Long Range Flintlock Shooting

My first shots at 275 yards.

[@bobkelly2447]

LOL it is good to see an old timer shooting long range ! that too is my favorite ! I found that sharpening the front site to a point helped a great deal and also alot of practice. I used a tree as a steady rest mostly and i found that my CVA 50 cal hawkins shot very straight with no dropping over the long range however at about 1000 yrds it did start dropping fairly fast beyond that. I loved that gun it was fun to shoot but being percussion it did have it's draw backs so my next will be a flint lock ! 2 things that will help you get closer to your target.... 1 something small as the target like the end of a soup can.... because your eyes focus better on the canter of a smaller target. 2 fileing the front sight to a point about 45~60 deg on each side to the center of the blade this also helps your eyes focus better.... the older I get the worst my vision so long range isn't so long range for me any more cuz I can't see the target ! something small and bright really helps I also like your gun it seems to be firing great without any hint of delay Well done Sir ! I am 71 and hope to get a black powder again... but I think I will get one with a scope this time.... or mount one on an old flint lock ! LOL.... that would help these old eyes !

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

All of your suggestions are certainly valid and true. But I have 10 years on you. I am 81. And my eyes are not what they once were either. But with much practice I sometimes amaze myself at my accuracy with open sights. The fact that I can hit anything is truly a blessing from God.

[@galenhisler396]

Thanks again for bringing us along 🤠

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

And thank you for coming along.

[@garyjones3023]

Well done! Your long range shots are impressive using the flintlock rifle and round balls. This certainly demonstrates the fact about revolutionary war battles where the rifle did prove to be valuable. I believe the slight crosswind may have influenced the left side impacts.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Those were some of the last shots fired using my 40 year old Goex black powder. The newly manufactured stuff is not accurate at all in this rifle. I am in the process of developing a different load . Sure wish I had a supply of that old powder.

[@DelgueAdventures]

Thanks for the video! Great motivation for me to get out when the snow melts!

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

We all need a little motivation from time to time. Thank you for watching

[@joemolf3894]

I’ve heard you say you have become a fan ofnn by higher velocities in your smokeless powder rifles. I have to imagine you get that round ball moving pretty fast in your Dixie Gun Tennessee Poor Boy 50 caliber. What kind of velocity are you getting with that 120 grain 3F load if you don’t mind? Thanks Dennis great video!

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

I have never checked the velocity over a chronograph. Just used what was the most accurate load. But it supposedly is over 2000fps. But I am going to drag out my chronograph and do some testing because my accuracy has gone to pit with the new Goex. I have just ordered some Swiss.

[@bobkelly2447]

Dennis, I think I was shooting 120 grain in my CVA 50cal Hawkins about 20 years ago I had gotten several black powder pistols at the same time and one came with a brass powder flask with a lever on it's side near the tip... the nipples for the flask came in 2 sizes 30 grain and 60 grain I think... I used 2 quick powder shots of 60 grain to get 120 grain for my rifle. I shot mostly round balls with store bought lubed patches which I added lube to because they were fairly dry.... I tried larger loads up to about 240 grains but fell back to the 120 grain for target practice and conservation of the powder ! you can go through alot of powder quickly with the heavy loads ! what really amazed me about that gun was the accuracy and hitting power..... which makes me believe the tail about the 69cal long rifle during the civil war.... a guy shot in the shoulder died because of a broken neck ! LOL that is some hitting power ! but seriously the brass pistle flask for powder is so much faster for powder measuring in the field ! .....I remember shooting a railroad tie with that gun it went through to the bank behind it and threw dirt 12 ft in the air.... and that was just a round ball ....one thing for certain with black powder you only Need ONE Shot !!!! seriously try your hill shooting with a golf ball on the ground down there... I bet you can hit it or come so close it will surprise you !

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

No doubt about it a flask is faster than a horn. But in most, but certainly not all, of my shooting , speed of reloading is not a factor. As s matter of fact that is true with most of my shooting. Most of my shooting is done with single shot rifles. I like a lot of different guns but I generally pick up some sort of a single shot when it is time to do a little shooting . And the old adage, aim small miss small, is certainly true, I could not possibly even see a golf ball at those distances. Another old saying that is also true, you can’t hit what you can’t see. As I have said in other videos, my accuracy has gone to pot with the new Goex powder. So I am In the process of developing a new and accurate load with Swiss powder. Wish me luck.

