18th Century Smoothbores School of the Longhunter Seminar 2023

One of the seminar topics that I present is on period correct loading and firing techniques for 18th century smooth-bored guns.
The seminar covers both military muskets and civilian guns.
I give seminars at various events, but since most of you will never attend one of those events, I decided to turn the seminar into a video.
Mike Beliveau links:
Patreon - / duelist
Website - mikebeliveau.com/
KZbin Channel - / @duelist1954
Rumble Channel - rumble.com/c/c-1886155

[@terryqueen3233]

First of all Mike I don't think that you should apologize for the length or the content of your videos because I'm going to watch it. And the main reason is because you have such detail in your presentations that just spell bounds me and teaches me. I drink it up like it was a fine liquor and soak it up like it was a ShamWow towel. Sorry to be so descriptive but I do enjoy these videos especially when I'm learning. Thanks so much for the video I really did learn a lot. Always remember to keep ye powder dry! Thanks again

[@duelist1954]

Thanks Terry!

[@terryqueen3233]

@@duelist1954 thanks Mike that's the first time you've ever replied to one of my comments thanks again I really did enjoy this video or if I May, tutorial

[@tomcurran8470]

It takes me two sessions to watch these, which is just fine.

[@danpatch4751]

Terry Queen, Vince would be proud.

[@chipsterb4946]

Highly educational and informative. The discussion of kernel size vs. surface area was helpful even with smokeless powders.

[@SlavicCelery]

"We got one down here. Not so good" - *Direct hit in the pelvic girdle* - Sir, that's a perfect hit, as that is right near the femoral artery.

[@lae52]

What a fascinating and enlightening video. As a confirmed rifle shooter and builder, I've really gotten into smoothies the last 3 years or so. You've really given me stuff to think about. A lot of my "accidental" experiences have mirrored what you are presenting. Thank you.

[@peteandresenfamilyadventur8742]

This is exceptional scholarship on the historical and modern use of the Brown Bess and smoothbore fowlers. Some of your best work yet! The best part is that you explain WHY it works. Thank you!

[@2gpowell]

Thanks for the hard work you put into the research for this video!

[@PapaCubScout]

Wow so excellent and informative

[@christopherbennett4559]

I use sheeps wool with a round ball and with shot for my tvm 54 cal smooth bore. I hunt and use my flintlock. I am not a range guy or city guy. I use my gun for food. I have pictures of what that method does in a real-life hunting situation. I also believe that was used back then. People had sheep,cows,goats,and other animals. Being born and raised on a farm, we use what we have available. I am sure Dainel Boone did also. Great video, thanks. God bless.

[@jimseaman2558]

This was awesome. Very informative and well done. Thank you!

[@joemolf3894]

Mike you have to much fun i do envy you. Not only that the details you provide are always spec on which is all I want to know! I’ve watched this several times since you originally posted it! It’s so informative! Specifically the details of the velocities offered between 2F And 3F. I’m primarily a 2F user because I have a few 50 and 54 cal not too mention the Bess and Charleville. Those two big gals I generally use 1 or 1.5 F which I have for them specifically. 3F in my 45s and smaller along with my Colts open tops. Thank you for providing this information!!! Respectfully!

[@mooslionheart]

A true historian - “How they actually used it compared to how we wish they used it” Thank you sir!

[@BR549-2]

Great information, thanks for sharing. One of these days I need to attend the school of the longhunter.

[@blackpowderfirearmenthusia3194]

Excellent video, I appreciate you taking the time to make this video, very interesting and I learned a lot. Thank you for sharing this.

[@garyjones3023]

I thought I had a good understanding of black powder and it's ballistic performance. I've been shooting muzzloading since 1976. This video has truly explained how black powder performs with various loads. This presentation makes it simple to understand. It has helped me explain to my grandchildren and believe it or not, Great grandchildren how black powder works by the load. Thank you for this one ..... Great show in my opinion, they learned a lot!

[@tbmpetsolutions]

Very good. Content thank you.

[@TiglathPileser3]

Sorry that I missed the School of the Long Hunter. I still do not have musket or kit.

[@grahammctygue724]

Glad you did well Mark be safe keep passing the knowledge on Peace

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

Clear and concise, thanks Mike

[@ol1guy994]

Thanks Mike great info

[@woodrowbrimm2805]

Very Interesting. I wish you had a Powder Charge/Velocity chart like that for Cap and Ball Revolvers. Elmer Keiths' Book recommends a full load of FFg but Lyman's Black Powder Manual recommends FFFg for the .44 Revolver. I guess I'll just have dig out my Chronograph and find out for my self.

[@ricktaylor5744]

Thanks Mike

[@michaelcroy3026]

great great great. thank you

[@ROE1300]

👍 Thank you. This has real application for my Charleville and my Trade Gun.

[@h-minus2212]

Excellent and informative video. Thank you for taking the time to put it together.

[@krockpotbroccoli65]

I will point out that the pedersoli Bess is actually a replica of a second "short land" pattern musket. The first pattern guns were a couple inches longer at the muzzle.

