Fundamental Guide to Flintlocks | How To Shoot a Flintlock Rifle in 10 minutes

Learn more at ilovemuzzleloading.com
Today I'm covering a much-requested topic, basic Flintlock Rifle loading and shooting. This video isn't everything you need to know or will learn while shooting muzzleloaders, but it is enough to get you started having fun.
In this video, I'll cover Flintlock loading, cleaning, shooting, and safety checking to give you an overview of the processes you'll go through when shooting a flintlock muzzleloading rifle.
I'm planning on making a similar video for percussion rifles, revolvers, and inline muzzleloaders. If you would like to see a particular one first, let me know in the comments.
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VIDEO CHAPTERS
0:05 - More than 1 way to skin a cat
0:24 - Checking the Bore
2:00 - Dry the Bore
2:38 - Ramrod Types
3:39 - Loading your Flintlock
8:14 - Sights
8:47 - Priming
9:28 - Shooting
Muzzleloading, muzzleloader, muzzle loader, mountain man, longhunter, bushcraft, living history, longrifle, flintlock, blackpowder
#muzzleloader #muzzleloading #blackpowder
DISCLAIMER: Our videos are strictly for documentary, educational, and entertainment purposes only. All shooting is performed in a safe environment. Imitation or the use of any acts depicted in these videos is solely AT YOUR OWN RISK. All work on firearms should be carried out by a licensed individual and all state and federal rules apply to such. We (including KZbin) will not be held liable for any injury to yourself or damage to your firearms resulting from attempting anything shown in any of our videos. We do not endorse any specific product and this video is not an attempt to sell you a good or service. We are not a gun store and DO NOT sell or deal in firearms. Such a practice is heavily regulated and subject to applicable laws. We DO NOT sell parts, magazines, or firearms. We are not instructing our viewers on how to modify firearms, accessories, or otherwise to change their basic legal function. These videos are free to watch and if anyone attempts to charge for this video notify us immediately. By viewing or flagging this video you are acknowledging the above.

[@h-minus2212]

Muzzleloading is another pastime that I can't believe more people aren't involved in. It is an important part of history that can still be used. My primary hobby is archery but the bow I shoot today looks vastly different from the bows of yesteryear. Your firearm looks practically identical. Absolutely fascinating.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you kindly! Thankfully there are tens of thousands of muzzleloading enthusiasts keeping this great sport alive. Odds are there's a group in your area! I hope you continue to enjoy them and make the leap to giving them a try sometime.

[@h-minus2212]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading You are doing a great service to share the sport with others and educate them on safe handling and proper techniques. It's too bad that you have to bother with disclaimers about your method and how there are others, otherwise the comments may get out of hand. Humans!?

[@flushot6513]

Iam more of a archery guy but if I was to gun hunt would be muzzleloader got some performance of center fire rifles in a traditional way lewis and clark

[@h-minus2212]

@@flushot6513 You and I have a similar way of looking at things. I live in Wisconsin and purchase the Purple Heart Conservation Patron license, which has a gun buck tag as well as an archery buck tag. I figure that the flintlock will require me to still get close to the deer and give them a fighting chance if I can't keep my powder dry. Good luck this fall

[@ethanhoward8506]

I know you said you shoot modern bows, but Making and shooting your own (real) bow from a wood stave is probably one of the most rewarding hobbies out there. You should try it. Similarly, this is something that I am surprised more archers aren’t into.

[@Ostenjager]

I remember an old timer telling me when I was starting out in this hobby that there were two kinds of shooters: ones who had loaded a dry ball, and those who hadn't yet. Boy, was he right.

[@williamrobinson4265]

hey man you are becoming the face of historical muzzleloading keep up all the hard work thanks to you I finished my traditions kit just in time to hunt the primitive firearms season this year cheers!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I hope you are enjoying your kit! Thanks for watching!

