Loading/Firing Black Powder Rifle

I walk through loading and shooting a Thompson Center .50 caliber Renegade percussion rifle.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• BlackPowder
• Rifle

[TopherBlairMusic]

I've always wanted a black powder rifle. Is there any real risk to firing one? I've been told they are dangerous but you know how that can be.

[mshea43]

@TopherBlairMusic Don't kid yourself, they are every bit as dangerous as a modern firearm. Perhaps a little more so since you are dealing with exposed powder, one spark lights it up. However, with common sense and a little research they are safe and very fun to shoot. Black powder is just a different world. Clouds of smoke, the smell, the residue all over you.... It's worth the mess.

[CalebGuillery]

I am new to muzzleloading and if you dont use a lead ball and just a regular bullet do you have to use a patch

[mshea43]

@CalebGuillery If you use a bullet than you do not need to use a patch. Bullets fit tight and usually have a hollow base. The hollow base expands on firing and fills the barrel so no need for a patch to seal it since it does that job itself.

[texascivic]

How hard does it kick compared to like a M1 Garand?

[mshea43]

@texascivic

I really couldn't compare it to an M1 Garand since I have never fired a Garand. I can tell you that on this particular rifle the recoil is light, kind of like a 12 gauge shotgun. This rifle is very heavy so that helps. I have a .54 CVA with a synthetic stock that is really light and it has a brutal recoil. To the point that I bruise my shoulder and cheek after about 15 shots.

[warboy616]

hehe, he said nipple

[mjtracy]

Nice quick video on the loading process. One suggestion, do not use the palm of your hand to drive the ramrod. Always hold the rod from the side, that way, if there is an accidental discharge, it will not drive the rod through your hand! Thanks.

[Epicwinstudios2]

@mshea43 when you click back the part that closes on top of the powder next to the flint that will spark it, does powder ever fall of if you run with the gun?

[nicksynnz]

I use 85 grains Goex for hunting but 50 grains for target shooting. I have noticed with hunting that the ball or bullet does not down the animal like a modern bullet in most cases. Still great movie; thank you.

[Polybun]

@nyy8851 why don't you get some English classes before you worry about a gun? You can't even hold a conversation, why should we help you learn any survival skills?

[11202]

Gosh. This truly does bring extra focus to the development of the cartridge.

[mshea43]

@maryospox Yes, I am. Never have denied it and calling me names serves no purpose. So, do you have any other incredibly enlightening comments or is that the extent of your brain power and juvenile vocabulary?