Loading flintlock smoothbores from the pouch

[@zombieapocalipse2020]

could watch you all day mike, you really do capture the imagination of the frontier times.

[@floydskyfire]

i got to agree.. great information from Mike.. he's a real pro

[@herbertsmith6416]

I'm taking chemo so I'm pretty well confined to my recliner so I watch you all day long. And have enjoyed every bit.

[@duelist1954]

I hope you’re back up and at ‘em soon.

[@herbertsmith6416]

@@duelist1954 thank you mike

[@BEACHSILVER]

Another great video.. thank you for everything you do Mike.. I fell in love with the Queen Anne pistol after the series you did on it.I got myself one and it is my prize possession of my golden age of piracy weapon collection.

[@toddduncan4071]

Today I had the opportunity to fire an English Fowler from Caywood that my best friend purchased and after years of both caplock and flintlock shooting im super impressed by the versatility of the smoothbore. We went out this morning and fired both roundball and shot and laughed liked kids the whole time. What a great time we had. I'm now looking to add a smoothbore to my black powder affliction.

[@Bayan1905]

I've taken to hunting even with more modern guns with a longhunter type bag like that. I keep my supplies in it instead of trying to carry a pack on my shoulder. I have a folding saw, compass, game bag in case of a deer, rope, first aid kit & survival kit and a few other necessities. I made mine out of a milsurp claymore mine bag.

[@iam5692]

Mike, thanks for your very likeable personality and knowledge of history with regards to black powder rifles and pistols. I really love watching your videos. You are the best Mike.

[@3toepete574]

Nice Fusil. They are so graceful and light. I have an old Woodall Centermark. Thanks for sharing MB

[@iac4357]

Years back, before knowing about Shooting Pouches, I bought a Rev War size canvas Haversack to hold my possibles. I modified it by adding a button on the strap to attach a strip of cloth patching, along with a cloth sheath to hold my ball starter. It works well as a p-bag, and has room to hold an apple or two.

[@Fuerwahrhalunke]

It's just so satisfying to see these guns still in use. So aesthetically pleasing too.

[@toyfoxokey]

Measuring horns on the strap are really cool, functional art in the hands of a real artist.

[@johnnottahcal5725]

I get all twisted around when loading from the pouch. “10 briquets on the bottom, 20 on top, flour the foulings, add biscuits..” I harvested a nice biscuits and gravy, accidentally! I keep your smoothbore target picture as motivation to get it right!

[@Wesley196148]

This guy is a treasure trove of early firearms education. I feel smarter after every vid.

[@blackpowdermaniacshooter]

Looks like Evil Roy had a bad day…..great shooting. Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed it.

[@robinaboy]

I’m impressed with the accuracy from that distance. Everything I’d read about muskets was that without rifling, shots could very easily miss.

[@slowpokebr549]

And he's using tow, which isn't as accurate as a patched tight fitting ball. Smooth bores can be quite accurate inside 50 or 60 yards. The problem is that period smoothbores rarely had sights, just a bead at best.

[@dsan94]

​@@slowpokebr549 try 80-150yds. 80 to 100 yds hitting a man sized target isn't hard with a musket.

[@douglasmaccullagh7865]

Very helpful, sir. Thank you. I own a 20 gauge fowler, I have been reluctant to take it to the range because I was not sure of the best way to handle the flintlock, and I was unsure how to clean a pinned stock black powder gun. I think I now have good ideas about both. Shooting range here I come!

[@timothygleason56]

Douglas MacCullagh m

[@lynnie0526]

I am a native reenactor and if you missed a native with that first shot your scalp would be hanging from his scalp pole! Lol Wingeohkwet ( Raven)

[@duelist1954]

I've gotten faster since then...LOL kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2SomnyvpLhog6s

[@wesleyfarrington8772]

Thanks for all the great videos! I've just started a Rendezvous, Carolina group on Facebook and share your videos there, very appreciated!

[@versal339]

Great job. That gun has a marvelously fast lock. Thanks again.

[@stewknoles4790]

I must say Mike. You have an awsome set up.

[@e.kent.d9561]

Another great video. I never miss any of yours.

[@floydskyfire]

pretty good shooting with the ol flinch lock.. looks well practiced partner.. i can't wait to get a kit of old brown bess..

[@swamprat9018]

Mr. B: your shoulder must be feeling much better for it to handle those two oz. loads. Good to see it.

