Someone mentioned competing at a muzzle loading shoot or a Rendezvous in another post and I though I would ask this question. How many out there have attended or still participate in these types of shoots? I had the chance to go to one about 25 years ago and I was wondering if they still exist. I was living out in Omaha Nebraska while I was stationed at Offutt AFB. They were for the most part very interesting. Rifle and pistol events were shot at 25 to 200 yards. They shot trap with muzzle loading shotguns. They even had a cannon there that they shot. The one event that I thought was very impressive was shooting at an axe blade. They would take a double bladed axe and stick it in the end of a log. Then they would put two clay pigeons on both sides of the axe blade. I can�t remember the distance but the object was to shoot a round ball at the axe blade. Split it and break both clay pigeons. I stuck around just to see this one. I really thought someone was pulling my leg when they told me this was really an event. Anyway, I was curious to see if they are still going on and if they are mostly in the west and mid west parts of the country.

There are a lot of both of these events and a lot of shoots combine elements of both. If you're interested check with The National Muzzleloading Rifle Association for further information. The splitting the ball on the axe is not as hard as you might think if the distance is not too far. All you have to do with a 54cal rifle is to get within about a 1/2 inch of so of the edge of the axe and even a very small sliver of lead is all it takes to break the opposing clay piegon. One summer I even had kids at a boy scout camp doing it with 22's at 30 feet. The same goes for the trick where you cut a playing card in half. We also used to shoot the flame off of a candle which wasn't too awfully hard. Anyway check with the NMLRA and see what they are up to and go see another one. Heck we're a pretty friendly bunch and if you show up I can just about guarantee you someone will help you get started.