Rifles and Muzzleloaders - New To Black Powder

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New To Black Powder

Printed From: The BaitShop
Category: FireArms, et cetera
Forum Name: Rifles and Muzzleloaders
Forum Description: Rimfire, centerfire, front-stuffer, whatever! Also, for more great firearms and reloading discussion, check out www.handloadersbench.com!
URL: http://www.baitshopboyz.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=27383
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 17:54
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: New To Black Powder

Posted By: 788Fan
Subject: New To Black Powder
Date Posted: 01 June 2021 at 13:42

Guys, I was just given a 1980s era TC Hawken in 54 cal. I'm new to the black powder game but will need to get up to speed quick. My deer season just go considerably shorter due to the loss of a 32 acre plot that I had firearms permission on from November 1 to December 31. I'll need the front stuffer to pick up 2 1/2 weeks of field time.

I get the basics of loading and all. I'll need to add a scope as my eyes aren't what they used to be. Here come the questions:

1) Is it worth the time to put an adapter on it for #209 shotgun primers?

2) I keep seeing "black powder" scopes. Are they necessary?

3) Patched round ball or greased Maxi-Ball?

4) Do I need to discharge it every time I come out of the woods and clean it or can it be left charged with no cap/primer in place?

Thanks guys. Any info is a help.

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"We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the universe. That makes us something very special." Stephen Hawking 1942-2018

Replies:

Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 01 June 2021 at 18:32

thoughts.

Got a 1970 TC hawken. love it have shot 30+ deer with it, in Penn's Woods.

1. No a percussion cap #11 is fine for me. never had one not go off.

2. I have open sights. any scope will work 1-4x is my choice on this type of hunting firearms. leupold vx-2 1-4x. Any 1" rifle scope will work, even the old standby 3-9x, with it kept on 3x as distances are short.

3. I'm a traditionalist, so I like the patched RB. the Sabot loads are good and very popular also. Maxi-balls are nt real accurate, nor are R.E.a.L.

4 ok to pull the cao of and put some plasyic wrap over the nipple for a day. Remember the BP absorbs moisture fast and will FTF if it get too much moisture.

5. I always clean and oil the baarrel after I shoot it at the end of the day.

Longest whitetail kill 132 yards, flint Hawken 45 cal, open sights, round ball Pyrodex. heart shot. about 12 inches of powder snow, January, standing on snowshoes.

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“ The IQ and the life expectancy of the average American recently passed each other in opposite directions.”

Posted By: jsgbearpaws1
Date Posted: 01 June 2021 at 23:39

back in the eighties I had some experience with the white powder!

New to it myself. Son left a couple inlines in the cabinet and has no real interest in gathering them up.

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...oh yeah! thats gonna hurt!

Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 02 June 2021 at 21:12

I have 2 muzzle loaders. One is a Thompson Center I don't know the model but I do know, They are fun to shoot.

I've never hunted with either of them.

Wing master

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I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.