New To Muzzle Loading - Getting Started

Part One

This subject pops up a LOT in the forums and blogs. We at Frontier Muzzleloading always get this question from a new guy who has zero knowledge or maybe someone with Some knowledge but is asking anyway because that's the smart thing to do when you are unsure about something and want to make sure you have it down correctly. Being new to any kind of sport is nothing to be shy about. Today there are tons of forums, blogs, that hopefully will offer the right advice to help you. So before i start, Let me just say, New guy! Do not be shy about asking questions, even if they may sound silly. You need to know this information as your Success with a Muzzle Loader depends on knowing exactly what you need and how to use it properly!

**Always Read the manual that comes with your Firearm & Shooting Accessories!**

The products you WILL need are listed below. These products include everything from a flask that carries your powder for easier use in the field and on the range, cleaning products that will ensure that your firearm lasts a life time. If you do not clean your muzzle loader, the corrosive powders will eat up the bore, leaving behind deep pitting which will never come out. I know this can all seem like its a huge pain in the butt to clean them, but its not as long as you are using products that actually work. It is a very simple process that is needed in order to keep your muzzle loader in top shape, but most importantly, Safe.

Now assuming you've already bought your muzzleloader " An Inline Muzzleloader most likely" We will look over some very important items and we Will also cut the crap out that you do NOT need!

Items I will need for my Inline Muzzle Loader:

Note: Provided links are for those that like to see exactly what is being spoken about to get a better idea of what is needed.

1. Range Rod - A heavy duty "Ram Rod" used Strictly on the Shooting Range. This saves your original ramrod and relieves a lot of pressure on your palm when seating a projectile! GET ONE!
   
2. Cleaning Rod - A much longer Universal ram rod used strictly for Cleaning the Bore of your muzzle loader.
3. Cleaning Patches - Explanation needed?
   
4. Ram Rod Accessory Pack - Contains ball/patch puller, cleaning brush, cotton bore swab and cleaning jag/loading tip for cleaning your Muzzle Loader.
5. Breech Brush - Used for cleaning the breech plug threads inside of the barrel. A must have!
6. Cleaning Brush - An old tooth brush or the likes will do to help scrub your muzzle loader clean.
7. Anti-Seize - If you forget to use this, You breech plug will be froze up in your muzzle loader! Apply a good layer onto the threads of your breech plug before reinstalling it! Tip: White Teflon Tape " Plumbers tape works excellent as well as less messy! A single wrap will do the job.
8. Bore Brush - Used to aid in removing stubborn fouling. I prefer the Nylon Bore brushes to the brass. The nylon will hold shape for a long time and not loosen up.
   
9. Powder Measure - For measuring Volume Amounts of Black Powder or black powder substitute powder.
10. Powder Flask - Holds your powder while you are out hunting or on the shooting range.
    
11. Bullet Starter - Loads the bullet into the muzzle and partially into the bore, reducing stress on your range rod and yourself.
12. Speed Loaders - Holds Pre-measured powder charge, bullet and primer! I throw a few into my pocket while hunting and they work excellent.
13. Shooting Rest - Get your rifle down on something good and solid to hold it steady!
    
14. Eye Protection
    
15. Hearing Protection
    

Now that you have the list of items above i can already hear the Question: What if i use such and such powder, what items will i need for cleaning? We'll keep the basic powders simple and straight to the point. The following includes,Loose Powder and Pellet Form of Powders.

Water Clean up: Simple warm soapy water to clean the following powder fouling. Windex with Vinegar or without vinegar is also an excellent product to clean the fouling that these powders produce. Triple 7 - Pyrodex - American Pioneer Powder - Goex - Swiss Powder.

Oil Based Solvent cleaners are a must if shooting Blackhorn209.
I have used a handful of cleaners and these are my top favorites to use for cleaning the Fouling that BH209 produces: Birchwood Casey Bore Scrubber, Butches Bore Shine, Monatana Xtreme Blackhorn209 bore solvent. Bore Scrubber has stood out as the winner of the Three and it is all i use anymore.



What to use for Rust Protection?

That's currently an issue that i am doing testing on. CVA sent me 6 barrels to perform rust protection testing on and i have narrowed it down to a few products that do the job, with Two of them doing a better job than the other.

1. Birchwood Casey Barricade
2. Birchwood Casey RIG #2
3. Montana Xtreme Gun Oil

Out of the Three products, I prefer the Barricade as it dries and leaves a protective film on the metal surfaces. Monatana Xtreme of course does not dry and attracts dust, dirt, you name it, it sticks to the oil.

Rig #2 is a new product i am working with in the testing department and so i have limited experience with this product. The testing i have done with it, shows it to be an excellent product, it leaves a much thicker protective film coating and dries in less time than Barricade.

While all Three of these Products did the job, Barricade and RIG #2 were the best at keeping rust down to almost zero while sitting them outside for Two weeks, getting rained and snowed on. These products will keep your new or even your old muzzle loader in top shape. For Long storage periods, i recommend the RIG #2.

Now that you have a list of items that you will need, you can go to the store, look through the supply list and pick them out. If you are unsure of the brands quality, stop by the forum and ask about those products you've been eying at the store.

Part Two will look over the types of powders, Primers and what must be done to safely load and shoot a second shot!