New to Black Powder

[bluegunner]

Have look at black powder rifles for some time but have never found a rifle that I liked the looks of or that felt good. Recently I picked up a Lyman Mustang and everything changed. I liked it so well that I bought one!!! However, finding a gun that I like doesn't make me an expert in the area of black powder, so any information or advise that can be offered would be appreciated. I have found that when one is open to the expertise of others, you can learn allot! Any of you have a "Lyman Mustang"?

[mshm99]

Welcome.
I know nothing about the lyman or anybody who does. So I did an search and came up with the following:

www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=2348431

Now I don't want to hurt anyones feelings, but I did not read any ringing endorsement of the weapon. Of the criticisms ,gritty two stage trigger, so so accuracy, 1 in 28" twist which pretty much limits you to 250 gr. bullets.

The state of the art right now pretty much dictates you should expect right at 1" groups at 100 yds, a good trigger with quick lock time,and my preference for a 1 in24" or faster twist.

If it's any consolation, I bought and sold a bunch of muzzle loaders since my first T/C Hawken in 1981. I found the one I will keep for the rest of my life in January of 2002, and that is a Savage MLII.

Remember, beauty is as beauty does.

All that said, start with a 100 grains Buck Horn 209 powder, Federal 209a primers and 250 grain bonded T/C shock waves. Get a spin jag and a good ram rod. You should have about 30 pounds pressure going down the tube. Set the butt on a bathroom scale. The sabot bullet combo is the key to accuracy. Tighter is better. Start here and let us know how your coming along.

mshm

[bluegunner]

mshm.

Thanks for the info, will try to get to the range when the weather breaks here in Minnesota, and will report back with results.

Bluegunner