I think I am getting the lyman trade rifle, can you guys help me out on what else I need to get started, powder and caps I have, and I am getting the "Lee" mold , the one with a round ball and a conical in the same mold for 54 cal. But I am not sure of what else, like a patch puller, the bullet starter etc. I have a BP pistol, so I have cleaner, powder measure and stuff for that.

[ 10-05-2003, 04:52: Message edited by: Bulletman ]

First thing I'd get would be a non wood ramrod. There are several out there but don't use a fiberglass rod unless it's coated. Just got back from an elk hunt and I had come acoss a fellow hunter that had wounded an elk. Trying to hurry his second shot he had tried to run the ball home and the ramrod broke and drove through his hand. You can imagine. Other things I'd get, a capper, perhaps a nipple that allows you to use musket caps instead of the #11, bullet boards or quick loaders. Before you buy a mould try out different ball sizes so you'll know for sure which one to get. A good supply of either ox-yoke patches (lubed) or teflon coated pillow ticking. I'm sure I'll think of more later.

A co2 type ball discharger and a little amount of 4f black powder to put under the nipple to discharge the load when you run out of co2. You will most certainly "dry ball" your rifle at one time or another and you need to know how to get it out. Pulling the ball with a screw type ball puller is not something I would ever reccommend as you are standing in front of a loaded (?) gun pulling on something that would make a hell of a spear.