[@1947ramrod]

Thanks for a great instructional video. I have been shooting traditional muzzeloading rifles and pistols for more than 53 years. Back about 1990 I began all of my large game hunting with flintlock rifles. I use fffg for all of my rifles that range from .32 - .58 caliber rifles. For hunting, I use bear lard as a lubricant and .018 pillow ticking as patch. My rifles are accurate, reliable and hard hitting and ignition is fast.

[@MrKmoconne]

A safety issue that comes up in range shooting are people who load from a container that is not properly plugged. Powder horns and powder containers must be capped and safely away from the firing position. Sparks have an amazing life span as they ark from your gun to that powder container.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Well said!

[@celticfury7328]

This beginner to the art of muzzleloading thanks you for the clear and concise lesson!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

You're very welcome!

[@flintymcduff5417]

Well done. You gave someone who has never shot one but is considering it the starting info they'll need. I like too how you stated that other people may have different techniques. All too often someone will act as if their PREFERENCE is the only right way and everyone else is wrong.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Yep, I'm just one guy who does it one way. Nothing I put out is the ONLY way to do it. I'm glad that comes through in the videos. Thanks for watching and writing.

[@BlackPowderTherapist]

Feel free to join the Facebook group and ask all the questions you want. Ethan and myself are both on there and would love to help you out.

[@flintymcduff5417]

@@BlackPowderTherapist I'm not new. Been shooting flintlocks for over 40 years. I was responding to the video in terms of it being a good one for a beginner but appreciate the offer! Don't see a FB link.

[@davidpeteriarussi7956]

I get it - the patch is esentially like a 'sabot' engaging the lands & grooves of the rifling - not the lead ball itself. Also noticed when he measured the ramrod inside the barrel it went BEYOND the touchhole, so the primer flame thru the touch hole ignites the main powder charge between the patch & the powder AT THE TOP of the powder chartge and NOT AT THE BOTTOM as in self contained metalic cartriges primed from behind (or at the bottom) of their powder. Needle guns also did this in the first primitive bolt actions of the 1870s. Very interesting. Been muzzle loading 50 years and thought I 'Knew it all" HA! Nice wake up call. Very well done this instructionasl video. Thanks - I love muzzleloading!

[@TyrusPerises]

Pretty great step by step. The quality and variety of your content has been tremendous the past few months.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you! Trying to answer questions when I can as much as I can!

[@8520204]

When I was shooting a BP rifle, I had marks, small V grooves, filed on the ramrod to indicate loaded or unloaded. This had the added advantage of when setting the loading round, it would show whether the round was fully seated.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I call that a "Witness Mark", great point that I should have brought up.

[@miketoombs627]

Ethan, Nice job showing how flintlocks work. They are my favorite and the one I shoot the most. Everyone at the range wanders over when I crack off 100 grains out of the .62 smoothbore. I like how you are exposing people to all types of muzzle-loading weapons. I own flintlock cap lock and in-line rifles as well as percussion shotguns. I just love blackpoweder

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

That's awesome Mike!! Thanks for spreading the good word!

[@briankeirns9936]

Absolutely gorgeous longrifle. Since living in Maryland I haven’t been able to find a black powder friendly range and have only been able to shoot my longrifle once at a friends place. Something I love about muzzleloading is the process of loading. That to me is half the fun of shooting black powder. I fell in love with flintlocks when my dad gifted me one a few years back. Great video of the loading process with safety at the forefront. It really showcases the relaxation of loading and then firing. You’ve earned a subscriber. Keep the content coming

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you kindly Brian. I hope you can find a club soon!

[@ctvaughan6623]

Wow! Thanks to this video I can now reload my flintlock in only 10 mins! In all seriousness thanks for the well made and informative video.

[@lorenray9479]

Excellent teacher for all of the shooters. I did screwup with thick lube that pushed into the flash hole divot . Took a while to clear out the grease that stopped the first or second shot. I went to much less and vary hard to soft per season. Love, peace and awareness precious youngun!

[@ronaldcolman6211]

I need a video about flint to frizzen geometry, whats best? how to acheive best ignition? and so forth.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Great idea, I'll see what I can do!

