![]() ![]() I simply learned what the ballistic variables of muzzleloading rifles are and applied the same logical method of isolating and testing them that I used in the process of hand loading accurate ammunition for modern centerfire rifles. I make no claims of being the first person to discover any aspect of this method. By isolating and testing each of these variables through a logical, systematic method I discovered loadings that greatly improved the accuracy of every muzzleloading firearm I have owned. When the final piece of the process fell into place for me I soon realized that all the top shooters in that club were practicing some elements of this method but not every one of them had a grasp of every variable in the total process. When a competitor discovers a detail that gives him an advantage in competition, he isn’t likely to share that information too readily. My learning process occurred over a period of time, perhaps due to an atmosphere of friendly competition. Through observation, conversation, and competition with these gentlemen, I was finally able to sort out all the different ballistic variables involved with loading these rifles and a reliable method to isolate and control each one. The members of this club are extremely knowledgeable in the loading and workings of their muzzleloading rifles. Years later I became involved with a muzzleloading gun club which holds monthly shooting matches. In spite of being disproved by controlled experiments using high speed photography and modern testing equipment some of those superstitions still persist to this day. In giving accounts of the heavy muzzleloading target rifle shooting matches he participated in he mentions some of the superstitions held by the shooters of his time. The first reliable information I discovered was in the book The Muzzle-loading Rifle - then and now by Walter Cline first published in 1942. The very limited information I was able to find on the loading and maintenance of muzzleloaders consisted largely of folklore, myth, and no small amount of farmers’ almanac style ritual that seemed to be linked to a particular phase of the moon. This was decades before the internet or google existed. When I tried to apply that method to muzzleloading rifles I had only limited success because I did not fully understand the very different set of ballistic variables involved with black powder and the muzzleloading rifle. When I began my journey into muzzleloading rifles I had a solid background in the variables involved with hand loading centerfire rifle ammunition and how to isolate and test each of those variables to achieve the best accuracy in a particular rifle. Unfortunately such information concerning black powder and muzzleloading firearms is not as widely known or circulated. Any good reloading manual will outline the variables involved and a logical approach to discovering the best combination of components for accurate loads in an individual rifle. Information concerning load development for centerfire rifle ammunition is widely published and available. This process is often referred to as “developing a load” or “working up a load”. ![]() Finding the most accurate load for a muzzleloading rifle requires an understanding of all the variables involved and a systematic approach for isolating and testing each of those variables. On the other hand, you will not see shooters at organized competitions loading their rifles in this fashion.Įxperienced muzzle loaders who shoot competitively and serious black powder hunters know that muzzle loading rifles are capable of outstanding accuracy and reliability when they are loaded and maintained properly. If the accuracy achieved by this loading method meets your expectations you can stop reading here and save yourself much time and effort. These recommendations are considered a safe place to begin but they are usually not the most accurate load.Ĭasual shooters will typically purchase balls of the recommend size along with precut, pre lubricated patches and go shooting. They may also recommend a minimum and maximum amount of powder to load in the gun. These manufacturers typically recommend a ball ten thousands of an inch smaller than the bore of the rifle with a patch ten thousands inch thick. When interest in muzzleloaders began to exceed the supply of original guns and parts, manufacturers began producing “replicas” of black powder rifles to meet the demand. ![]()
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