Traditions Hawken First Shots, X RING Right Out Of The Box!!

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We're back on the Range today, spring has sprung and so has the smell of black powder in the air. After spending all winter assembling this Traditions Hawken with accompanying pouch and horn, NMLRA Field Agent Ethan is ready to take some shots.
In this video, Ethan goes over range safety basics, the Traditions recommended loads, basic shooting discipline, and target shooting basics. It's not all serious though, once we get through the procedure things pick up as Ethan sends lead down range, surprising himself at how accurate this kit can be.
Future videos will cover taking this Traditions St. Louis Hawken 50 cal muzzleloader through one of the NMLRA Woods Walk courses as well as giving an "After shoot" review of the kit as a whole.
For more information on the muzzle loader we are using in this video and the equipment used to support it, check out our "What's in my bag" series.
➽ ➽ Muzzle Loading & Living History Books, Merch, and More - nmlra.org/store
Watch us build this Muzzleloader - [ • Let's Build a Traditio... ]
Make your own Powder Horn - [ • How to make a simple p... ]
Make your own Possibles/ Hunting Pouch - [ • How to make a "Hawken ... ]
Cast your own Roundballs - [ • How to Cast Roundballs... ]
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Time Stamps:
0:00 Target Set up
0:21 About the Range
0:56 The 25 Yard Line
1:51 Starting Loads
2:36 Clearing the chamber
3:00 Capper Safety
3:19 Drum Safety
3:55 Hearing Protection
4:05 Popping Cap #1
5:04 Popping Cap #2
5:07 Loading our Hawken
8:21 First Shot
9:38 Loading Close Up
11:00 Shot 2
11:24 Shot 3
12:36 Shot 4, the bad shot
12:48 Removing Cap Debris
13:36 Shot 5
13:53 Target Recap
14:10 Short Review
The NMLRA exists to promote, support, nurture, and preserve our nation’s rich historical heritage in the sport of muzzleloading through recreational, educational, and historical venues.
Since 1933, we have led the effort to preserve the history of the United States through muzzleloading shooting sports & living history events.
Website: NMLRA.org
Podcast: NMLRA.org/podcast
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Facebook Group: groups/NMLRA

[@MrRbillharz]

I highly recommend that you mark your rod depth after loading, A small mark on the rod will alert you to a double load or a load without powder.

[@jakehart7617]

Your build vid helped me a lot. I just finished mine yesterday and did the final touch ups today. We are old souls man. I’m only 24 and just got bored of the ar’s and glocks and stuff. Don’t get me wrong. I love my whole collection. But I can say this 300 dollar muzzle loader kit will be something I’ll never sell. It was fun to build and is just different.

[@billlincolnmd9159]

Traditions barrels are extremely accurate shooters.

[@kesleycottrell1416]

Well young fellow welcome to the club. That black powder smoke is addicting. I have been addicted for 35 years. We flintlock hunt up here in PA. The most awesome time is when you take a deer with your smoke pole. It will take you back in history.

[@cowboywoodard2569]

And very accurate, we have BP elk season, I killed plenty with it over the years!

[@MCSEknight]

I saw several things in this video that lead me to believe you've had professional marksmanship training. Be it military, law enforcement (or similar) training. etc. You have excellent trigger control - Finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire. Never point at anything you do not intend to shoot. I saw intentional (or perhaps subconscious at this point) trigger pull follow through. It was quick, but it was there. (bang, hold, release). Your first shot you commented that it "caught you off guard". That is a fundamental that they teach in the military - The 'fire' should be a surprise. This above perhaps everything else is where accuracy is born. Good stuff man!

[@swamprat9018]

Good Video, Glad to see it working out for you. Covered all the safety bases.

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

This was very enjoyable to watch and as already mentioned a couple of times, you spoke about the safety issues that absolutely have to be followed by everyone, shooting a front loader or a breech loader. Always know where that muzzle is pointing. I'm looking forward to watching your next video. Stan

[@mrdinme.4768]

That was a great video! Great safety coverage, explanation, great shooting.

[@gtptvanbuuren3795]

Nice Mate. Thanks very much.

