Smoke Pole cleaning

[JJD]

I ended up inheriting a traditional, late 1990's vintage T/C Hawken rifle.  My first ever muzzle loader.
I was reading the manual, published 6/99 and am confused by some of the cleaning info.

At the beginning of the manual it relates to "seasoning the barrel" in the same manor that one seasons a cast iron skillet.
Later, in the chapter in reference to cleaning, it claims pulling hot soapy water through the barrel is the thing to do.  Now if you got within 10 paces of my grammas cast skillet with soap, she'd have likely beat you to death with it.
So what's the deal, what's the best way to keep the your barrel in top condition.

Wandered around in search and did not find an answer to my question.
yup, I'm a newb.

[CP]

Forget about seasoning the barrel, that's totally unnecessary.

Do clean it with hot water and soap then oil it for storage but be sure to clean the oil out of the bore and nipple before loading it.

By all means, leave grammas’ cast skillet alone 

[MountainDevil54]

I ended up inheriting a traditional, late 1990's vintage T/C Hawken rifle.  My first ever muzzle loader.
I was reading the manual, published 6/99 and am confused by some of the cleaning info.

At the beginning of the manual it relates to "seasoning the barrel" in the same manor that one seasons a cast iron skillet.
Forget about seasoning your barrel, it was a scam they came up with to sell you worthless bore butter that only sealed in moisture which rusted out your barrel.

Later, in the chapter in reference to cleaning, it claims pulling hot soapy water through the barrel is the thing to do.  Now if you got within 10 paces of my grammas cast skillet with soap, she'd have likely beat you to death with it.
So what's the deal, what's the best way to keep the your barrel in top condition.

Wandered around in search and did not find an answer to my question.
yup, I'm a newb.

Cleaning you Sidelock Muzzle Loader,




Remove Wedge Pin(s)


After Removing the barrel, Clean this circled area with a damp cloth,

Next,




Pull the barrel out of the bucket after you are done using the bore mop and remove the nipple.  Stick the barrel BACK into the bucket and use the bore mop again to flush out the nipple drum area. You may allow your nipple to soak in the bucket of water while you do the following steps.



Use a few Windex Soaked patches and run them down the bore (both sides of patches) Normally between 4 or 5 patches. And then do the following,

Run dry patches until barrel is fully dry.




After you are finished oiling your barrel, reinstall the lock,barrel,wedge pins and ramrod. Lock screws only need to be screwed in snug. Over tightening may cause your locks internals to jam inside of the stock, therefore, not allowing the hammer to fall fast enough to set the #11 cap off.
" />

[PolarBear]

 
I use whale oil and blow everything out really well with an air compressor.

[JJD]

T
Hey All, thanks a lot for the info.
And MountainDevil54,
Thanks for the detailed info, that helps a bunch. 
Kinda thought all the TC products thing might be a ruse to sell ya more of their stuff.

I have been shooting rim fire and center fire rifles for about 50 yrs, but have never owned a muzzle loader.  This could get to be fun.
Thanks again.

[MountainDevil54]

no problem. I have some how to videos here and other info as well that may help you along. When it comes to it and you need some help or pointers, feel free to ask 
http://patchnball.blogspot.com/

[Smokepole]

That TC Hawken is a nice rifle.  The triggers are smooth like butter on the ones I've shot.  It's a keeper!