[Bret Stanbridge]

Probably a stupid question but here goes. I have never shot this rifle and really want to. I have the brass powder measure, but what is the best way to get powder into it out of the triple seven container. Also I bought hornady .495 balls and I have .010 patches. Is this combo ok? What powder loads should I start with and what powder loads are recommende for hunting? I will be hunting blacktail deer here in california. Thank You

 

[OneEyedJack]

You'll want a canister spout like this. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=566334 I've seen them at WalMart on occasion, and in well stocked sporting goods stores.

For hunting, you'll need a few quick load powder tubes like this. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=928145 , or any small container you can carry in a picket (like 35mm film canisters, small pill bottles, etc.)

Your ball patch combo should be OK. Most of my guns shoot better with a thicker patch. I mostly use .018 pillow tick from a fabric store for patches, lubed with olive oil.

Start at around 70 grains of powder and see how it shoots with that. Then try 80 and 90. Any of those loads will do the job on blacktails out as far as you can accurately put a ball in the heart/lung region.

 

[Koanbred]

Probably a stupid question but here goes. I have never shot this rifle and really want to. I have the brass powder measure, but what is the best way to get powder into it out of the triple seven container. Also I bought hornady .495 balls and I have .010 patches. Is this combo ok? What powder loads should I start with and what powder loads are recommende for hunting? I will be hunting blacktail deer here in california. Thank You

Hey there Bret!

I could explain everything there is to know about the preparation and use of muzzleloaders. However, just think, why should I do that, when you could just as easily go to the following website and watch the basics-of-Muzzleloading video as many times as you like:

http://www.cva.com

Watch it! It's fairly enlightening!