Thanks to everyone who helped with advise for selecting a muzzleloader for my particular need.

Now, I need to know what tools and toys I need to go along with it. I will be shooting an Omega.

I think I am going to like this muzzleloading. Any sport that involves hunting AND tools like; Ball Puller and Nipple Wrench has GOT to be fun!

[ 07-09-2003, 01:50: Message edited by: Wendell Reich ]

Wendell,

Judging from your previous post and your level of interest in muzzleloading I would suggest the following:

1) Pyrodex pellets...even though I think they are way overpriced and not any more convenient to use than pre-measured charges of "loose" powder, by using them you save having to buy a powder measure and flask. This is the only reason that I am suggesting you use them. It doesn't sound like you are going to be shooting it all that much anyway.

2) You will need a package of 3 T/C quickloads to carry your pellets and bullets in to be ready to load again quickly. These can be carried on your buttstock or on your belt in a shotgun shell holder for convenience.

3) You will need a short starter that doubles as a palm saver.

4) Powerbelts!!! Or some kind of bullet. I have had excellent results with the Powerbelts in my 1:28 twist rifles. If you use Powerbelts you can get by without a short starter, because they are very easy to load.

5) You need a T/C clearview 209 capper to carry your 209 primers. I carry the capper in a mini mag flashlight holder on my belt.

With this setup you will not need a flask, powder measure, or ball puller (since you are using an inline, if a projectile gets stuck just remove the breechplug and push it out) Also the Omega comes with a nipple wrench and cleaning jag.

To clean it, I would remove the breech plug/209 nipple (same piece) and remove the stock (2 screws) Dip the muzzle end in a five gallon bucket of very hot water. Use a shotgun cleaning patch with the jag that comes with the muzzleloader and flush out the barrel and coat with a light coat of oil (Even though T/C does not recommend it) I can't keep my barrels from rusting/corroding (even stainless steel) using their method and bore butter, however.

One last tip, I have found for the best accuracy at the range while sighting your rifle in...CLEAN BETWEEN EVERY SHOT!!!

HTH,
X

[ 07-09-2003, 03:28: Message edited by: x-caliber ]

X,

I will assume you mean that I should run a few patches through the barrel between shots at the range, not the 5 gallon bucket cleaning method right?

Good advice on the rest of the stuff. Thanks.

Yeah, that's right Wendell. I run one patch saturated with T/C #13 cleaner through the barrel then follow with a dry patch between every shot.

Good Luck!

X

A couple of little tricks I from others:
1. Between shots at the range, just push a patch wetted with windex down the bore. Cleans up a lot of fouling and dries without the need for other patches. I usually push a dry patch down the bore and snap a primer with the patch and ramrod still in it. This will make sure the flash hole is open and all is dry.
2. Forget the cleaners sold by the manufacturers. I spent twice as much time and got more rust using them than not. Use a 50:50 mix of Simple Green cleaner and water. A very few patches of this followed by Breakfree and you are good to go.
3. Clean the breech plug with Hoppe's. Since the majority of the fouling on it is primer residue, it works very well. It is the only thing I use Hoppe's for as I find it worthless for any other cleaning.

Have fun.

Wendell, don't foreget the ANTI-SEZE for the breech plug, when they rust up its harder than heel breaking them loose

...and don't forget to GENTLY seat the breech plug, i.e. don't wrench down on it in case you get a load combo that wants to crud it up, etc. such as H-777.

Rotsa ruck!

Reed