Back to the smoke pole

[Scioto]

A few years ago I went modern inline muzzleloader and got a TC Impact. Just haven't been able to get comfortable with that rifle or get any consistent groups. Often times it's a challenge to get it on paper. The "mule kicker". So I'm going back to the old smoke pole.

Went to the range today. Measured out on my digital scale 4 charges each of 50, 55, 60 grains black powder. Started at 25 yards and figured out how/where the rifle was shooting. Got good consistent groups and 60'was best. Then moved to 50 yards. Using a hand made deer antler powder measure ( digital scale holds @ 58-62 grains of black powder), I then shot 8 more. Focused on the front sight and didn't bother with the rear sight. Bingo. A great feeling knowing your rifle is ready and what charge works best.

Custom made 50 cal percussion cap and ball. Modeled after a typical farmer's or frontiersman' rifle on the Ohio frontier of early 1800s. It shoots smooth and true and my shoulder is in one piece.

 

[Andy S.]

Good luck, but I'm a little perplexed by your lack of success with the Impact. One of my buddies set his up with exact load data that Randy mentions in this article, and his is a shooter. http://www.chuckhawks.com/thompson_impact.htm

 

[southernhunter]

My inline will see little to no action this year. Hoping to take a buck with the flint lock.good luck

 

[Scioto]

Good luck, but I'm a little perplexed by your lack of success with the Impact. One of my buddies set his up with exact load data that Randy mentions in this article, and his is a shooter. http://www.chuckhawks.com/thompson_impact.htm

Me too. I consulted that same article. The Impact gets good reviews. I'm sure some of it is the operator. My Model 70 in 300 WSM doesn't bother me at all, but I don't like the recoil of the Impact.

 

[Scioto]

Good luck to you guys as well. Less than two weeks now!

 

[Ken45]

How many grains was you using in the Tc impact

 

[fairchaser]

I'm a little confused by your method for measuring powder. It sounded like you measured some by weight and some by volume. I believe black powder or equivalent SB measured by volume while smokeless is measured by weight. I wonder if that makes any difference in your groups as long as you're consistent.

 

[Scioto]

I'm a little confused by your method for measuring powder. It sounded like you measured some by weight and some by volume. I believe black powder or equivalent SB measured by volume while smokeless is measured by weight. I wonder if that makes any difference in your groups as long as you're consistent.

I was not aware of that

In any event, to explain. All of my 25 yard shots were digital measured 50 grain, 55 grain and 60 grain shots. Just to get the rifle on the black and see which charge worked best for consistent groups from the rifle. Yesterday when I digitally measured the 25 yard shots to place in charge tubes, I poured several into the antler powder measure and then weighed each pour on my digital scale. The volume of the powder measure ranged between 58 grains and 62 in weight. I use the antler powder measure when hunting and now I know (a) where to aim the rifle and (b) my rifle seems to shoot a full powder measure the best at 25-50 yards, the likely distance I'll be shooting on my ridge and hollow hunting ground.