[@misguidedsaint3693]

Just bought an antique .58 cal flintlock, I’ve shot a lot of cap lock before but never flintlocks so this really helps. Hoping to try it out when the weather clears up.

[@neogeo1670]

is there a standard measurement of powder on these old flintlocks or percussion guns talking about antique ones in general? is there a lower load that is generally considerd safe in all lets say smoothbore muskets in a particular caliber like i wanna learn this but seems like a topic with little information

[@jefffauver1652]

Enjoyed that, very well done. I’m hoping to get a flintlock one day hopefully soon, just don’t want to break the bank to get one! I have a .32 caliber percussion Pedersoli Frontier rifle that I squirrel hunt with, lots of fun shooting muzzleloaders.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I hope you can save too! They are loads of fun and well worth the cost in my opinion.

[@timcurzie9429]

A very relaxing and enjoyable instructional video.. thank you. Of note, you have given me my first instruction here at the very beginning of what promises to be a wonderful and fulfilling journey as I endeavor to practice and learn the art of muzzle loading, as it were. I’m very grateful for the kindness. Again, thank you.

[@christophersummerfield9922]

Brilliant video again ethan .our fieram history is so rich . Like myself more and more people are getting involved in this . A great way to keep history alive as well as a sport and hunting means in some states . Thanks again .

[@jeffhaft7378]

Just purchased one, will be shooting next weekend.

[@VS0097]

Muzzleloading seems fun. I'd like to get into it some day soon

[@CaptRons18thcentury]

Excellent video… covered the basics and safety quite well…

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you Capt Ron! I know it's not the most exciting topic, but thought it good to cover from ground 0

[@CaptRons18thcentury]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading it’s actually spot on, will definitely direct new users to this video, as you stated, some people will do things differently, and that’s ok as long as they do them safely…. I load differently between period dress and modern, or if I’m loading blanks, and also when loading things other than rifles, muskets and fowlers loaded with shot takes a slightly different technique… a good tutorial…

[@rwfarrell1498]

Excellent video.. thank you for your time explaining it all. Northern pa here. Zone 5a..

[@BugsBunny-st8lf]

Another great Video. Maybe you could make a deep dive video especially for priming the Pan. There are may different opinions out there from putting the powder far to the right end of the Pan too fill in although the touch hole... Every one has to find out for himself, thats part of the fun....

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Great suggestion!

[@h-minus2212]

Thank you for the great tutorial. I like the looks of your rifle - I could see it in the hands of a young man during the founding and early years of our country. Thanks again.

[@MrKmoconne]

Varmints like raccoons, squirrels, ground hogs and coyotes don't like Ethan's rifle. 😏😏

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

When they get into the garden, I go a huntin' LOL

[@h-minus2212]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading My wife is a master gardener - she will allow some predation on the garden as long as it isn't excessive. A relocating male groundhog stepped over the line and I came to the rescue.

[@h-minus2212]

@@MrKmoconne I believe it.

[@traditionalmuzzleloader4983]

Good instructions - well done video.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you!

[@fudozanokamae2579]

Excellent video as always! Helpful for me about to take my colonial out for the first time!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Wonderful! That's why I made this one.

[@danclas5983]

Good job Ethan. I really like the color of that horn. I have a three band screw tip horn from Tim, he does beautiful work.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you Dan, I love that horn! Tim does great work.

[@jackblackpowderprepper4940]

Excellent video Ethan. Nice Woods Runner. In Washington state they are not considered loaded until primed or capped. But once the main charge is in they are loaded as far as I am concerned. Good stuff Buddy.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I agree, I think legally it's not loaded untili primed or capped, but I'm with you, best to treat them with respect early in the process!

[@bbcustomoutdoors]

Great video! Clearly stated, well presented.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you kindly!

[@professorpewpuew]

Yes. This is how it is done. If flintlocks were so complicated and unreliable our ancestors would have starved to death if not been gutted and baldened before then.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Agreed!

[@joebideb]

Just getting started in muzzle loader hunting. I bought a Traditions Shedhorn. Any advice or help appreciated !