[@Leatherbark]

After Evil Roy is down I figure a frontiersman on the Pa frontier would be dropping a palm full of powder down the barrel and then rolling a ball down the bore, tamping it down quickly on the run and priming from the horn on the run being careful the not lower the muzzle . Then at the right moment when Evil Roy's sibling is about to catch up with you then you turn and fire and start the process all over again and hope you dont have to jump in the river and swim to the other side. Good video. I like loading from a bag also. Although probably not traditional I like the use of wads though behind and in front of the ball. It seems like the ball centers between the wads as it travels down the bore like a sabot. I load one in and place the ball sprue down on the first wad and place another over top and shove the hole shebang down at once. I believe if the natives were after hair I'd use leaves for wadding. Bob

[@Leatherbark]

Like your rig sir. I pre-roll my tow wads for my Bess and after pouring the powder I push a tow wad into the bore and place a ball on it and a tow wad on top and shove it all down with the Bess's rammer one time.

[@IceAge20017]

Finally a good black powder rifle video. Would you do one on the flintlock pistol next?

[@pmjn0943]

Really interesting Historical video Mike, I 've being thinking for a long time now, to get a Flintlock, but there expensive against percussion lock, I'll start saving you've made my mind up, keep the videos coming there great, Thank's

[@denishannan3912]

www.tvmnatchez.com/baseprices This is a good company, they build good rifles/flowlers at good prices.

[@vincewoolley6774]

Mike thanks for sharing, very educational for a novice Black Powder enthusiast. I enjoy all your videos.

[@Pavia1525]

Patched roundball in my Trade gun is just so so in regards to accuracy. When I switched to a thick wad (fiber or tow), my groups tightened up noticeably. Same thing with paper cartridges. The folks back then knew what worked... Maybe it has something to do with the lead roundball flattening during the charge going off and getting better barrel contact without a patch.

[@suzettewp2021]

Your experience with patching the roundball mirrors that of almost every experienced smothbore shooter. "common Sense" suggests that a patched ball would remain centered in the bore during firing as well as providing a bettter gas seal to give better velocity, all to yield best accuracy, BUT there's nothing common about firing a smothbore. An oldtimer told me to load that smoothbore the same for shot or ball. And he was correct. Due to fire hazard conditions, I'll often use a 1/4" thick vegetable fiber wad instead of TOW, but TOW is still used over the ball to keep it in place. You'd think that when you ram down the TOW or fiber wad (to ensure it's snug and squarely over the powder charge), then drop the ball down the bore you're doing nothing to keep that ball from rattling down the bore to exit the muzzle & accuracy would suffer. In practice, it's the most accurate method of loading and firing a musket or fusil. The best explanation of why defies logic: It's MAGIC. You can only appreciate this when you own and fire a smoothbore of your own and see & feel that magic for yourself.

[@DenverLoveless]

I've discovered that using sheep's wool for tow won't catch fire. Also, if you happen to find it, you can reuse it.

[@michaelyoung3175]

That thing looks like it has a kick to it!

[@confederate8417]

another great video mike. love the Flintlocks

[@thomasflynn3584]

Nice setup Mike, need to work on your speed of loading. Looked like Evil Roy was getting a little close!

[@duelist1954]

thomas flynn I sewed them on with dyed, and waxed linen thread.

[@Frozenwinter84]

Lol, i like the smoothbore anchor shot on evil roy.

[@1717jbs]

Great vid Mike.

[@stevebuckskinner5482]

Great video Mike! Really like your shooting bag. my brother and I are still waiting on our TVM Fowler's. Can't hardly wait. Not sure if I'm going to make or buy a shooting bag for it. But, trying to sort those things out is part of the fun.

[@mtslyh]

Great stuff as always. Very entertaining and informative.

[@bobnancymiller4931]

Drop in the powder, put a wad of tow in the muzzle, put a ball on top and insert even with the muzzle, add a ball of tow and then ram the works down as a unit Works well for me, but I still prefer cartridges

[@blackpowdershooter44]

Great instructional video!

[@jj-ve9wy]

Mike thanks for an informative video. Did you design the bag and have it custom made or are they available for purchase?

[@frankdn109]

That's a nice gun... not too fancy to take into the woods, light weight, and fast ignition.

[@351WINCHESTER]

Shoot and scoot. Thanks for sharing.

[@RANDOMLETTERS1111]

That rifle is beautiful

[@steveww1507]

hi Mike I have been using raw sheep s wool for wadding . have you ever read any acounts of that being used ?

[@jeffgleason6006]

Excellent video.

