What Muzzleloading Stuff Did You Do Today?

[TDM]

Went to the range again with my SMR. I'm kinda getting used to a flintlock. kinda.

I need to figure out why it's destroying patches. First trip I used spit. This time I used bear oil from Frontiers. .015 patches from Eastern Maine, both pre-cut, and cut at the muzzle. I think I'll order some pillow ticking and see what that does.

Have you thumb polished the bore face?

 

[painter]

Have you thumb polished the bore face?

No sir, I haven't. I was contemplating doing that, and also running some red scotch brite. on a 40, or 36 cal, jag.

 

[longcruise]

Went to the range again with my SMR. I'm kinda getting used to a flintlock. kinda.

I need to figure out why it's destroying patches. First trip I used spit. This time I used bear oil from Frontiers. .015 patches from Eastern Maine, both pre-cut, and cut at the muzzle. I think I'll order some pillow ticking and see what that does.

Time to look at the overall muzzle and bore condition.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Nine hours of engraving today (five hours yesterday) and I have finished my newest Powder Horn (#29). It came out pretty good.

 

[painter]

Time to look at the overall muzzle and bore condition.

Well, It's a new Kibler, with a Rice barrel with under 50 rounds fired. Anything is possible, so what do you think I should look for?

 

[Loja man]

Nine hours of engraving today (five hours yesterday) and I have finished my newest Powder Horn (#29). It came out pretty good.

Love it!! When I get my Fowler build this is my next project!!

 

[Dale Allen Raby]

Rifled four-bore

Ooooo... that's gotta hurt on both ends!

 

[Dale Allen Raby]

Shheesh! If "they" hear that they will be trying to ban muzzle loaders as weapons of mass destruction.

"They" are already trying...

 

[TDM]

No sir, I haven't. I was contemplating doing that, and also running some red scotch brite. on a 40, or 36 cal, jag.

Unless you’re feeling some resistance or a rough spot while using a cleaning patch the bore should be fine. But the bore face will likely have a sharp edge on it. That’s what tears up patches. Cut an 1 1/2” square of 220, 320, and 400 grit sandpaper. Start with the 220 and using firm thumb pressure, twist evenly back and forth 15-20 times or more. Do this with each grit. You can even finish down to 600 grit if you want. You’ll notice a pleasant difference.

 

[TDM]

Love it!! When I get my Fowler build this is my next project!!

I like that curvature.

 

[painter]

Unless you’re feeling some resistance or a rough spot while using a cleaning patch the bore should be fine. But the bore face will likely have a sharp edge on it. That’s what tears up patches. Cut an 1 1/2” square of 220, 320, and 400 grit sandpaper. Start with the 220 and using firm thumb pressure, twist evenly back and forth 15-20 times or more. Do this with each grit. You can even finish down to 600 grit if you want. You’ll notice a pleasant difference.

The bore feels great, and it loads easily the entire length, until the crud ring after 10, or so, rounds. I'll try your suggestion. I just want to stop tearing patches. Thanks.

I'm planning on hitting the range again tomorrow. I think I have some sandpaper, so I'll try that in the morning before I go.

 

[Loja man]

I like that curvature.

Thanks I had help picking it! now if I don’t mess it up!;-)

 

[longtoothpard]

Bought a musket on here a week ago. Seller still has not shipped.

 

[Zutt-man]

Today, I cleaned up my shooting box and made sure I had supplies for this turkey season. AND I’M GLAD I DID! I realized I never ordered any 24 gauge wads or cards. I need to get on that!

 

[TDM]

Bought a musket on here a week ago. Seller still has not shipped.

That’s not good.

 

[Dale Allen Raby]

Today, I cleaned up my shooting box and made sure I had supplies for this turkey season. AND I’M GLAD I DID! I realized I never ordered any 24 gauge wads or cards. I need to get on that!

You hunt turkey with a 24 gauge?! Would not have thought that practical. What does your pattern look like at thirty yards?

 

[oldwood]

Today it was 73 deg. F. here. No lock inletting today. Vehicle washing took place. Hoping for rain tomorrow , so lock inletting can continue. I'm about a year behind with all m/l gun work , due to sick wife.. She's good as it's gonna get , so I hope gun work can continue.

 

[TDM]

Hang in there @oldwood, hope your Wife gets better soon.

 

[pacanis]

I messed around with some range boxes. Too windy to do much more when you want to shoot for groups sighting in.
I found the short brass powder flask that had come up missing. But seem to have misplaced the small brass flint hammer for knapping. I'm sure it will show up somewhere.

I transferred some red ticking and mink oil into my .32 box so I can give that a try next time I shoot the KY.
And now that I know about thumb polishing, I'm going to do that to the .32.

 

[longcruise]

Well, It's a new Kibler, with a Rice barrel with under 50 rounds fired. Anything is possible, so what do you think I should look for?

Like @TDM said, work the muzzle until it has a round smooth radius and it blends into the rifling with no sharp edges. Also, as you work it with your thumb every now and then rotate the barrel to maintain consistency. Random is your friend. If your thumb is too big for the caliber find something that is cone shaped and fasten the paper to it with double sided tape that has a foam body. It will help arrive at a rounded radius.

I made a set of three wooden cones of different angles to do this. It was handy because I was doing multiple barrels. When this is done you will be able to load a thicker patch and that will be added protection.

I doubt there are problems with the bore. According to Rice the pull a button through the bore after rifling it. That should give up a smooth bore.