[@briansherrillruralliving9708]

Would like to see more videos like this. Very good!

[@johnlea8519]

Very useful and historically accurate information given in this video which all adds to the pleasure of muzzleloading. Thanks Mike.

[@graypatriot1299]

Thank you for the lesson. I look forward to the next one.

[@Everythingblackpowder]

I always had terrible results loading shot in a smoothbore with the old “square load”. You did a video some years ago where you used 100gr 2F and 2oz of shot so I gave that a try and it’s worked like a charm and I’ve been doing it ever since. Thanks for another great video, Mike.

[@jason60chev]

Excellent, Mike!

[@craigwilcox4403]

Truley enjoyable and educational. I have several smoothbores, 3 of them double-barreled 1850's British made. 10- 16- and 20 bore. and one single in excellent condition, barreled 16 bore. And I have fired NONE OF THEM! At first it was a lack of knowledge, which you and a few others have supplied, thankfully. And then the Agent Orange (that our government supplied to all us in SE Asia) kicked in. Almost constant heavy tremors joined the muscle and bone damage. But I am determined to shoot the rascals, especially the 15-bore. It is very nicely engraved, English walnut stock, and just happened to fit me like a glove - almost a bespoke firearm. Already have primers, 3F powder, appropriate wads, and a good supply of #7 1/2 shot. Just got to settle my long muscles down a bit, and fit some all-terrain wheels to my assistant. The cane is of little use in most areas as it likes to see how deep soft ground really is. So - thanks, Mike for helping me understand smoothbores a bit better.

[@galenhisler396]

Again, you knocked it out of the park !that was awesome!I need to get me one. I'm hoping kibler will start making them thank you 🤠

[@mausercal65]

Excellent video

[@Targetteer1]

A very great presentation. Very kind of you to share your knowledge of these historical shooting procedures. Thank You!!

[@M80Ball]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@P61guy61]

Excellent! As usual. Thank you for posting.

[@joemiller9632]

thanks for the video.

[@BillyBob-bd1hj]

Loved it. One thing that's missing is a discussion on ball size vs bore size in civilian smooth bores. Using a .610 ball in a .615 bore may work really well, but did your average Joe have such perfectly fitting balls for his trade gun? I'm a bit sceptical.

[@shellmaker10]

This is a great presentation/video.

[@SteveAubrey1762]

I must confess, I fell to the 3f for everything speil, a couple years ago. Prior to that, I had used different granulations for different guns. Mike, once again, you have proven to be the Dean of Muzzleloading. Thank you for this video!

[@ulfrogeriversen2123]

Always good and werry informative videos 👍

[@nicklewis7291]

You should do that at Ft Harrod in Harrodsburg Kentucky if you get a chance. The fort there has been replicated in a similar fashion. Harrodsburg is the oldest settlement west of the Allegheny mountains.

[@earlshaner4441]

Thank you for sharing my friend and I enjoy this video

[@earlshaner4441]

Good morning from Syracuse NY brother

[@markworden9169]

Good stuff!

[@brianfoster4434]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@wrxs1781]

Very good commentary, much enjoyed.

[@leonardwilcox4570]

Super good video thanks

[@piscesplayer9473]

Great information!

[@johnqpublic2718]

Thanks for the upload Mike! I'm glad the YT overlords haven't completely smote your channel!

[@bobhart1155]

I could watch your videos all day long and this is no exception. Excellent detailed and rich content that I can apply to my own needs and practices with smoothbore shooting. Keep 'em coming -- greatly appreciated here!

[@markphillips9621]

Mike I don't say it much or often and we've never met but thank you for your videos.

[@sorshiaemms5959]

Good to see your back i hope every thing is OK great video as always

[@fixed970]

I have been looking for this kind of info for several years. This backs up and improves some of the things i have found. I now have an understanding of black powder like never before, and a clearer understanding of shot loading than before! Thank you Mike for a fine and informative video. I will be keeping this for reference in the future. I hope you record all this stuff in a book of your own, would be worth every penny!

[@SootHead]

Fantastic! So much I didn't know. I doubt I'll ever put it to use but it gives me context and a greater appreciation of my ancestors and our history.

[@james_lessick892]

I really needed this information, thank you so much.

[@tomcurran8470]

As usual, great historical details and practical information on how to. The explanation about the differences in powder was very helpful, even jf I thought I knew everything, LOL. Today, with ammo prices sometimes approaching $5/round for center-fire cartridges and expensive shotshells, some primers non-existent, shooting flint and percussion (if you find the caps) is very economical. Especially with flint, you have beaten the primer shortage!

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

FANTASTIC primer on musket shooting, Mike! Many thanks!

[@waynehendrix4806]

My favorite quote of the year. "How dead can you be?" haha.

[@blackpowder-bulgaria]

Thank you!

[@giuseppe4909]

Perfect ! I just acquired a French 1817 pattern smoothbore musket. Thank you for publishing this !

[@russellcraven251]

Really enjoyed your presentation Mike.