[@armchairdisaster905]

Hi,I was hoping you could help me out.I just purchased a centermark fussil de chasse at the log cabin shop. The length of pull is 14 1/2 inches, and I'm 5'6"with a 131/2 inch length of pull. They would not take on the job of trimming the stock a little shorter. So I need to find a good gun Smith who could do the job. Even if it means having to refinish the entire stock . Any suggestions ?

[@denishannan3912]

How many round ball shots are you getting before needing to clean. What was the distance to evil Roy. With the video made in 2020 showing the effective distance of shooting round ball, did just the tow over the ball work as well?

[@duelist1954]

I've shot 15 rounds, and could have shot more.The wool squares load more easily than the tow, but they both shoot accurately. The distance to Roy was 38 yards.

[@denishannan3912]

@@duelist1954 Thank you for the information it was helpful.

[@jamescooper2618]

Mike, why draw and replace the ramrod 3 different times during the loading sequence? If the ramrod was needed 3 times, wouldnt be quicker to hold the rod under the middle finger of the hand holding the gun? It just seems like a real PIA to keep replacing the rod. Between shots? OK. but during loading? Hmmmm...

[@rifleman17hmrshooter]

what is it, a year later at the den? nothing better than having your own range to get away to!

[@jodydurant8315]

Quick question Mike- how did you attach/detach your shot and powder measure from your brass rings? It looked like they came off quickly but I am sure I’d lose them in the field. Great video again Sir! Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

[@duelist1954]

A wooden toggle goes through the ring to hold each measure. When I want to use the measure I just slip the toggle through the ring to free it up. The reason I don't loose the measures is because they also are attached to the bag strap by a long cord.

[@stevebuckskinner5482]

BTW....I have the same kind of Flint wallet. Very handy. What kind of foot wear do you have on? Also.....Why not after putting the powder down the barrel just put your flax fiber just below the surface of the muzzle, set your ball on top of that, put your other wad of flax fiber on top of the ball and then Ram it all down one time?

[@caveman4771]

Your outfits are awesome!!

[@RobertChisholm]

Any suggestions getting started with flintlocks? For recreational target shooting not hunting or reenactment.

[@1994CPK]

Robert Chisholm keep yours loaded to kill communist

[@suzettewp2021]

Look at rifles such as Lyman Trade or Great Plains, or even the Deerstalker. They are solidly built, and with minimal twiddling, are rugged, reliable and capable of amazing accuracy. visit such forums as themuzzleloadingforum.com since they have a section devoted to flintlock rifles and a great resource base to give you details you need to get started.

[@gregorybrown4062]

Get a flintlock with a removable breach plug. New and newer shooters seem to constantly dryball their guns. My first flintlock was a Traditions PA Pellet sidelock in .50. It has been great in my learning, and now with me teaching flintlocks

[@nicolasmamba9839]

3:16 the screwdriver is very interesting, where did you get it ? It is possible to buy one online ? Does this type of screwdriver have a particular name ?

[@richardlahan7068]

I can't find any woods walks in South Carolina. Do you know how I can find out if there are any?

[@GPischner]

If your hunting with shot and you see a large game can you ram a ball on top of it and take the shot?

[@damianalaniz1118]

Hello, Mike! Do you think you could do a video of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd model of brown bess differences?

[@wildrangeringreen]

and a "light infantry new land pattern" musket (1803 pattern, not produced until 1810).

[@DocLarsen44]

Looked like fun there, Mike. Are you actually able to catch and then reuse your shot by using the plastic soda bottles as targets?

[@jjohnston94]

6:22 Well, they were snickers, but now it's a full-on belly laugh.

[@AshMarked]

Where did you pick up your shot measure and various little items for your bag?

[@duelist1954]

I get most of that gear from vendors at various 18th century events and rendezvous

[@rebekah-chriss-k4872]

awesome video thanks for sharing

[@The411]

I drop the powder, ball right on the powder and then Tow on top. I ram only once for those rapid fire situations :)

[@pabullrider08]

Around the 9:38 mark I swear I can hear a gobbler in the background....am I crazy?

[@DYLANJJK94]

I figured that was his son using one for this lol

[@roundballrolls2762]

Great video again. By the way, I too, have a ball bag.

[@waltonkcats8540]

Great Video!

[@Oldcoinsandstuff1]

I have a traditions 50 cal. It can take 150 grains of powder I've shot it with 150 gr of 3 f. Didn't seem to hurt anything but is that not a good idea? I use kik real black powder and Great Plains 285 gr lead if I remember right on the bullet weight.

