Black Powder Muzzle Loaders - Hunting & Target Shooting

[Campfire]

I use to belong to a Black Powder Muzzle Loader Club on the South Coast NSW many years ago.

I am looking at getting back into it again for both target shooting & hunting. I like the simplicity of the old days.

I am looking at a Percussion Black Powder in the 54 cal. There is a brand called Pedersoli who specialize in muzzle loaders in Italy. They do make a very fine product. The style I am taking a liking to is the Hawkin and the Tryon. These smokey poles came into there own in the Rocky Mountains  and Virgina around the 1800's when mountain men were looking for an advantage over the longer cumbersome Kentucky long rifle, and more robust.

If you have ever seen the hollywood classic movie " Jeremia Johnson," it will portray the type of environment these black powder rifles were used in.

Muzzle loaders are fun, but do require a little bit of TLC compared to modern hunting rifles.

Another toy to take away with the camper on trips to a friends farm.

Cheers

Campfire

[Tjupurula]

Hi Campfire
For a hunting weapon you would need to be an awesome marksman, as with all the fiddly reloading, you would not often get a second shot.  I do recall my older brother sending some photos of pig shooting at a place called White Cliffs (somewhere near Broken Hill) many moons ago, and he dropped some very big pigs.
I have only ever used a compound bow for goats and pigs, and that is really interesting, and keep one very fit, doing all the climbing.
I will contact my brother, as I believe he is still into it, find out what I can
Regards
Tjupurula

[Campfire]

I don't mind shooting compound bows, bought one about 8 years ago, and shoot around 70 pound.

I shoot Ribtek broadheads with aluminum shafts. I don't use mechanical release aid ( preferring fingers release). Pulled the bow apart and fitted felt between moving parts to reduce noise.  Speed isn't my main factor, my bow is more about having a very smooth draw and reduced noise as much as possible.

I still shoot bows on occasion , plus an archery target set up in my back hard, but not as often as I use to.

I do have to admit Mathews Bow are a very nice bit of kit if you have the dollars.

Cheers

Campfire

[Tjupurula]

I am not that financial to use a Matthews kit, I have a 62" Hoyt Fred Fletcher, the "Buffalo takedown" version, mainly using Easton shafts with Tusker Aztec broadheads or the Tusker Javelin.  I prefer the Aztec 175g.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Campfire]

I am not that financial to use a Matthews kit, I have a 62" Hoyt Fred Fletcher, the "Buffalo takedown" version, mainly using Easton shafts with Tusker Aztec broadheads or the Tusker Javelin.  I prefer the Aztec 175g.
Regards
Tjupurula

I'm in the same vote, can only dream of a Mathews Bow, maybe if I win the lotto it might be on the list, at the moment I will stick with my Martin Compound Bow.

Tuskers are good shafts , I also try Blackstump broad heads.

Have been keen to try Muzzy Broadheads but then I am still hardwired in my belief that cut on contact  broad heads ( Aztek, Blackstump, Ribtek ) are way better than punch on contact broadheads ( mechanical broadheads, multiblades etc) which I believe don't penetrate as much as some of the drop in blades like the Muzzy Broadheads may fail at high speed when hit game.

A trick I picked up years ago was not to have a point but flatten a little bit so it's like a small chisel blade, if it hits bone in your game or a tree when you miss, it won't damage as much, but you have to keep it sharp.

Some people may argue traditional arrow heads may sail like a rudder when windy compared to others, but it's never been a bother when you hunt to the right conditions.

These days I'm more into spearfishing than bow hunting, but still do a bit every now and then. Good to see others out there giving it a go.

If you have any pics of any bow hunting trophies, it would be great to see them on the thread.


Cheers

Campfire

[GMac]

I have not got into either the black powder or the compound bows.  Reckon both would be great to try one day though!!

But I do have a couple of bolt actions.  I quite enjoy going hunting, I mean its just armed bushwalking afterall 

And yes I agree, they make a great addition to the camper trailer   

Greg

[Tim - Stratford]

I've fired an old Schnieder cavelry carbine which had been modified to take hand turned brass cartridges. The cartridges were loaded with a fair wack of black powder with a one ounce projectile (.577 cal I think).

Best of both worlds....black powder and quick to reload, like shooting a singke shot falling block.

As for recoil - it was just a big slow push.....then a few minutes for the smoke to clear!

