Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Muzzleloader Hunting => Topic started by: PNWWARRIOR94 on August 31, 2017, 04:13:57 AM
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I would like to use a flintlock muzzleloader next year but was wondering about restrictions tips and hints i will also be using a percussion cap gun possibly this year. Tips would be great. I know nothing about muzzelloading so some info would be nice. What to shoot how much powder to put etc etc
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Flintlocks can be tricky for a guys first muzzleloader. If loaded and made to fire correctly they can be just as fast ignition (going BOOM) as a cap lock. If not done correctly it can be a frustrating trip down a very bumpy trail, no fires, hang fires ect. Not saying you cant do it correctly its just there's alot a fella needs to know before jumping into a flintlock. I had a very reliable custom flintlock that I just traded away. I just couldnt get comfortable shooting it. I've been shooting muzzys of all types for 20yrs. If you can find someone close to you that has one, you should try and meet up and learn first hand. A good flintlock is probably going to come in the form of a custom rifle. Not many production guns available, that are worth a darn (my :twocents:). Watch ytube videos and look up traditional muzzleloading forum. Lots of knowledge from a group of shooters dedicated to flintlocks/traditional guns. Hope this has not scared you. Just an honest piece of advice. Good Luck.
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I hunt with a flintlock and have for 25 years. It requires care in loading and a lot of experience. Even the best locks have a quarter second or longer lock time compared to percussion. This is where the accuracy issue comes in. If you don't shoot a lot it causes you to flinch, or at least move a little. Buy it early in the year and shoot a few hundred times with it before you try to hunt. Buy the best you can afford. Cheap locks have soft frizzens and weak mainsprings which mess up your spark. I built mine from Track of The Wolf parts. They are very accurate if I do my part. I've taken 3 elk and a number of deer with patched round balls. None went over 75 yards after the shot. Don't over prime the pan, it burns off your eyebrows and causes a bad flinch for a long time. Ha.
