Green horn

A-10 · 07-13-2007, 11:43 PM

I just as of 10 minutes ago finished my traditions percussion .50 muzzleloader kit and she looks pretty nice if I do say so my self.
However, a new problem arises. I have no idea what I'm doing .
I need to ask you guys quite a few questions.

Which is better for deer? .50 caliber bullet or a sabot slug?
I'd like to use pyrodex, which kind do you prefer?
How much powder should I load?
Anything I might need to know about percussion caps?
What else does a muzzleloading greenhorn need to have as far as measurers, ramrod tools, cleaning supplies, etc.?

I appreciate any help you could give. Like I said, I have no idea what I'm doing so any other helpful advice would be fantastic!

jerry · 07-14-2007, 09:30 AM

Which is better for deer? .50 caliber bullet or a sabot slug?
Your rate of twist will dictate which projectile works best in your gun. Round ball is fine within reasoanble distances. Sabots can carry higher performance bulltets.
I'd like to use pyrodex, which kind do you prefer?
I use the regular pyrodex. There are other good BP replacements out there ie. 777 etc.
How much powder should I load?
For .50 cal I use around 60-70 for plinking and 100-120 for huntingAnything I might need to know about percussion caps?
Keep them clean, dry, oil free. Make sure you ahve the right size mine are #11's always refer to mfg suggestion
What else does a muzzleloading greenhorn need to have as far as measurers,
ramrod tools, cleaning supplies, etc.?
Sky is limit. Brass adjustable measure, pour spout lid for range use on powder can, nice range rod with stuck bullet remover, cleaning jag. this is easier that using the rod on the gun. Nipple wrench, spare nipple or 2,BP solvent for between shot field swabs (clean with hot soap & water when you get home. Speed loaders for hunting. A possibles bag to carry all the stuff in.

There is more, but this is the basics

A-10 · 07-14-2007, 04:56 PM

Thank you very much!

rebel727 · 07-15-2007, 02:29 PM

That's probably a 1:48 twist. It will do well with conicals and patched round balls alike but it's not perfect for either one. My 1:48's do not like sabots, they tumble but yours may do ok. You'll just have to play with it and find out what it likes.

Lng Rng · 07-16-2007, 04:51 PM

The best bullet for deer will be dictated by your gun, so you may want to shoot some Power Belts, and Shock Waves, and try some patch and ball, also. Like Jerry, I also use Pyrodex. 777 can be tough to ignite sometimes. I got the 50 grain charges, and my gun fires the best off 100 grains. You will probably find that your gun does best when you back off the max charge.

As far as percussion caps go, you may want to check if your gun can be outfitted to fire 209's, it just works better. Jerry coverd the accesories very well. One thing I did was go and pick up a new ramrod. I did this becuase when I shoot at the range. I used one for cleaning and one for pushing the bullets down the barrel.

07-15-2007, 02:29 PM	#4
rebel727 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Heidelberg, Mississippi Posts: 1,387	That's probably a 1:48 twist. It will do well with conicals and patched round balls alike but it's not perfect for either one. My 1:48's do not like sabots, they tumble but yours may do ok. You'll just have to play with it and find out what it likes. __________________ North-1 South-0 HALFTIME!

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07-13-2007, 11:43 PM	#1
A-10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 724	Green horn I just as of 10 minutes ago finished my traditions percussion .50 muzzleloader kit and she looks pretty nice if I do say so my self. However, a new problem arises. I have no idea what I'm doing . I need to ask you guys quite a few questions. Which is better for deer? .50 caliber bullet or a sabot slug? I'd like to use pyrodex, which kind do you prefer? How much powder should I load? Anything I might need to know about percussion caps? What else does a muzzleloading greenhorn need to have as far as measurers, ramrod tools, cleaning supplies, etc.? I appreciate any help you could give. Like I said, I have no idea what I'm doing so any other helpful advice would be fantastic!

07-14-2007, 09:30 AM	#2
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,750	Which is better for deer? .50 caliber bullet or a sabot slug? Your rate of twist will dictate which projectile works best in your gun. Round ball is fine within reasoanble distances. Sabots can carry higher performance bulltets. I'd like to use pyrodex, which kind do you prefer? I use the regular pyrodex. There are other good BP replacements out there ie. 777 etc. How much powder should I load? For .50 cal I use around 60-70 for plinking and 100-120 for huntingAnything I might need to know about percussion caps? Keep them clean, dry, oil free. Make sure you ahve the right size mine are #11's always refer to mfg suggestion What else does a muzzleloading greenhorn need to have as far as measurers, ramrod tools, cleaning supplies, etc.? Sky is limit. Brass adjustable measure, pour spout lid for range use on powder can, nice range rod with stuck bullet remover, cleaning jag. this is easier that using the rod on the gun. Nipple wrench, spare nipple or 2,BP solvent for between shot field swabs (clean with hot soap & water when you get home. Speed loaders for hunting. A possibles bag to carry all the stuff in. There is more, but this is the basics

07-14-2007, 04:56 PM	#3
A-10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 724	Thank you very much!

07-16-2007, 04:51 PM	#5
Lng Rng Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 941	The best bullet for deer will be dictated by your gun, so you may want to shoot some Power Belts, and Shock Waves, and try some patch and ball, also. Like Jerry, I also use Pyrodex. 777 can be tough to ignite sometimes. I got the 50 grain charges, and my gun fires the best off 100 grains. You will probably find that your gun does best when you back off the max charge. As far as percussion caps go, you may want to check if your gun can be outfitted to fire 209's, it just works better. Jerry coverd the accesories very well. One thing I did was go and pick up a new ramrod. I did this becuase when I shoot at the range. I used one for cleaning and one for pushing the bullets down the barrel.