[Tjupurula]

Hi Campfire
Should I get the chance to go through my photo CD's, I will try to upload a couple of photo's, but I have something like 25000 photo's on discs, which my wife is slowing going through and labelling, and culling heaps as well.  The photo's (my fault) have no filing or category system going, it is about ten years worth in a heap of CD ROM's.
I have one that I want to find, which was a huge boar down near Carnarvon (WA), it was well over 600 pound of annoyed pig which wanted a piece of me something terrible.  Undoubtedly my best ever trophy, and it tasted okay too.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Campfire]

Yes definitely the big boar picture, 600 pounds is a lot of bacon.  I have to admit, I've taken my fare share of feral game over the years on bow and gun but nothing that big.

I live on the coast and the farm properties I go to in central NSW is a fare drive taking the good part of a day so I usually go away with the camper ( not a weekend only thing either), it's also the reason I am into spearfishing as the coast is quite close and it's the easiest form of hunting access I can get only 15 minutes from where I live.

 Whether it's a rabbit taken on a bow or a fish taken on the a speargun it's all the same to me ( something I enjoy doing).

Cheers

Campfire

[Campfire]

Pedersoli Black Powder Guns can be found at:

www.davide-pedersoli.com

They have a great selection of muzzle loaders including the popular types like the Kentucky Rifle , Sharps Rifle, Hawkin Rifle to name a few.

I'm kind of keen on the Tryon model which was influenced by Hawkin but equality at home on the target range as well as hunting feral goats , pigs out bush.

Cheers

Campfire

[gibbo301]

I used to go to a shooting range at Nowra on occasions and watch the big black powder muzzle loaders glad i had ear protection never got to shoot one though 

[Tjupurula]

Yes definitely the big boar picture, 600 pounds is a lot of bacon.  I have to admit, I've taken my fare share of feral game over the years on bow and gun but nothing that big.

I live on the coast and the farm properties I go to in central NSW is a fare drive taking the good part of a day so I usually go away with the camper ( not a weekend only thing either), it's also the reason I am into spearfishing as the coast is quite close and it's the easiest form of hunting access I can get only 15 minutes from where I live.

 Whether it's a rabbit taken on a bow or a fish taken on the a speargun it's all the same to me ( something I enjoy doing).

Cheers

Campfire

Actually Campfire, we had a police officer from Geraldton with us at the time, and I would hate to estimate the size of the boar he got, with a compound bow, but it was larger than what I got.  The wild boars can get extremely large, and territorial like you would not believe, no use hitting them with a .22 magnum or 223, as the damned things get angrier.  A good compound bow (I use 120lb) drops them, but we all know that arrows from a good bow have a lot more velocity than a bullet.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Garry H]

I don't know that I could be bothered with all the cleaning, I am at the range 2 -3 times a month and don't have enough time for all the reloading let alone the extra cleaning,
unfortunatly I punch paper (and steels) more than hunting (or spotlighting)
personal opinion, they invented the modern cartridge for a good reason,
all good fun though..............

[Tjupurula]

I don't know that I could be bothered with all the cleaning, I am at the range 2 -3 times a month and don't have enough time for all the reloading let alone the extra cleaning,
unfortunatly I punch paper (and steels) more than hunting (or spotlighting)
personal opinion, they invented the modern cartridge for a good reason,
all good fun though..............

Hi Garry
I would proffer that one of the main reason theystarted developing the modern cartridge was not actually for that good a reason at all, but more to do with quicker loading during conflict.  I would not even hunt with a rifle except for very long distance, and with a very well sighted firearm.  I prefer in close with a compound bow if I am going to do some sports hunting, and even then I cut the animal up and take it with me to eat, or to feed my dogs.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Campfire]

OK Pilgrims / Greenhornes

Black Powder is all about NOSTALGIA

Maybe I spent my too much of childhood watching Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett on TV.

Cheers

Campfire

[biggles1024]

I've never hunted with a black powder firearm, but I have fired several shots from "ball and cap" revolvers, target shooting that is. I found it to be, noisy, smelly, messy and a hell of a lot of fun.  I've yet to try a single shot muzzle loader, but I'm in the process of transferring to a different club, one in which almost every member shoots black powder so I expect that a chance to shoot a muzzle loader will come my way very soon.

If I wasn't so invested in air and free pistol, I'd take up black powder myself. Those guys and girls sure have a lot of fun.

