Odds and ends list

[chester]

I just ordered my first muzzle loader a CVA Optima v2 NW edition. I've hunted muzzy before with a borrowed gun but being this is my first what else do I need to pick up? My list so far

Powder
Bullets
Musket caps
Speed loaders
Some kind of cleaning kit( open to suggestions on which)

I've seen a lot of people in threads saying a peep sight is the way to go, is it necessary? Or are the stock sights good enough. And what are the "must haves" I'm forgetting? I'm excited to get this gun up and running.


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[jrebel]

-Spare nipple
-Good Thread Grease
-Speed Loaders
-Possibles Bag
-Powder measure
-Powder horn (modern ones work really well and don't look like a horn)
-Peep sight (williams peeps are awesome)


I am sure I am forgetting something, but this is a start.

[MountainDevil54]

dont bother with a cleaning kit! A waste of money as half the crap is just that... crap.

The links I am going to give are from the traditions site but you do not have to order directly from them, its just easier to show you what you WILL need and give you the basic idea of what these items look like.

Items you need when shooting loose powder:  Click on item titles to go to the live link

Powder Measure
Lanes Powder Tubes
Powder Flask

Loading your Projectile must haves:
Bullet Seating Jag
Short starter
Capper
Range Rod

Cleaning Supplies:
Cleaning Jag
Breech Brush Set
Bristle brush " Old tooth brush works great as well"



No live link, walmart and most gun stores have this in supply

Hot soapy water and a little murphys oil soap for cleaning bore at the end of the day.
Rust Protectent
Birchwood Casey Barricade " Protection inside & outside of rifle!"

A HUGE helper in the cleaning department! I use these every time I clean my Optima NW as well. I buy mine off ebay for under $7 a package and yes, you can clean them afterward and save it for the next time.
https://www.birchwoodcasey.com/Cleaning-and-Maintenance/Cleaning-Maintenance/Swauber%E2%84%A2-Applicators.aspx

Bullets. Every powerbelt ive tried shot excellent in my NW. Recently I tried the 385gr hornady great plains conical. AWESOME accuracy! I used 80gr pyrodex select and swabbed lightly between each shot.

[jackelope]

MountainDevil54-
Would love to see what the "Lanes Powder Tubes" are, but you have to be a member of that forum you linked to in order to see the images.
Any chance you could post some pictures here?

[jackelope]

Nevermind… I found them on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/25-Muzzleloader-Black-Powder-Tubes-Vials-Fishing-Deer-/180530222386

[chester]

Looks like my list was a little short, thanks and keep Em coming


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[chester]

Another question , loose powder or the pellets? Before I was just basically handed everything and used 100gr of pellets and a power belt .


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[MountainDevil54]

Sorry, did not realize it was locked! I'll unlock it. He sells them much cheaper over on the forum than he does on ebay due to the sellers fee and paypal fee.

Okay its unlocked. I made it so guests can reply to lanes powder tubes without signing up. Just leave your email address and Lane will get in touch with you about orders and total price. I've had my tubes for at least 5 years now and they just hold up for a life time. You'll find them to be useful for storing bullets and extra primers in as well.

Jonathan

[Naches Sportsman]

Since nobody has put any tools on the list, here are my tools I bring to the range as far as tools go.

Leatherman
Allen wrench set
Screwdriver set (metal detachables)
Spare nipple and breech plug wrench
Pair of pliers

I shoot with a lot of muzzleloader guys and thought my three tool boxes full made me look like a newbie at first, but I realized I don't have near enough supplies compared to what they have when we shoot at the range.

[MountainDevil54]

Another question , loose powder or the pellets? Before I was just basically handed everything and used 100gr of pellets and a power belt .


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Loose powder. Mine hang fires with pyrodex and triple 7 pellets badly. Theres just not enough heat to reliably set off the pellets.

Plus with loose, you get more shots for less money, powder that stays consistent because its in a SEALED container and you get to carefully adjust your powder charges for fine tuning.

[jrebel]

Another question , loose powder or the pellets? Before I was just basically handed everything and used 100gr of pellets and a power belt .


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Loose powder all the way. I like the pyrodex select, but am sure there are many good powders out there. 

[chester]

I always shot triple 7 in the loaner. I'll have to try the pyrodex. How much smoke does it produce ? Thanks

And I noticed that a few people listed a spare nipple and breech plug wrench. From what I read on the gun( should arrive tomorrow) the nipple is not removable and it's supposed to not require a wrench. I haven't seen it yet so I could be wrong.  Should I pack an extra breech plug?


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[ghosthunter]

One of the best things in my bag ,goes to every hunt camp.  Is a sight vise.
But I never use it for sighting. I do use it to hold my muzzy when I need to work on it.
Great if you get a tough breech plug.
Rest of the year it sits on my gun room bench and every gun goes in it when I am working on them.

Light weight and small. Everyone in camp has used it over the years.