What Muzzleloading Stuff Did You Do Today?

[64Springer]

Trying to melt ten pounds of 98-1-1 sailboat ballast.

The pencil test has it at 40:1 hardness.

Sand and debris will be removed just prior to pouring.

Now where did I put my Pewter/Tin?

 

[gunpa]

I finally made it out with my smoke pole today. 10 roundball shots, about 6 with my cast improved Minnie's and three 525 grain No Excuses Conicals. All smacked my 8 inch plate at 50 yards. The 525's slammed the whole target hanger to the ground. No misses or sight adjustment for all three loads. I'm happy!

 

[pacanis]

You're killing me, Smalls.

First they tell me they are running early. Yay for me. I really want to try that Swiss powder for the first time and the weather has been perfect.
Then when the package doesn't show up Thursday, they tell me they are running on time and it will be here today.
Then when it doesn't show up today, and I called and was told FedEx Ground delivers Sat and Sun... this is what I see next time I look:

And of course Monday I'll be heading out to buy my hunting license and doe permit at 11:00, the soonest I am able to because now we don't have to mail in our doe permit request. And I'll bet there's a line.

First world problems. I just hope the box is in good shape and I don't have a bunch of loose gunpowder in the box.

Rant over.

I did get my tracking from Track and the rifle and other stuff I ordered from them is estimated Tuesday. Thankfully UPS.

 

[CuNosecap]

TDM, your practice carving is coming along nicely. A lot of your “mistakes” will be fixed with a v groove or carving blade. This is especially true along the relief cuts that look a little ragged. Rifflers can help to smooth and even out the background.
With the amount of research you’ve done, as well as practice, I’m sure I’m not telling you something new. But most important are sharp, sharp tools. I keep a diamond 600 grit at my side and use it the second I notice the tool grabbing.
As you know by now, maple is difficult to carve, difficult to learn on. The more figure the harder. I often tell first time carvers to start with some basswood to get used to the tools before tackling harder woods. You’re doing great.
Thanks for posting all the photos. It is good to watch the progress.

 

[TDM]

TDM, your practice carving is coming along nicely. A lot of your “mistakes” will be fixed with a v groove or carving blade. This is especially true along the relief cuts that look a little ragged. Rifflers can help to smooth and even out the background.
With the amount of research you’ve done, as well as practice, I’m sure I’m not telling you something new. But most important are sharp, sharp tools. I keep a diamond 600 grit at my side and use it the second I notice the tool grabbing.
As you know by now, maple is difficult to carve, difficult to learn on. The more figure the harder. I often tell first time carvers to start with some basswood to get used to the tools before tackling harder woods. You’re doing great.
Thanks for posting all the photos. It is good to watch the progress.

Thanks, I have all the right tools and they are sharp. It’s using them that begs the question.

 

[Loja man]

Thanks, I have all the right tools and they are sharp. It’s using them that begs the question.

Hang in thier!! You got it!!

 

[Jim K]

I was airbrushing some deer heads in my shop this morning and the power went out so…… got out the flintlock and my new steel squirrel target and took five shots at various short distances. At my club you can only shoot 25,50&100 yards.
A lot of my shots at squirrels are under 25.
Power will be out for awhile so I think I’ll run down to the range and shoot some more. I don’t like shooting at my place to much. Don’t like to upset the turkeys. These are at my bird feeder right now.

 

[skwerleater]

Been working on this little piece. Just finished it up and tested it. It’s with a horn I made in the past. Been doing this muzzleloading since I was a kid 40 yrs ago and it’s still lots of fun!!! That horn was part of a pair my neighbor gave me when i was about 16. One was cracked bad, this one became this horn. It’s been on many many hunts with me.

 

[skwerleater]

Trying to melt ten pounds of 98-1-1 sailboat ballast.

The pencil test has it at 40:1 hardness.

Sand and debris will be removed just prior to pouring.

Now where did I put my Pewter/Tin?

Trying to melt ten pounds of 98-1-1 sailboat ballast.

The pencil test has it at 40:1 hardness.

Sand and debris will be removed just prior to pouring.

Now where did I put my Pewter/Tin?

Can you tell me what the pencil test is? I haven’t heard of it.
Thanks

 

[64Springer]

Can you tell me what the pencil test is? I haven’t heard of it.
Thanks

Sure!

Use the chart to select a pencil for softness/hardness.

When one of the pencils makes a scratch in the lead, that is the (Approximate) harness of the lead. Approximate is very close though.

The genius that came up with this idea of testing lead did his homework.

 

[Maven]

The genius you speak of was the late Ken Mollohan, a paint chemist and one of the founders of the Cast Bullet Association.

 

[skwerleater]

Thank you

 

[ord sgt]

I took my bp revolver to the range today. I had powder, balls and caps but didn't get to shoot. Why? My capper was left at home and there was no way to cap the nipples. Fingers too big.
Oh well, another day, maybe.

 

[Loja man]

I took my bp revolver to the range today. I had powder, balls and caps but didn't get to shoot. Why? My capper was left at home and there was no way to cap the nipples. Fingers too big.
Oh well, another day, maybe.

Momma said there’d be days like this!!

 

[leadhoarder]

Shot my GPR and let it draw its first blood. MINE!

Was shooting an IPSC target at 100 yards practicing offhand shooting in different stances. One shot the butt slipped off my arm when it recoiled and the peep sight “scoped” my nose.

 

[TDM]

The price we pay to do this. Glad your ok @leadhoarder

 

[Loja man]

!!

Shot my GPR and let it draw its first blood. MINE!

Was shooting an IPSC target at 100 yards practicing offhand shooting in different stances. One shot the butt slipped off my arm when it recoiled and the peep sight “scoped” my nose.

Bummer!!

 

[deerstalkert]

Shot my GPR and let it draw its first blood. MINE!

Was shooting an IPSC target at 100 yards practicing offhand shooting in different stances. One shot the butt slipped off my arm when it recoiled and the peep sight “scoped” my nose.

i escaped the "half moon" club for 60 years! when i joined my hunting buddy just stood pointing at my eyebrow and laughed as the blood dripped off my nose.

 

[user 31232]

Shot my GPR and let it draw its first blood. MINE!

Was shooting an IPSC target at 100 yards practicing offhand shooting in different stances. One shot the butt slipped off my arm when it recoiled and the peep sight “scoped” my nose.

Passed !

 

[user 31232]

Ouchie !