[@duelist1954]

You will get very high chamber pressures with that load, and very little velocity increase, relative to the size of the powder charge. If you want to use very heavy loads in that gun, I'd use 2Fg powder. Also Kik is not a high grade powder. I'd switch to Goex or Schuetzen or Graff's

[@ol1guy994]

Thanks always interesting

[@roberttolley2293]

evil Roy's becoming famous, watch your back Mike lol

[@t.curran8243]

I gotta get a smooth ire flintrr.

[@vengenaceearly255]

Nice video.

[@timfrederick7983]

Why can't you ram the tow-ball-tow down the barrel at the same time?

[@nathancooper9932]

Thanks Mike, how many times can you use one flint (average?)

[@wildrangeringreen]

20-50 shots is normal, sometimes they break before that, some last well beyond. Cartridges for many armies were packaged in packets of 10, and often each one had a flint and jaw-lead; just to ensure that the soldiers could keep shooting (similar to how most packets of later percussion cartridges for rifle muskets would have a small tube of 1-2 more caps than cartridges).

[@droppinplates6665]

id have to think that way back in that day when loading quickly they would pour the powder down the barrel then put the wadding stuff in then the ball on top of it then push it all down together rather then pushing each thing down separatly maybe i am wrong but i would think putting everything in the bore just slightly then pushing it all down at once on top of the powder would be much much quicker with basically the same results

[@Buzzard-wq1bw]

Can't wait to hunt with mah flintlock!!!!! (Got a traditions 45 cal flint lock at auction for 160$ last year but haven't been able to do much with it lately) any body got any ideas about gear I should get for deer hunting with my flintlock?

[@EBthere]

Great video! Man does that ML sound good!

[@roger_revo]

How did they make lead shot in the 1750's?

[@douglasmaccullagh7865]

RogerRevo, as I understand it they used a shot tower. The hot lead was poured through a mesh, and the drops rounded as they fell. I believe they landed in water to solidify the shot at the bottom of the tower.

[@robertallen9095]

You are correct sir.the mesh was cut in various sizes ,buck swan shot which I think is #2 size.there is a shot shot tower in Williamsburg va

[@richstone2627]

Good stuff. Who made your Fusil I love it ?Thanks

[@duelist1954]

Shawn Webster

[@richstone2627]

Thank you Sir

[@nathinlane5426]

I thought that all the fllint locks in the 18th century were smooth bore were they not?

[@robertallen9095]

Most were .

[@jkrause365]

Just an observation apropos of nothing, I notice that your over shot wad goes down bore without a sort of piston effect on your ramrod.

[@daniellyons9042]

Where did you get your priming horn?

[@duelist1954]

Daniel Lyons From my friend Dan the Horn Man

[@CZ-BO-HUNK]

Where do you get the tow ?

[@jkrause365]

Have you tried shooting airborne clay pigeons with your fusil, yet? It can be done.

[@SaddlebagPreacher]

What size shot ,#6 maybe?

[@richstone2627]

#6 is what I use for squirrels when I can't use my .32 flintlock rifle. I also use #6 for turkey.

[@markh4760]

Mike where do you get your tow

[@duelist1954]

Mountain Man 66 Lots of places. The Woollery is one on-line source, but I usually buy it at 18th century events.

[@任名爵]

Excuse me, can you have a complete flint gun flush flush device for making video, thanks? I am from China's Henan Province, China banned firearms and even children's toys slings are prohibited. I would like to make a self-propelled flinting device. Thank you, you have an e-mail. I can contact you.

[@thedude4698]

what type of flintlock is this?

[@duelist1954]

Will Sargent French fusil deChasse

[@thedude4698]

duelist1954 thanks

[@whodey59]

Love all your vids! Using the ram rod 3 times per shot seems so excessive. With a lubed patch and ball, one time with the ram rod is all it takes. Much less time per shot when Evil Roy attacks you.

[@bills6093]

Well, he mentioned that and also said why he doesn't use a lubed patch. If you want to go modern, just get a modern muzzle loader.

[@whodey59]

Not going modern at all. Lubed patches are definitely not a modern invention for modern muzzle loaders. The earliest users of flintlocks used linen/paper patches lubed with spit or tallow to surround the ball as it was rammed down the barrel. My question is why use the ramrod 3 times? Why cant he use a correct size ball and ram the tow and ball together in one motion, prime the pan and shoot?

