It will come-in really handy as friends and family inquire and are shown how to shoot your new rifle.

Thanks again for the video and continued success on your pathway of exploration of the "old ways".

Dave
NRA Distinguished Expert in Muzzleloading Rifle & Pistol

 

[Alden]

...The other thing that scared me was when you placed your palm over the end of the ramrod to get the ball to seat. NEVER EVER EVER PLACE A SOLID PART OF YOUR ANATOMY OVER A LOADED BARREL. If that gun would fire the ball and ramrod would go through your hand. Always hold the rod from the sides when pushing it down.

Man, I was sweating the whole video. I presume the original rod broke -- there was a lesson in there! We've all broken wooden rods. Slow but steady wins the race, or at least complete's it. Rushing to get that charge down the barrel to put your palm over the muzzle over and over -- I could hardly watch. Really.

We know it's not easy.

Congrats and good luck with that pride and joy!!!

 

[Adui]

Man, I was sweating the whole video. I presume the original rod broke --

We know it's not easy.

Congrats and good luck with that pride and joy!!!

Not likely. If Traditions is still doing what they did when I bought mine in the early 90's he has a synthetic rod in brown plastic, Delrin or something similar. VERY flexible and difficult to break.

That said, its still best to grip close to the barrel as pointed out. Delrin wont put splinters in you but even that plastic can break from the stress of flexing it back and forth a few thousand times..

 

[Alden]

I didn't know Traditions muzzleloaders ship with synthetic rods -- pretty practical actually.

I use a Delrin Range Rod and have another synthetic in brown plastic (nylon?) under the barrel of my .50 T/C Hawken which, given what it is with that rear sight, is a perfect match for it. They work well vs. old hickory, inspiring confidence and utility.

 

[Shooey]

Thanks for the video. Keep shooting and learning. That's the very rifle that got me hooked into this madness.

 

[Adui]

Alden, I honestly cant say they do now, but I don't see why they would have changed it. I bought mine in the early 90's and it came with the synthetic rod. I didn't buy it in kit form though. I imagine the synthetics are probably cheaper to get bulk for the company anyhow so I imagine they still use them.

 

[georgeingraham]

I am new to muzzleloading.. Just bought my first TC 54..

Your video was really fun to watch, but I must admit, that also did cringe a bit watching the use of the long rod..

Regardless, thank you very much for the video.. !

 

[Len Graves]

First of all nice rifle. And good video. I have a couple of suggestions. As was mentioned the ram rod thing. also patch thickness is measured in thousandths of an in. Not hundredths. You might also have mentioned that your speed loaders were filled with a pre measured amount of powder. I had a feller came to our range and just filled the loaders to the top ( I figured it out later and he was shooting 250 gr.). If you put the butt of your rifle between your feet it points the muzzle more away from your head when loading. I don't mean to criticize, just some suggestions. All in all good video.

 

[Ken Cormier]

Can't think of anything else to comment on as all the critiques are good sound advice. Have fun and enjoy.

 

[Stringbean]

My traditions hawken came with a synthetic brown rod also. My parents bought the gun for me around 2000 while I was in college. That is the gun that I blame for my terrible addiction to black powder. I still have the gun, or parts of it, and it is one of my best shooter to date. I restocked it because the gun just didn't fit me right at 6'3" 190lbs. And I put a new lock on it when I did the restock. everyone told me to just sell it and build a gun but I couldn't part with that barrel. It is a tack driver. It likes round ball with 70 grains of 2fg but it loves a 370 grain maxi ball on top of 90 grains of 2fg. I'm talking touching holes at 50 yards. I have Investarms, Green Mountain and Colerain barrels and this one will shoot with or even out perform my others and it is even the shortest at 28". Thanks for the video and keep making smoke.
String