Thread: Black powder percussion musket.

Ok, due to a variety of circumstances I found myself the owner of one.
I reload for 5 different calibres, but not black powder.
That was a rabbit hole I promised myself not to go down. Bugger.
So questions, lots of them
Are all percussion caps the same ?
Whats the best ( mildest ) BP. Punching paper only.
Where to buy projectiles ?

Any help greatfully received, cheers

Not much info to go on their. Percussion caps come in 2 sizes #10 Normally for revolver pistols, #11 Most rifles and muskets, Musket caps or Top hats for larger muskets and usually military type firearms.
Calibre is a biggy : 50, 54,58cal 60-100 grains 2f or 3f powder. If rifled round ball and Ticking patch dampened with olive oil. Swab with spit patch between shots. Yes its a big Rabbit hole you just fell into.

Thanks guys
Sorry, more info on the rifle
Its a 58 cal, smoothbore
Pattern 53 percussion

Originally Posted by muzza

this guy sells cast projectiles , probably casts lots of calibres . https://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/hun...8653f38261-001

otherwise buy a mold for your calibre and make your own

Isn't Robert on this forum?

The first time you clean it will make or break the habit!! The best cleaning tip I ever saw, was to hang it on the rose while taking a shower!
There’s some funny folk shooting that black stuff!

Originally Posted by Frogfeatures

Thanks guys
Sorry, more info on the rifle
Its a 58 cal, smoothbore
Pattern 53 percussion

Are you sure it's smoothbore? P53s 58s 61s etc were usually a rifled musket.

Projectiles - I have a correct Lyman minie mould but got good results using Lee moulds. Lee moulds = cheaper and cast quicker ie warm up and produce nice projectiles a lot quicker than the steel moulds like Lyman.
I used to shoot a traditional Lee Minie and a Lee flat nosed minie (almost like a wadcutter). The Lee flat nose was incredibly accurate but back in the day when I was shooting, at most comps they would not let you use it as it was not "traditional'.

A photo of your smokepole would be helpful.

Originally Posted by Frogfeatures

Thanks guys
Sorry, more info on the rifle
Its a 58 cal, smoothbore
Pattern 53 percussion

Ball and patch then and use FFG Holy smoke powder from Mr Van Teil in Taupiri,

Originally Posted by Maca49

The first time you clean it will make or break the habit!! The best cleaning tip I ever saw, was to hang it on the rose while taking a shower!
There’s some funny folk shooting that black stuff!

Ha ha, when I used to trip around to the comps (Whangarei, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Waiouru) the motel shower was exactly where I used to clean my guns.

Once you go black, youll never go back. Photos would help, especially of the nipple and muzzle. Trying to get a no 10 or 11 cap on a musket nipple ends in tears.
60 to 70 grains was regulation charge but 50 works ok in my zouave repro with a mine ball.

Musket cap, Assuming its 58cal a .562 or .570 Patched round ball (made from any lead) sitting on 60-80gr powder should get you started. Try Track of the wolf, Dixie Gunworks or Cabelas for Moulds. You can change the nipple to #11 caps.
Once you have dropped the powder down the hole give the gun a slap on the side of the lock to make powder go into the flash channel.
Another thing and we have all done it at some stage if you forget to put the powder in before the ball. Unscrew the nipple and dribble some powder down the nipple hole, it doesn't actually (take much to remove the ball) then insert nipple and fire.

Originally Posted by Tasbay

Musket cap, Assuming its 58cal a .562 or .570 Patched round ball (made from any lead) sitting on 60-80gr powder should get you started. Try Track of the wolf, Dixie Gunworks or Cabelas for Moulds. You can change the nipple to #11 caps.
Once you have dropped the powder down the hole give the gun a slap on the side of the lock to make powder go into the flash channel.
Another thing and we have all done it at some stage if you forget to put the powder in before the ball. Unscrew the nipple and dribble some powder down the nipple hole, it doesn't actually (take much to remove the ball) then insert nipple and fire.

Silly question, does that mean it doesn’t currently take a # 11 cap ?

very nice....one day I WILL own something like that....one day.

Looks like you have one of these..https://tinyurl.com/yxn7lzor

I have it's "Big Brother," the three band. Are there any markings anywhere on it?

Don't use smokeless powder or FFFg. the first will blow your barrel apart at least and the second is too "hot"( fast burning.)

FFg is my recommendation, GOEX or Hodgdons and I suspect it takes the "Top Hap" caps.

My current first port of call for consumables is www.beavergrease.co.nz

Originally Posted by Frogfeatures

Silly question, does that mean it doesn’t currently take a # 11 cap ?

Looks to me it has a nipple for a musket cap which would be correct for the firearm. My Zoil Zauave I run on #11 caps and a #11 nipple. The Zoil actually came with both nipple sizes when new. The Musket caps have a bit more authority when igniting but the #11 caps are cheaper. That said most of the time I use a #11 nipple and toy cap gun caps on all my percussion guns $1 for 72 shots is hard to beat in percussion.