[@bobboyer9440]

Just a comment on what I first do prior to the first cleaning patch. I purchase from the drug store alcohol swabs, the kind that one would use to wipe your arm prior to getting a needle, they are very inexpensive. I run that down the barrel. Then I follow up with a patch. The reason I do this is it does start the cleaning process and allows the patch to go down the barrel much easier. I have had a patch almost refuse to go down the barrel if I don't swab it first with an alcohol patch. The alcohol will evaporate so there is no worry about the powder getting fowled.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Oh, neat idea. Thanks!

[@CaptainFrankHawks]

What is a good entry level flintlock smoothbore if you happen to know, good vid.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Great video...👍

[@robshipley7543]

I have taken many game with a flintlock once you get comfortable with it it will take any big game in North America practice makes perfect

[@james_lessick892]

Love you're content. Thanks

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you kindly.

[@donaldmorgan5265]

Well done!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Hey Thanks!

[@TheMusketMan98]

Sweet man love the video.👌🏼

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you Collin!

[@Peter-od7op]

Great vdo lots of people are new good go on this

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Glad you think so!

[@patrickjoseph5028]

Awesome as usual…where do I get that stainless rod?

[@james_lessick892]

Track of the Wolf.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Many of the businesses sell them, Log Cabin, Kenockee Trading post, Flintlocks LLC, Kibler, etc. I made mine

[@MrKmoconne]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading Half the fun of muzzeloading is making your own stuff!

[@MinnesotaNiceman]

What would be a good beginners flintlock if one were to get into muzzleloading?

[@Nick-wn1xw]

You will hear MANY different ideas on what a beginner SHOULD get. My first flintlock was a T/C Hawken. They are no longer made and can be found on the used gun racks but I would look at a new one by Traditions for your first. They aren't custom guns by a long shot but they work. They will show you how to do everything you need to do to keep them shooting like they're supposed to do. If the bug hits you hard at that point you can look at moving up to a Pedersoli or into an actual gun built for you. I have 3 custom guns as well as a Pedersoli. I have Traditions flintlock pistols I built from kits. They all go "bang" when they're supposed to. Understand on a custom build you will be waiting AT LEAST a year, most likely more, for the gun to be finished. Get a Traditions Hawken style or long rifle and start enjoying it NOW.

[@MinnesotaNiceman]

@@Nick-wn1xw Hell yeah! Thank you for taking the time to give advice to someone looking to get into muzzleloading!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I always reccommend the traditions line of muzzleloaders for getting started. They are affordable and functional. If you want something better down the road you can upgrade then, but Traditions offers a great place to get started to see if you enjoy it.

[@MinnesotaNiceman]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading Hell yeah thankyou for taking to time to respond!

[@fjaramillo887]

first time muzzleloaders recomendations?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

The Traditions offer an affordable entry. From there, Investarms and Pedersoli are more expensive. It's hard to go wrong with a Kibler or Chambers kit if you want to build one your self.

[@savageater57]

I find the flintlock interesting however I live in the Southeast where high humidity is the norm and have concern that while hunting and sitting for hours the charge in the Pan may not ignite . Thoughts are appreciated. I currently own and use 7 percussion rifles for deer and squirrel hunting.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

A little humidity is good for a good lock. Mine works better in the weather. I hunted all season and reset my charge each week, it fired fine each time

[@rocklicker639]

Great content. Thanks

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Much appreciated!

[@ronaldreagangaming795]

Great video! What rifle are you using and where could I find one like it?

[@joeinterrante7873]

Another great video. Thank you Ethan. Come to our Artusan show in February

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you kindly! Where is your show at? I try to travel but sometimes the snow gets to be rough

[@tomslongguns443]

Can you hit a paper plate size target at 200 yards with a flintlock rifle ?

[@scottleonard6651]

Thanks. Great video. What's the second trigger for?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

That’s my “set” trigger. I can set it and it turns my primary trigger into a hair trigger

[@scottleonard6651]

That makes sense. That's been driving me crazy. I understand triggers in bolt actions and semi-autos, so it felt like a dumb question. But this video made me feel safe to ask. Thanks!