[@bills6093]

But that's not Mike's opinion regarding patches, it's your opinion. Not sure how you watched the video and still asked about patches. Mike loads the way he loads, and he's explained it already. The way you or I load is irrelevant. He even said, in this very video, "there's no time to do it this way", regarding being shot at...

[@jeffreyrobinson3555]

BILL S mike is loading the way it was written down in civilian guns for that time. I do make a nest of tow an ram once. Patches may have been used when some smoothie shooter saw a rifleman doing it. Shooting in a hurry I’m sure sometimes ball was shot sans wad or sans top wad. I’m sure boys broke some loading rules back in the day. Mike was making a vid for entertainment and I bet when he is not talking to the camera it’s faster, even with his triple ramming.

[@christopherbennett4559]

Where is the best place to buy tow and paper?

[@duelist1954]

Train Bennett I buy mine at 18th century events, but the woolery has it on-line

[@mtodd4723]

Mike B . How's the shoulder holding up after a day of black powder ? I enjoy your videos , please take care , Mike c

[@bisonuberti]

I just counted twelve arrows and four tomahawks on the individual trying to load this rifle. LOL :-)

[@unavailable-x7q]

BRAVE enough 2 deliver them r u ?

[@bisonuberti]

Of course!

[@johnkendall6962]

@@bisonuberti They usually were not alone and 1 would fire while the other reloaded. Also you have to remember the people of the time could more than likely reload much faster. I know I can, using a loading block and pre measured powder charges.

[@roberttolley2293]

wow eighter your abroad, or that message he left. he was in home made whiskey!

[@Nostrildomus]

Was a man in Salt Lake that bought mail Kangaroo pouches and maid them into shot bags . Wonder if he still does ? Thanks

[@Nostrildomus]

Male . . .

[@deandeann1541]

Hmm - kangaroo pouches are from female kangaroos. I'm confused - maybe the pouches were delivered by mail?

[@sneufeu]

I am wondering, will it be safe (and efficient) to load the first ball of tow (without lowering it on the powder) the lead ball,finish with the last tow ball and then lower all the three at the same time with the rod? for me it sounds faster, but maybe it will not work good. I do love the way you pay attention to details (such as the outfit, the equipment) very nice pouch setup!

[@jkrause365]

I have done almost that way. I poured the powder from the measure down bore, then a ball of tow poked down with my finger just below the muzzle, ball atop that, tow and ball shoved home, then a final ball of tow.

[@mreckes9967]

I'm 65yr and I'll admit to a quick snigger at ball bag reference.

[@Th3Sabator45]

I think just powder and some shot would do the trick in a hurry, especially when enemies are charging at ya!

[@luizgabriel3316]

nossa quando a gente atirava , noz punha papel igienico feito a bucha e ai comessava a pegar fogo na mata era uma correria para apagar o fogo e acabava perdendo a caçs !!hahahahahaa tempos bons !!kkkkkkk

[@GitanoToranzo]

Mientras extraes e introduces tantas veces la baqueta el oso puede ingerirte. digo yo...

[@stewknoles4790]

I don't own a smooth bore. Wish I did. I have a nephew who owns a Brown Bess. I have fired it but not real thrilled with it. First, I'm left handed. Not great for shooting a flintlock. I prefer a cap lock. Although the history is outstanding. I guess I need one. Just not high on my list.

[@wesbrackmanthercenthusiast4695]

Stew Knoles even though I'm right handed and right eye dominant I taught myself to shoot with both hands the reason for that was my neighbor gave my barn poison resistant trap learning rats that the only way to get rid of was with an airgun so far I've gotten them under control and have them at acceptable levels with enough practice anyone can be great at anything I hope I've inspired you to give it a second chance 😉

[@roamer7129]

Flaxfiber before your ball and after your ball? Why the extra step? They never loaded like that. The idea was speed. They didn’t add the extra step your applying to your technique.

[@duelist1954]

True. This video is three years old. If you watch this video you'll see my current technique. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2SomnyvpLhog6s

[@MpowerdAPE]

When are you going to load and fire you're musket at a dead run like Hawkeye from "Last of the Mohicans"...?

[@rogerpetrella5993]

You got killed& scalped before you even got the ball down!

[@MoreAmerican]

"Evil chief?" Ouch lol.

[@luizgabriel3316]

boa noite amigo ja cacei muito com carabinas de carregar pela boca , usava de gatilho de cão e também de ferrolho esto rei a bomba de duas espingardas !! de su like em meu canal e se inscreva também amigo boa noite mande resposta