[@james_lessick892]

So much fun, thanks for taking us along. 👌😎👍

[@donmartin2788]

Awesome video great shooting keep it up. Nice job on the safety tips.

[@dennishein2812]

I used to have a .50 Hawken by Thompson Center. It had great balance and was a very accurate rifle. It had adjustable sights rather than traditional sights. I preferred shooting conical rounds out of it. I sure miss that rifle, especially since TC doesn’t make traditional muzzleloader any more. It had double set triggers and I had the main trigger set to a hair trigger. You just had to breathe on it. Great gun.

[@robwebster2562]

I really enjoyed this video. Just dug my dads Hawken (he built back in 1980) out of moth balls and cleaned it up. Now after watching this it needs to get out back for some plinking. Thanks so much. Will be watching from now on

[@garthtimmins2852]

Very nice, Ethan. You shoot well offhand. The Hawken is beautiful. Nicely done.

[@marktaylor8659]

Nice shooting. I can't shoot that well with a rifle already sited in and accurate. Kudos to your steady hands.

[@ncsaddlehunter77]

Thanks for the Hawken series. I plan to build and hunt with one asap

[@kowalski363]

Great video

[@GoldenClays1]

Great Video and good information. Really Enjoyed it.

[@jackblackpowderprepper4940]

That is some impressive offhand shooting. I have only ever had 2 dead fires on my cap and ball guns. Both times when the spent cap stayed in the hammer. Good video Ethan.

[@bigrickshaberdashery2759]

Nice job, all that work paid off.

[@prsearls]

Wonderful video that shows the fun and accuracy of muzzle loaders and black powder shooting. I bought a T/C Hawken .50 almost 50 years ago and still have it. It's been years since I've shot it although I've been BP shooting with a Sharps 45/70 this summer. Big bore and black powder is great fun and very accurate. I'll have to take my Hawken out next time. I cleaned and oiled the bore (still in excellent condition) and shined up the brass with Mothers (works great). It looks almost brand new. These T/C rifles are very handsome and high quality. You gave some important safety and shooting tips I found very useful. I'm looking forward to your next Hawken video.

[@therewolf615]

Had a Hawken before, about 10yrs. ago. Just today,, I bought a new Traditions Hawken Woodsman .50cal. Looking forward to getting back into it. Missed it a lot.

[@lucianomatterazzo6084]

Bravo good luck👍

[@terryqueen3233]

Since I just got all of my stuff together for my Hawken Flintlock I'm excited to get out and do a little shooting to see where and how it shoot. So looking forward to that. This is actually the first black powder rifle that I've ever owned I couldn't find a ball and cap and all my gun store had left was a Flintlock so I'm starting there.

[@montanaman6600]

Like your videos! Rifle looks fantastic!

[@diastemarex9697]

I so miss shooting my T/C renegade. My process is near identical to yours. Thanks for the video.

[@billlincolnmd9159]

Great Video, NMLRA is a great ASSN--thanks

[@MrMann703]

Thank you for the video, it was interesting. I just bought the flintlock version of this rifle, it'll be my introduction into muzzleloaders, the store didn't have everything so I need to find a couple things before I can take it out. They are a beautiful looking gun that's for sure

[@blackpowder-bulgaria]

I realy love black powder shooting.

[@cecilboatwright3555]

Nice shootin' !!

[@shannonludwick5738]

Nice shooting

[@herbertsmith6416]

I love your videos and comments.you do agreat job.

[@psychodiagnostik]

Great shooting , deer wouldn't stand a chance. Great to see what an great shooter can do with one of these rifle kits.

[@1947ramrod]

Great Video! There are quiet a few formulas for determining a starting load for muzzleloaders. There is the age old one grain of powder pre caliber. 50 grains for 50 caliber and so on Rifles with a slow twist barrel need a little more powder to stabilize a round ball and faster twists need less. A formula that I ran across a few years ago that seems to work is: rate of twist X Ball size X 2. This is for round ball using 3f powder. I use 3f for all calibers from .32 - .62 . The thing that I like best about this formula is that it figures the rate of twist in to the equation.

