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Quick loads for a round ball shooter
BowEd:
Here's an easy way to make quick loads for a round ball shooter.I'm all about traveling efficiently with the basics.Very handy.It's very quick to reload also.A few times while hunting does I've shot the doe.The yearling does'nt run very far.I quickly reload.Shoot the yearling too.Done this a couple of times hunting deer.
The set up is actually an idea I seen used going to civil war reenactments.As it was done during the civil war.
My loads don't need to be much.60 to 80 grains.My gun at least shoots spot on out to 100 yards and I rarely need to shoot at one that far away.It's usually 50 yards or closer.The ball still flies through the deer easily.
First find a dowel close to the circumference of your ball.Then cut a square of regular old typing paper a good 6" long and wide enough to go around the dowel with a little overlap to be glued into a tube.
Tie off the end with a cotton string.
Insert your ball and tie off above the ball too with a good knot.
Dip your ball into your lube.
Insert your measured powder into tube above ball.
Tape it closed with masking tape.
Mark on it the amount of powder in quick load.I think the previous 3 loads had a little more bees wax in the lube.
Your good to go.When second shot is needed simply tear masking tape off.Pour powder down barrel.Insert ball.Short start it.Your paper is your lubed patch.You can tear off excess paper too but it won't make any difference really.It's just as accurate as using a pillow tick patch.I basically only need my short starter/capper/and quick load for a quick second shot.
Eric Krewson:
I use ball boards and little plastic screw top bottles that hold about 100 gr of powder. The only time I get a second shot with my flintlock is when I make a poor hit with the first shot and have to run the deer down to finish it off.
This ball board has been loaded for a couple of years, injuries and surgeries have kept me from getting to the woods, new lubed patches will be needed if I can get to the woods.
BowEd:
Yes I've seen those.
The way I've shown is cheaper/faster to load/and easier to carry around.
When I'm deer hunting like I said all I need to carry with me is my capper around my neck.Short starter and quick loads in my pocket.
It's very rare that I need to use them though.Running after deer usually makes things worse.The quick loads almost keep forever after being made.No relubing required.
I've hunted both ways with the powder horn and pouch and with the quick loads alone.
When hunting with the hunting pouch and powder horn I like the straps to be high and tight and still manageable to load easily.
Makes for it easier to get around through all the brush sometimes and when dragging the deer out too.
Completely eliminated using the paper patch quick loads.
Stoker:
I've used the way Eric does it. Ed your way is interesting. I'll have to try it. Couple quick backups is not a bad thing.
Thanks Leroy.
BowEd:
It's not only interesting it is authentic and more conformed to this site.I'm sure in it's day the wooden plugs part was used.Except for the plastic tube holding the gunpowder.....ha ha.When in rendezvous camp no plastic is allowed in camp to be an authentic fur trade era 1820 to 1840 camp.It's the rules.
I find it ironic for the sake of being primitive using a flint lock and then use plastic as part of his accoutraments.
This paper patch way does'nt cost a thing.More authentic.Less trouble to make.Handier and quicker to use.Shoots just as well.
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