[@gizmocarr3093]

I wonder if ball blocks were carried or used during the period. The ball and patch would be placed in a wood block and and could be loaded quickly into the bore. I read the idea of a square shot load is described as a shot load equal to the length of the diameter of the bore of the barrel. English Fowling Pieces I read used Jug Choke barrels to improve shot patterns and still shoot round balls accurately too.

[@noapologizes2018]

Good to see you again, Mr. Mike.

[@martyjewell5683]

Very educational and instructional. And a freakin' blast. Thanks for the show. I noticed the kick, madone! After several eye surgeries my hard kicking long gun days are over. My Rem 870P (1983) and Mosin M44 (1944 Izhevsk) are retired too.

[@jellybryce7742]

Thank you for the presentation !

[@ol1guy994]

Thanks Excellent great info.

[@jamesvatter5729]

Good stuff, Mike.I really appreciate you sharing this presentation. I would love to go to SOTLH, but unfortunately, can't ever get away more than a half day. My wife is bed-ridden and I certainly can't leave her alone overnight.

[@duelist1954]

I'm sorry to hear about your wife.

[@robertfarrow4256]

Really good and quite practical. Thanks!

[@4ninefine199]

Great info. Thanks!

[@hawkeyeshawkeyes7468]

Great video as usual. I just got my 1766 charleville and learning a lot from you. I guess trial is the best teacher. You lessen the learning curve thank you for all your hard work.

[@genevisneski7708]

Great Video! 👍

[@singleshot2218]

Very informative Mike! Hope all is well my friend! Take care and stay safe! Hod bless!✝️🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😊

[@thess344]

Charcoal-burner school, love it! Thanks, Mike for the great presentation.

[@ronrobertson59]

I've had issues getting black powder at all. I found six pounds of FFFG so I bought it. I'm using it in my revolvers mostly. My 1858 two band Enfield shoots not so good with it. I've never tried it in my 69cal 1842 Springfield. I'm going to Ohio in a few months so I'll stop in to The Log Cabin gun shop in Lodi Ohio and stock up on FFG and FFFFG. Thanks Mike Great video.

[@matthewcharles5867]

I've shot a 2 band Enfield for years mine definitely shoots better with 2f.

[@kpex7509]

I really enjoy this video, thank you so kindly for sharing.100 % agree

[@mky45lg]

Mike this was really interesting I expecially enjoyed the part of the presentation where you talked about powder geometry. I know that might not interest everybody but I reload and I find that kind of stuff fascinating. Thank you.

[@charlesgroves3096]

Great video. This one must have been a ton of work.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks! Putting this together was pretty time-intensive, but the research was performed over several years.

[@string-bag]

Excellent video Mike, very informative. Thank you.

[@TomCramer-xu8tx]

Excellent presentation! Thank you!

[@lrdick]

Rate of powder burn is the same - 1FG burns longer than 3FG because the grains of powder are larger

[@hettro-cv6082]

Great video!

[@lundysden6781]

very nice, thank you!

[@jamesnull5415]

Very informative. 🇺🇸

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you SO MUCH for making this a video! I learned a ton as always!! This is incredible!

[@mikerunkle8844]

So informative and helpful. Thank you!

[@mburf1717]

Keep it up!

[@markkilburn112]

This is very cool! Thank you Mike!!!

[@stevenhorney7735]

Thank you for an excellent presentation and in-depth research! I was particularly fascinated by your powder granulation tests; it was interesting to see how the performance overlapped at around 80 grains.

[@WhatIfBrigade]

Great presentation! Very informative!

[@grahammctygue724]

Pipe bowl often is clay tavern style or as made with around first finger ,found in reprint of smoking guide . Match to gauge in any case be blessed Peace to you n your,s

[@verfugbarkite]

Impressively researched lecture

[@keithmoore5306]

your buck and ball load is different than all the published loads i've seen! all of them from the 1800's were 6 pellets of double ought and a ball with about an 70 to a 100 grain charge and i've seen one from the 1770's that was 6 pellets double ought and 3 of single ought with ball but it didn't give a charge size for the load!

[@nothim7321]

Fun fun

[@3ducs]

I just picked up what I believe to be an English single barrel fowler. Percussion, about 20 gauge, 44 1/2 inch barrel. Some nice German silver pieces, iron butt plate and trigger guard. A back action lock, I believe the maker is Fenton. But these things are interesting projects, a research project. It's a long skinny stick of a shotgun.

[@robertlittle7407]

Cool man cool

[@Charstring]

Some brilliant dry humour from Mike B! (Beaver fur). Also, I wonder about the pipe bowl as a measure of powder and shot? I have no clue but could the author have been thinking about clay pipes which might have been a vaguely standard size?

[@duelist1954]

That would be my guess too.

[@jwhiskey242]

Mike I would to see you, run and load at the same time like Daniel Day Lewis did in "Last of the Mohicans". LOL

[@jason60chev]

Haha! Mike’s gonna shave a beaver!! Haha!!

[@flintandball6093]

Fighting close quarters in woods or at ship boarding i see it being useful. But How much damage is buckshot actually going to inflict at extended ranges?