[@clockworkbike]

Wow, great accuracy 'out of the box', Traditions should have you on payroll!

[@trenthicks523]

Man I really enjoyed your video. I found with my hawken, that a 0.18'' patch really tightened the group significantly. Great shooting brother.

[@SLJ2137694]

Would that be a .018 patch?

[@trenthicks523]

@@SLJ2137694 yes

[@blackpowdermaniacshooter]

Nice shooting Ethan! I agree...that feels wonderful! Oh by the way, great editing.

[@rickhenry1833]

Hi Ethan ! I watched your entire series from the unboxing til now. I am impressed with your work and inspired by your work ethic. Where can I get the book/pamphlet you were using showing the "recommended loads for sidelock muzzle loaders" ? Do you recommend black powder or pyrotex (sp) powder ? Thanks again ! All My Best !

[@richardt.4224]

Another good video you have put together 🙂. I use a spin jag on my loading rod. It stops the ball and patch skipping the lands because with a spin jag, the ball is allowed to turn with the rifling. Something else I should mention, when using the rifles own loading rod DON'T put the palm of your hand on top of the rod while pushing it down. Reason being, the air being pushed out of the barrel could fan a spark and if ignited the ramrod would would go through your hand. The M.L.A.I.C. made a rule all ramrods have to have a ball of some kind on one end. Happy shooting.

[@KCDustRemover]

All great info. I personally don't care for a really tight patch. I know some rifles need it, mine works well with a .490 ball, and a .010 patch. I do however have to run an over powder wad. I have the ox yoke wonder wads, so i'll pour my powder, place the wonder wad, and seat it with a cleaning patch that i've wetted with spit, then run the PRB down on top of it. Has given me really good results personally, although your mileage may vary, every rifle is a little different. It works well for me though, and the added benefit of a PRB that slides down the bore easier, and with less force. I never really felt great about having to pound a round ball down the bore. -Branden

[@nelsonlanglois8769]

You can Also " mark " your Ram Rod with 2 lines : Loaded n Empty Good way to check n see if its loaded or empty

[@homemadehistory7537]

Thank you for the nice video 😁👍 if you want to know if the ball is set down correctly just wrap a strip of tape around the ramrod. after about 10 shots it could be hard to find out cos the fouling in the barrel will limit the movement. 50 grs. normal 3f for .50 cal is a good choice. If you will use swiss 3 f thats a litle bit high. If you want to be sure not to forget the powder and have a max control than I use a loading bord. The charges are load in powder oipes and the bord have 2 holes in one direction and 15 of this rows so you can place the ball and load 15 times and see directly what is used . And for sure I like the open range a lot. In germany this is, sad to say, not posible......

[@homemadehistory7537]

@@nationalmuzzleloadingrifle8871 That wood be very nice.... two years ago I worked on a steel plant building site close to memphis but there was no time for visit a shooting range 😢

[@mrdinme.4768]

@@nationalmuzzleloadingrifle8871 I just want to mention this fellow has done some fantastic work on his channel, you probably now that, but in case you were not aware.

[@shadetreemech290]

That CVA is remarkably like my Tompson Center Hawken.

[@user-fx2pq5ep5v]

Good time of the day. Recently I started watching your channel, I like everything, although I don’t speak English, but everything is clear. Tell me at 100 yards how accurate is your rifle?

[@rickyburton4642]

You should use a barrel rest!

[@timsterrett2417]

Nice shooting,I have a Thompson center Hawkin,I seem to have to clean it every three shots to keep it accurate. THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

[@357bullfrog9]

Wish I could get caps for mine

[@jasonburrell3508]

Awesome man! Did you stick with the sights that came with the kit? Great shooting

[@jasonburrell3508]

They don't look bad, and seem to work really good. My son and I finished ours last week. We didn't put the sights on yet. After seeing this, I think I'm going to go ahead and put them on. I tried calling traditions to get some iron sights, but couldn't get hold of anybody. Your videos helped us so much. Thank you

[@brianbecnel3504]

When I was putting my traditions Hawkins back together I lost that little wire that holds the front trigger I then found it put it back together and now it will shoot but the back trigger will not lock can I set it with them screws or will I mess it up worste?