Cheers

[Campfire]

I've never hunted with a black powder firearm, but I have fired several shots from "ball and cap" revolvers, target shooting that is. I found it to be, noisy, smelly, messy and a hell of a lot of fun.  I've yet to try a single shot muzzle loader, but I'm in the process of transferring to a different club, one in which almost every member shoots black powder so I expect that a chance to shoot a muzzle loader will come my way very soon.

If I wasn't so invested in air and free pistol, I'd take up black powder myself. Those guys and girls sure have a lot of fun.

Cheers

Noisy, smelly, messy with sparks and smoke going everywhere, 50 cal lead slug and kicking like a mule......... Exactly what you want in smokey pole.

The club I attend has the western action shooters group, they all dress up in cowboy gear with single action revolvers and shoot at targets down a path which is set up like the main street in an old cowboy movie.

 Very theatrical to watch when they have their cowboy western shooting comps.

A former Black Powder Shooting Club I use to belong to many years ago, had their members turn up in costume like you would see in old movies ( e.g.  Jeremiah Johnson), their wives would dress in pioneer clothing and they use old tents similar to our gold rush days. Apart from shooting comps, they would have axe throwing comps, cooking comps. Funniest thing I seen was a Hilux ute back up to the range firing line to off load a a half scale cannon which fired a 50 cal lead slug into 20 litre metal drums on the range as targets.

Cheers

Campfire

[Mace]

Ive Pm' Campfire about this!

I have an old mate (who Im hoping will be involved in the Kelly Country Camp on Saturday Night) who has one of these:

Its an authentic  lightweight mountain cannon, used during the Spanish Civil War.  3 inch bore.  Transported to battle sites by horseback.  It breaks down into small manageable parts and is then assembled on site for use.

Ive seen it smack its 3 inch "ball" 4 inches plus  into a stringbark tree trunk at 300 metres.  Surprisingly accurate, its original projectile and charge graphs enabled the operator to "hone in" on the target within 3 rounds.

Of course, the operator is a licensed historic firearms keeper.  A little bit of european history kept safe here in NE Vic.

[Campfire]

Thanks for posting up the pic, it looks great.

Imagine towing one of these behind your 4x4 to a camp ground, somehow I dont think you would have problems with rude or drunk neighbours.

[graham]

OK Pilgrims / Greenhornes

Black Powder is all about NOSTALGIA

Maybe I spent my too much of childhood watching Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett on TV.

Cheers

Campfire how are you my friend ,the boys/men i shoot ducks with are all black powder aficionados  ,its ,its funny  but its loud an  long

[Bill]

Muzzleloaders, Archery and Hunting.
3 of my favorite subjects.
I hunted with many different brands and style of muzzleloaders and bows for about 20 years.
Everything from percussion to inline and longbow to compound.
I got tired of the centerfire rifles while hunting and it was seeming to just get to easy.
For the last 10 years I have been 100% archery.
I have Mathews M7 at the moment.
Bill

[Campfire]

I have an English Long Bow, and use Port Cedar Shafts with BlackStump Broadheads. Mostly used for targets these days with target arrows,  did give it a run few years on rabbits with mixed results ( no luck but no broken arrows). Hunting arrows have been collecting dust.

I do like the Mongel Bows and there is a couple of good Bowyers out there who do classic reproductions. They certainly look good.

Cheers

Campfire

[Tjupurula]

Muzzleloaders, Archery and Hunting.
3 of my favorite subjects.
I hunted with many different brands and style of muzzleloaders and bows for about 20 years.
Everything from percussion to inline and longbow to compound.
I got tired of the centerfire rifles while hunting and it was seeming to just get to easy.
For the last 10 years I have been 100% archery.
I have Mathews M7 at the moment.
Bill

A Matthews M7 Bill, you have me totally green with envy.
Tjupurula

[Campfire]

A Matthews M7 Bill, you have me totally green with envy.
Tjupurula

X 2

Campfire

[Bill]

A Matthews M7 Bill, you have me totally green with envy.
Tjupurula

You should not be mate.
It is the only thing I kept when my archery shop went under last year and I closed it.
It hasnt been touched since last September, but I will admit the itch to get it out and play is creeping up on me.
I still miss deer hunting with the 50 cal CVA and pheasent, quail, partridge, rabbit and turkey hunting with the blackpowder 12 gauge...
Bill