[@sorshiaemms5959]

I USE 3F ALL THE WAY UP TO MY 54 WORKS GOOD

[@flintymcduff5417]

It works fine up until the heavier charges then 2f will produce higher velocities.

[@sorshiaemms5959]

@@flintymcduff5417 not with the ball any thing under 300 gr bullet plus a faster ignition

[@logankyllonen1657]

I’m really into archery, I have a recurve, pulling 50lbs on that bad boy. But I’d really love to get into muzzle loading rifles and muskets. Particularly flintlocks. Maybe get a caplock but something about priming that pan makes me all warm and fuzzy😂😂😂😂😂

[@GUNNER67akaKelt]

I'm not sure many realize these are the some of the best shtf weapons. When the regular ammo and reloading components eventually run out, then these come into play. You can find/recover/find-other-option for lead/bullets. If you can find sulfur (or make it?) you can make black powder. Not too awful difficult. Cases and primers (and percussion caps), on the other hand, are not easily made by most people. Those are the real sticking points in sustainability. Granted, cases can be used over and over, and their life can be extended by loading them to lower pressures. Eventually though, they're going to become unusable. Yes, I know you have 150,000 rounds in your garage and will never, ever run out. Run along now, and make sure it's not on fire. Those of us not so fortunate are talking. If you have the knowledge to make primers in teotwawki, you will be a very sought after commodity, to your benefit, or perhaps detriment. With a flintlock, all you need is a rock, preferably flint. Gunpowder. Finely ground gun powder. Some sort of patch material, and something to use as a projectile (doesn't even have to be lead). Boom, you're golden. Granted, you'll use your regular firearms while the ammo lasts but thereafter, these will be nice to have around. Excellent video, btw.

[@bobboyer9440]

Just one more tip, using a pick to clean out the touch hole.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

GREAT NOTE!

[@irodwen]

is priming powder its own unique powder? or can you use the same powder as your ball charge?

[@ltdc426]

4f powder is a common priming powder and not a bad way to go when learning and figuring out all the other particulars but priming from the horn is far more historical and practical. I shoot 3f from my 50's and 54's and prime with such and notice no difference in ignition speed at all. I shoot 2f in my .62 cal Fowler but sometimes I feel like priming with 2f seems just a bit slower and at other times I don't notice it at all. To each their own but priming from the horn has been great.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

You can use the same powder as you main charge, historically this was the case especially with military arms.

[@Nick-wn1xw]

What both of your other commenters said it very true. Also the finer the powder the more it seems to draw moisture. I have a couple pounds of 4f but seldom prime with anything but 3f now and like they said using what's in the horn works just fine and simplifies things.

[@haroldsieloff4841]

Just picked up a flintlock. We're can I pick up a filnt? Ps been watching your channel very informative thank you

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks Harold! I'd check online with Track of the Wolf, the Log Cabin Shop, or Dixie Gun Works.

[@joey1092]

What type of powder do you use as ignition? The same as the main charge?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I use a lot of 4f, but 3f and 2f works fine really.

[@joey1092]

@ILoveMuzzleloading awesome thanks. I am buying my first flintlock, so much to learn.

[@waffle1731]

9:42

[@The1saturn]

is it ok to leave powder in a powder horn for a long time

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Yep as long as it’s dry.

[@tennesseekayakfishing5691]

I noticed that your field rod sticks out considerably further than your muzzle. I suppose that is a personal preference. It would be nice to have a little more grip on it. Did it come from Kibler this way? Or did you fit it with a longer rod?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

The long rod came from Kibler and is normally cut down. I like the look of period photos with long rods and it helps my hand get a better grip, though it could be shorter.

[@greenbobber]

I am just getting started with a 45 cal flintlock. I have 3F powder, but need to know what to buy for my ignition powder. A local gun shop said to use a pestle and mortar to grind up some powder finely, but that would be my last resort. Any help would be great!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Your 3F powder should work fine as ignition powder, provided it’s real Blackpowder and not a substitute

[@stevelhamon2031]

Do you have any videos on your.40 cal rifle

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Quite a few, check out the channel page for more.