[@johnnyholland8765]

Count your blessings my friend. You are able to roam your own land and shoot your own gun at your convience with no one to bother you. Not that many people can say the same. I too am lucky in that respect. I live hunt and shoot on 100 acres of family land. I tend the place do deer plots hunt it in the fall and I am building a small cabin on it. I am 65 and retired and I plan on spending a lot of time in that cabin.

[@hollandadventures]

Great video, really enjoy your content. Also really like the shooting setup. Thank you.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

And thank you for watching and for commenting.

[@SwampOperator]

Man's got a helluva setup

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

@@SwampOperator I reckon I do.

[@charleswilson577]

Now this is what I call great entertainment. What part of the country are you in, love those mountains. Just a general part of the country.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Western part of Virginia along the Tennessee border.

[@mowoodpecker]

I have a Dixie Gun works. Tennessee mountain flintlock. Bought new. Never been fired..

[@jerryobrien]

What am I seeing you firing. Looks to me to be a Kibler Southern Mountain Rifle. I am looking to order one but am not sure witch stock to order. I really like the looks of yours. And what caliber do you have there.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

It is a Dixie Gun Works Tennessee Poor Boy in .50 caliber. It has a cherry stock. I do have a Kibler Woodsrunner, also a .50 caliber and cherry stock. I like walnut stocks in more modern rifles and cherry in muzzleloaders. Thank you for watching.

[@jerryobrien]

@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 I'm looking to get a Kibler's Southern Mountain and am trying to decide the stock. I like the lighter colors and do not really like the curly in a dark color. So tell me. How did you finish yours that I see in this video? Seal, stain, whatever.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

@@jerryobrien natural cherry. But I also use the cherry stain from Kibler if the wood is light to suit me. Cherry is my favorite for flintlocks.

[@loupuleff571]

Dennis, great to see some long range shooting ! Have you ever seen those gun stands you can just push in the ground to hold your gun why your loading they are real nice for that most of them are made from wrought iron and then wrapped in leather so it won't scratch or damage your gun I can send you a picture of mine if you like ?

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

I would love to see a picture of your stand. I could use one!!! But how are you going to send the pics?

[@loupuleff571]

@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 do you have email ?

[@loupuleff571]

@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 do you have a email you can share or do you have Instagram?

[@loupuleff571]

Do you have email ?

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

@@loupuleff571 it is [e-mail]

[@glenosborne9807]

I followed you immediately. Anyone clasping a metal rod on a ridge in what appears to be Appalachia must have Faith in God Almighty.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

@@glenosborne9807 it is a way of life. Thank you for watching.

[@glenosborne9807]

@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 I R Appalachian

[@letsmove1559]

A under patch I heard others speak of corn meal,I like your double patch and double dip of lube thank you you still bend well

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Don’t bend as well as I used to!!!

[@waltdelbo6445]

Nice wool mackinaw there friend. Oldie?

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Like just about every thing else that I own it is about 50 years old , give or take a year here and there! It is a Filson double weight cruiser in forest green. Sharp eye you have there.

[@danhandke5012]

👍❤️ Thanks for the video.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Thank you for watching

[@donfullbright8468]

Great video

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Thank you for watching

[@larryreese6146]

Not bad with a flintlock. Pretty country. Where are you?

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Virginia along the Tennessee border.

[@larryreese6146]

@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 beautiful looking country. Looks something like around here. I've got a few acres and a small herd of mixed black angus and enjoy shooting and building the old muzzleloaders when I can find the time. I never miss a deer season and raised my kids on deer venison here in Northeastern Oklahoma. Thanks for the reply.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

@@larryreese6146 Oklahoma, one of the last of the good states politically.

[@larryreese6146]

@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 one of the most backwards, misguided, and ignorant states in the union, and headed by a tight asked fat head.

[@larryreese6146]

@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 we've been going down hill for the past 20 years. If you're in favor of large tax cuts for the wealthy, undercut schools, stamping on citizens rights, privatizing public holdings, lack of social programs, underpaid teachers, and general intolerance you're in the right place.

[@45calibermedic]

This is the first video of yours that I've seen. Within the first minute, I thought "this guy takes his time" and subscribed.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

@@45calibermedic thank you for watching. Not sure what your handle represents but I was a Medic in the Air Force back in my early years.

[@45calibermedic]

@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 Well, this screenname was made when I was very much interested in military medicine. It turns out that I got into teaching instead. I do still try to learn what I can about first aid, stop the bleed, and so on.

[@kluper1157]

Dixie mountain Rifle!

