Well I guess I finally get to post in this thread! Finally did some muzzleloading stuff!
Took my rifle out for the first time. Traditions percussion Kentucky Rifle. First muzzleloader I've fired, and first blackpowder I've fired, and holy COW. What an AWESOME time! Don't get me wrong, I love my modern arms, and my WW2 era stuff, but I had an absolute blast. Already contemplating my next muzzleloader (I'm thinking a flintlock Dragoon pistol). I took my dad along and he loved it too. He's about ready to buy a Hawken Rifle already XD
Also did my part to help grow the community. Had some interested folks come up asking about the rifle, and I let them try it out. Five people in all, and five smiling faces as soon as they pulled the trigger.
And the best part, it was probably the cheapest range day I've ever had, aside from some .22 plinking (And even that might be a close race). All said and done, I only ran through about 25 rounds in the couple hours I was there. No I'm not quite THAT slow on reloading, but the conversations with those interested folks ate up some time. But I really just took my time and enjoyed it. I didn't have my usual lead-flinging mentality where I'd have the urge to put 120 rounds down range in 20 minutes (Though granted, I haven't been shooting much since ammo prices spiked during covid, so that mentality might be gone by necessity XD).
Only downside was the cleaning. I'm absolutely shocked how dirty it got with only 25 rounds down range. Definitely running a brush through it mid-session next time around. Got a little bit tough to load after a while.
Already planning a trip out to the desert with a few buddies to see if I can get them addicted too.