[@HugoSixx]

hello. i have a question. you had any problme with presition using round balls? i have a rifle hawken tradition and see that the barrel rifling is shallow and it seems that this is the problem. i shoot at 50 yards and I don't group very well. what thickness you using in your patches? thanks and forgime my english

[@stevecullen747]

I just built my first flintlock and I'm a green as can be when it comes to black powder and muzzleloading. If you use a cap to clear the bore on a percussion rifle, how do you or do you clear the bore on a flintlock?

[@556suppressor]

I load 60 to 70 grains of Olde Eynsford 3f in my .50 Hawken for the NMLRA Postal Shoot.

[@terrybeeman3514]

Your reply is something I have thought about for a while but never followed thru. Most of the readings and videos reference using 3F BP for smaller cals and 2F BP for larger cals (normally around 50 cal). When do you switch over from 2F to 3F and if shooting 3F, do you use the same or less powder? I've been shooting 90g of 2FF for whitetail. Thanks

[@deerslayer303B]

Does those barrels have the Patent breech? If so what size scraper would fit the smaller than bore size breech?

[@barlscharkley5411]

Can you explain why the set trigger is pulled before applying the percussion cap?

[@bidkid2020]

That St Louis Hawkins rifle you have does that have the plastic sites on it or have you changed them out I am looking at getting my first black powder rifle any help I would greatly appreciate it

[@Protoychevy-mi5ci]

After you put your powder in tap the side of your rifle three times it will seat the powder. Seat the ball three times also. No miss fires this way.

[@mikebaxter5875]

Enjoyed the video. I have a CVA Hawken I built in the 70's and I'm thinking about getting into traditional shooting. My question is are those rear sights acceptable? I'm looking for a near as possible to original. I'm a beginner at this and a 74-year-old man but truly enjoy using all the accoutrements and the loading process. I have a few of the items need but I'm sure once I'm shooting, I will start buying more. The Hawken I have was built my me and my father so I may not want to do anything to it. What would you recommend of the imports or finished builder? Kibler look great but don't do finished products. Thanks in Advance, Happy Holidays Mike

[@eugenebrown375]

Ethan, as usual another great instructional video. I am looking for a range rod with the muzzle protector shown on yours and have had no luck sourcing it. Can you provide me with a vendor that carries them? Also do you know of anyone who has adapted a peep-sight to the 50 cal. Traditions Hawken rifle? Looking to get out there and try mine out as soon as I can. Thanks

[@rickyburton4642]

Go to. Track of the wolf 🐺!

[@joshuabrande2417]

Not a bad grouping at all. What's it like at 50 yards same charge?

[@JohnSmith-lp7px]

I have a Hawken that holds a great group but won’t zero. Any I believe the front sight needs to be moved. Any advise on how to move it

[@rendendye8741]

When does the paramount CVA 2021 release?

[@joecool7606]

What size caps do you use?

[@bowiebowie7336]

I am still waiting to see about the PA type chronicle bullet 240 grain muzzle velocity of that out of a 50 caliber Hawken rifle I am a member of the muzzleloading National muzzleloading Association and everything and I just got my card and I am wanting to know what's the muzzle velocity on that projectile

[@johnmcintosh3820]

file a V notch in the top of your hammer ; the cap fragments will come out lots easyer .

[@trevorfitzgerald4996]

If you h a d a lot of copper tube cutter you get a nice ring Mark on your rod. I k know you shouldn't but we cut stainless steel tube with one. Just slow

[@matthewlyness8161]

What kind of rifle is that traditions woodsman?

[@carlrav5660]

Maybe I missed it, but what was the yardage?

[@ledamaraleda3389]

Cara é meu sonho conseguir uma espingarda desse modelo 🇧🇷

[@joeltowle2737]

I'm going to ask a stupid Question! Will Triple 7 powder work in the Hawkens and Kentucky rifles?

[@mountainholler290]

Yes .

[@user-ho9db1ce1q]

Where were you?

