Feeling the Old Itch

[Cosmoline]

And no, it's not that problem. The cream is working. I'm talking about BLACK POWDER. I've been thinking about picking up a vintage (NOT in-line) BP rifle for hunting. Prob. not flint for practicality reasons. Probably something along the lines of the sxs "Kodiak" rifles they have at Dixie Gun Works and Cabelas. I'm way out of my depth, though. For maximum choice of projectiles, what caliber is best? Is a vintage BP rifle practical in wet underbrushy conditions?

 

[TaxPhd]

The Kodiak double rifle is very cool. If you are going to be around the rifles' namesake, two shots and a heavy caliber would be reassuring.

My all-time favorite in a non-custom, traditional styled muzzle loader is the Lyman Great Plains. Mine is the "Hunter" model, with a 1 In 32" twist for shooting conicals. .54 caliber. The standard Great Plains is a 1 in 66" (1 in 60"?) twist for round ball shooting. Nice styling, well made, accurate. The crescent butt plate accents recoil a bit, but not overly so.

Practical? It's all they had for a long time, and it worked. You have to take some precautions to keep the nipple/cap dry, but it's not a big deal. A balloon or some electrical tape over the muzzle solves the problem on the other end.



Scott

 

[Cosmoline]

I notice some of the Kodiaks have a tighter twist for conicals. Would this make it difficult to shoot roundballs?

 

[TaxPhd]

Depends. Slower twist is traditional for round balls, but it totally depends on the gun. If I were looking for a dedicated round ball gun, I would look at slower twist.

I don't know if the Kodiak comes in a "compromise" twist (typically 1 in 48"), but that might be an option.




Scott

 

[RCL]

.50 caliber seems to be the most popular, as far as what supplies are carried in the stores.
One thing to keep in mind if you plan on hunting, a lot of states (like my home state of NY), only allow the use of single barrel weapons during the muzzleloading seasons.