[@corneliussulla9963]

I love this Mountain rifle. Think I almost made my decision which Kibler it will be. This one in extrafancy and 45 cal.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

The upgraded wood quality is well worth it in my opinion.

[@corneliussulla9963]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading Could you please tell me what the overall lenght of the rifle is? I need a case for transportation and this will probably be the lonest rifle I will ever have.

[@carlrav5660]

Im getting to much click....wait....bang. How can I speed up ignition? I do not believe Im putting too much in the pan...

[@Nick-wn1xw]

Ignition should be nearly instantaneous. Some things to check: the touch hole should be centered in the pan and about even with the top of it. It should be about 1/16" in diameter. The priming powder should be no higher than the bottom of the touch hole , close to it but not covering it (tests have shown this to be faster than banked away from the touch hole--hard to argue with electronic timers and high speed photography). Check the flint itself. Should be sharp and scrape about 2/3 roughly of the frizzen face. With the gun unloaded of course, go into a dark room and snap the lock. You should see lots of sparks being directed into the pan. If not perhaps the hardening of your frizzen is off. What are you shooting?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

What kind of powder are you using? What kind of lock, flint? Is your touchhole clear? Sorry to answer a question with a question, but sometimes it takes some digging.

[@brucelewis1017]

Do you like the flintlock or Cap lock the best

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I like em both!

[@thrithree]

Ok I need to be clear on this… you need to run the ramrod past the touchhole? My wife doesn’t believe me. Thanks.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I hate to say it but “it depends”, some muzzleloaders have a direct channel from the touch hole to the bore, others have a “patent breech” that keeps the rod from going beyond the touch hole

[@brucelewis1017]

Have a question for you. I use an inline muzzleloader for now. I have a pound of 3f powder and was wanting to know what powder charge would you recommend to start with to be safe. I do like the traditional muzzleloader I've been trying to find a good flintlock rifle. What would you recommend

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I recommend starting with a 'square' powder charge, so if your muzzleloader is 50 caliber, start with 50 grains of powder and work your way up from there, shooting a 5 shot group, then going to 55 grains, shoot 5 shots, rinse and repeat until you get up to 100 grains or so for hunting and then compare targets. It's hard to go wrong with the market available muzzleloaders. If you can swing it, the quality in the Investarms and Pedersoli lines are really nice.

[@dylanwilliams4391]

Hey I had a question, I just ordered my first kit, and now idk where to get black powder, it seems like there just isn’t any in stock, I was just curious where you got powder for your flintlocks from?

[@Nick-wn1xw]

BP comes into the U.S. in batches so it's kind of feast while it's here then wait until more comes in. There are a lot of places that sell it online. Just start with a search. You'll likely end up with several possibilities but a lot of them have 5 pound (or more) minimum orders.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Check out the Schuetzen Powder website, they have a full list of distributors and dealers around the country. This way you can find a legit business and order from one close to you to save on shipping

[@jessemills3845]

Ok, I was told that FFG was for pistols and FFFG was for rifles. I have a 45 cal. flint lock. You state 55 gr is a good load. How do you determine that? Do you use the same load whether it is FFG OR FFFG? My rifle is Italian made (if it matters).

[@flintymcduff5417]

3f can be used for any caliber muzzeloader though it is USUALLY used in .50 and under but some larger caliber firearms will shoot better with it. It just depends on the gun. 2f is USUALLY used in .50 and bigger with 1f for the largest like .62, .69. 75. I use 2f in my .62 and .75 and don't bother with 1f. .45 would PROBABLY prefer 3f. Starting loads are usually 1 grain per caliber so 45 grains would be a good starting point. Work up (or down) from there. 4f is usually recommended for priming the pan but it isn't neccessary. I shot my .62 Fowler today with 2f as my main and priming charge. If it was any slower I couldn't detect it. Start with a .440 ball and .015 patch material. It should be a snug fit. Again play with ball and patch thickness to find the most accurate combo. Experiment. Change one variable at a time and have fun!