[@johnblythe6284]

What state are you in,Because I would like join.

[@gdreilly]

Any site suggestion to purchase a brass range rod?

[@joeeckley5272]

@@nationalmuzzleloadingrifle8871 TOW is great, as well as MLC, but Dixie-- on the other hand, I ordered a breech brush over 4 weeks ago from Dixie, have emailed then 5 times, and called twice-- no answers from the emails, and when I call, they tell me I can only place an order, not check on one. My invoice just keeps saying in shipping-- it was in stock when I ordered it, and still shows in stock. Bet when I ordered my Pedersoli Scout from them, it was shipped the very next day-- guess a $4.50 brush with almost $6.00's worth of shipping just isn't their priority. You can bet, I'm done with them!

[@joeeckley5272]

Update-- I bit the bullet, and called them on my own dime-- got a great southern talking women, that explained they were so far behind, and working overtime to try and fulfil orders, and get stock, that they were almost a full month behind. I suggested they put that on their website to give customers a heads up. My brush arrived yesterday, well packaged, and of quality material.

[@joeeckley5272]

@@nationalmuzzleloadingrifle8871 Yep, guess in my old age, I've become an impatient curmudgeon, and don't think enough about other's problems and tribulations. Hopefully I'll become better from now on-- and yes, Dixie has always been great in the past before this wicked pandemic.

[@johnmcintosh3820]

o'l muck thinks you are doing a great job

[@stephenembrey883]

OK now get the right powder, 2F, and make a normal hunting load, 430 Grain Thompson center maxi ball or equivalent with 100 to 120 grains of powder. Shoot that twice and you'll put the gun away for a couple of months but that's a cool thing about black powder you can load it for rabbits like you're doing, or you can load it for Elephants. I love your extremely light plinking loads; it brings the fun back into it✅

[@Strutingeagle]

That pointing at a leaf bit is getting a bit overplayed. Anyone who has shot black powder muzzle loaders know if you get a sharp bang only it is plugged. If you get a sharp bang accompanied with a hollow thunk sound from the barrel it is clear.

[@denismorend3884]

Hale, Where can I buy a rifle like that ..? and how much is its price ..?

[@shooterscott]

I just got one today, I got mine at Scheels. But I’ve seen them at Sportsman’s Warehouse and Cabela’s.

[@denismorend3884]

@@shooterscott Ok Mr Winterton I will do what you suggest, thank you very much kind regards from Argentina, hug.

[@556suppressor]

I always put Gorilla Grease on my nipple threads so I can remove it later.

[@stevewalker4638]

Good thing, the bowl was clean that close to ground you been eating dirt

[@cowboywoodard2569]

Try some gun cotton instead of blackpowder

[@shenyathewelder9695]

Why does your range rod make that horrible noise?

[@joeypetrosky9821]

That a 50 cal Hawken

[@billy_h_bonney2097]

never measure black powder by scale. It is measured by volume

[@brettduffy1992]

That 1st shot is still a dead deer.

[@cdp50359]

If anyone wants to watch someone that does this correctly, watch Idaho lewis

[@garypease7414]

I love these guns, but historically, 100 yards for a rifled barrel was easy. Many men were shooting well over 1000 yards and hitting enemy with them. Show us some of the real history please.

[@GhostRider-kj4hs]

I’ve watched your videos on shaping and building a muzzleloader, but once you got to the range with it. You lost me. Do u think your audience is that far left that you must explain every detail like you would a newborn? Cause my newborn came out shooting. Focus on your audience and make it fun for them. Don’t play politics.

[@shanemurray1395]

Do you always cite in off hand and not off a bench

[@halidehelux5221]

This guy is great.....but what's with millenial gun guys and this strange obsession with 1980s dad glasses?

[@TexasChilliMassacre]

Shooting muzzleloaders is a ton of fun but cleaning them is a pain in the ass😂

[@blackpowderfirearmenthusia3194]

Great video

[@bidkid2020]

That St Louis Hawkins rifle you have does that have the plastic sites on it or have you changed them out I am looking at getting my first black powder rifle any help I would greatly appreciate it