[@bobkelly2447]

and I think that is closer to 500 yards buddy ! it's certainly not very close ! shoot a can off a post buddy that will supprise you how accurate your gun is ! well Done !

[@davefellhoelter1343]

"every Marine" a rifleman.

[@carsonb3914]

G do in watch thanks

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Thank you.

[@Mr333panda]

I have never anyone use an over the powder patch. it's always good to learn something new. Thank You

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

They work very well. I think you will like the results.

[@jeffp.Buff.]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Always watch your videos with my Sunday morning coffee. I’m thinking that you did get a very nice buck with your poor boy rifle back in the 22 season.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Hey there Jeff, top of the midnight to you Sir. You have a good memory. I am going to send you a link to a video that has not been posted public yet. It is my new Woodsrunner.

[@G19amc]

Sir, what material was the over the power patch? It didn't look like the bed linen for the ball patch. I ask because I have zero experience with BP and waiting on Kibler to arrive.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

The over the powder patch can be anything. It’s job is to protect your main patch from all the fire from the powder exploding. In this video I was using a cotton shotgun cleaning patch. But you can use anything such as felt or leather. Some period correct items would be tow, wasp or hornets nest, or even green leaves. My favorite is tow which can be purchased from such places as The Woolery. You will like your Kibler.

[@williamaustin6565]

Would wool felt wads work as well as the cloth patch for over the powder ?

[@davidstuck2866]

Mr. Pritchard, you are blessed still having your eyesight good enough to shoot fine open sights at your age. I have had to put scopes on all of my rifles since I was 40. If you think you like long distance PRB shooting, I have seen many folks shooting AR500 (HARDened steel), where they know when they hit, because they can hear it. I have purchased a couple of them, but I have yet to shoot them.. I bought 2) 6" and 3) 3" targets. I want some challenge to it. Get that paper out, and "tonk" those sights a bit.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

I have several steel targets that get a lot of use. Much fun. I never quit working on improving both my loads and my shooting. I do a lot of paper shooting. I have a good friend in the printing business. He keeps me well supplied with literally thousands of targets of many different designs. I have a target for just about any shooting situation. And I do a lot of just plinking, as in this video. But I am shooting a new batch of Goex powder and it ain’t the same as the old.

[@timothychristian9140]

Another great video as usual. It’s early in the year and I think it would be a good time to drag Mr. Hagy out and toughen that old shoulder of his up in preparation for this fall 😂🤣😂🤣. Stay safe, GOD BLESS and see ya on the next one.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Hagy keeps begging me to use less powder!!!

[@johnbennett7244]

Nice rifle, With buildings clearly visible down range, why were you shooting in that direction?

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

My property, my buildings, my choice. What’s it to you?

[@germansahidbeltranardila2985]

Huuuuyyyyyyyyyyyy que bueno sAber escoltas van carga

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Okee Dokee.

[@SwampOperator]

What a beautiful peice of property

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Thank you.

[@rcorn149]

Very accurate shooter given a bullet hitting the same spot pretty much every time. What caliber is it?

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

It is a .50 caliber. It was very accurate until I ran out of my supply of powder. Bought new powder and the accuracy went away. The new Goex is not the same as the old.

[@TeresaBernierBernier]

What lube are you using? Also .490 Hornady or do you cast your own?

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

@@TeresaBernierBernier .490 Hornady and homemade bore butter, beeswax- olive oil- coconut oil. A one to four ration wax to oil.

[@keithmosley1859]

Enjoyed it Dennis

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

Thank you for watching

[@whisperingdeath308]

Love the channel. Where did you get the possibles bag???

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

My friend Gary who just passed away made it for me about 45 years ago.

[@whisperingdeath308]

@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 Gosh! Sorry to hear that. Deepest condolences

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

@@whisperingdeath308 thank you

[@whisperingdeath308]

@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 You're welcome. Gotta get out and shoot my smoke pole. Been crazy lately with all this border stuff down here.

[@deputydang8291]

What rifle are you using? Kibler?

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

A Dixie Gun Works’s Tennessee Poor Boy. I have had it for 50 years.

[@deputydang8291]

@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 Beautiful rifle sir, thank you for the response. Funny, I'm a Tennessean lol

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

@@deputydang8291 what part of Tennessee? I am only one mile from the Tennessee State line near Bristol.

[@deputydang8291]

@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 Cookeville, smack dab in the the middle.

[@dennispritchardoutdoors7882]

@@deputydang8291 about as middle as you can get.