[@robertmalmgren4640]

Not to confuse but I used 2f in a 40 cal Kibler during a match with no issues.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

The reverse is common for substitutes, you’ll find Pyrodex 3F is recommended for pistols, 2f for rifles, but in “real” Blackpowder it’s generally as I stated but it’s not a hard rule. Check out my video on load development if you have a moment. I start with 40 grains of powder and shoot a 3-5 shot group, up the charge by 5 grains and shoot a new group. This process continues to about 70 grains for this particular caliber and then I see what charge grouped the best, and I shoot that charge. Hope this helps!

[@Teleoceras]

FFFg is better suited for pistols as it is faster burning which is what you want for a short barreled arm. I use FFFg for all but my biggest Handgonnes as that is the same principle.

[@myrlstone8904]

Another great video! I’m sure that it’s handy being able to shoot near the shop and house rather than driving to a range. Thanks

[@lonewaffle231]

POV you are a Peasant and you and your village are about to become a competent military force

[@McGovern1981]

I wonder how much powder was spilt and wasted back when people fought with these? I imagine alot, pretty fascinating how this works and how it became the way to fight.

[@henryostrander6282]

Paper cartridges really helped stop wasteful powder leakage

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

🤠

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Giddy up

[@gallonofpcp7954]

is the concave buttplate on your rifle uncomfortable to shoulder?

[@gallonofpcp7954]

It seems sharp edged.

[@minigpracing3068]

If you hold it wrong, yes very uncomfortable! You only make mistakes a couple of times before you learn to make sure you shoulder it properly. Otherwise they generally aren't to bad and you'll see a few very old style lever guns carry this forward.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

In a small bore I never notice it. The charge Nevis never large enough to recoil in this .40

[@miller39687]

These rifles aren't designed to be shot like a modern rifle pulled into the "pocket" of the shoulder. Rather, they are meant to be shot hooked into the "crook" of the upper arm where it meets the shoulder. To ensure a proper hold, it works better to shoot this style of rifle across your body versus straight out from your body. Hope this explains it well!

[@MrKmoconne]

@@miller39687 Well explained. It was a "mountain" style of holding a gun, and the guns were designed to accommodate the people who used them. Larger bore guns that used higher powder charges tended to have wider butt plates to distribute the recoil.

[@neanderthalnonsense]

Nice video. Did ya hit it??? Lol

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Yes I did! That chicken isn't too safe at 25 yrds anymore ;)

[@neanderthalnonsense]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading bahahaha. Good stuff!!!

[@Bayan1905]

Are the rumors true that Lyman is getting out of the muzzleloader business?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I'm trying to track down an official statement on this.

[@joshuahill5316]

It seems like everyone that is talking about guns and showing how they work or how they do things with their guns always talk to people as if they are talking to a child and not an adult. It seems like they are talking to a stupid person. That is how it seems to me.

[@evelynblose9791]

Good video but, I must admit I'm tired of hearing the word "SAFE" ! This is just about your use of the word but, rather a more generalized statement that is directed at this insane fixation on so called safety.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I understand completely. My use of it in this video is more for those totally new to flintlocks who constantly ask if they are going to hurt themselves by using one.

[@deamicisfrank1308]

You go overboard on safety stuff we know.

[@darrelleddington7948]

"...we know". That's a pretty good assumption that EVERYBODY has been educated about safety practices. There is no such thing about "going overboard" when it comes to safety. The one who thinks they've heard it all, and know it all, are typically the dangerous ones.

[@lyonforge3077]

I've seen instances where a slight departure from safe practice ended in an incident that had potential for a catastrophic outcome but only reminded us to keep our minds on the task at hand!! This is a very fun sport/ pastime, but can be tragic at the same time. Let's all keep it fun!

[@flintymcduff5417]

You mean stuff YOU know.

[@Sean-st5ud]

how did the powder stay in the pan?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

The frizzen closes over the pan

[@markhollis7219]

all that work just to fire one round, I think I'll stick with my semi autos.