I've been wanting to try semi-traditiona (that is, the old-fashoned percussion lock rather than an in-line) for some time. Finally went to an NRA Friends dinner the other night and bought a .50 cal Traditions in the silent auction. Now I have to figure out how to use the thing. Could anyone recommend a couple of book than might provide enough basic information to get me headed in the right direction?

Thanks.

Whiteeagle, I've been away and see no one has responded. I'd recommend Lyman's Black Powder Handbook, it goes thru the loading/cleaning process, not to mention ballistics, which I found very helpful. It has several interesting articles on hunting and manufacture of black powder I also found an old CVA handbook on hunting with the muzzleloader, it talked about tactics/methods for hunting with M/L's and what to look for after the shot.
Good luck

Thanks.

I'll pick up a copy of the Lyman book. Sounds like just what I'm looking for.

Whiteeagle,

You might also want to spend some time here http://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/phpBB/

Really good guys with tons of experience and advice.

Good luck

Toby Bridges has some good books on muzzleloading.

Amazon has that book for 15.75.

Thanks again

The suggestions you have received are good. I like the Lyman book. Two others to consider are: The Complete Blackpowder Handbook by Sam Fadala and Advanced Black Powder Hunting by Tony Bridges.