Milsurp After Hours

Well I finally bit the black powder bullet yesterday with the purchase of a PH Pattern 53, 3 band rifle. I still need to collect a bit more BP kit but managed to get a bit of shooting at 50m yesterday with my limited resources and help from friends. I had previously cast and lubed Lee and RCBS Minie bullets, so with limited kit I was ready to go and had a very enjoyable few hours shooting. A bit more practice and development with the minies obviously required but I'm pleased with the results of my first attempts.
I think I may be able to get into this BP malarky after all.
A few pics from the day.

Joe

Fantastic Joe, once in you can't get out you know

I have thought about starting a BPSA help line - BLACK POWDER SHOOTERS ANONYMOUS -

Welcome to the club. What was the range? What charge of powder were you using?

Range was 50m and load info is on the target Robert, I just used a lee scoop for the powder which gave just over 61g of Swiss No. 3 black powder.

Joe

Sorry for not reading the target penciled in info closer. 60 grains is what I use in mine out to 100 yards. If I remember right 60 grains was the original military load a 150 years ago as well. That long barrel helps old eyes get the sights lined up too.

Looks like you have a loading rod separate from the ram rod. That's good. Most bought loading rods aren't really long enough though. I made one for mine years ago. Just had to buy the metal tip for the end. Regular hardware store half inch dowel worked for the shaft.

Welcome aboard!

"The smell of black powder is sweet,
And the hickory ramrod hath charm."

Although in your case, as yet, it's steel

I don't use the rifles ramrod, I got a flexible 48" Pro Shot rod in with the deal and it works fine for loading and cleaning.

Got my eye on a Pritchet mould group buy that is on the cusp of coming to fruition with Swede Nelsons NOE. Hopefully I'll have the patience to build some paper cartridges of the Enfield type.

Joe

He's on the slippery slope guys

These should keep you busy for a while Joe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZXLv5u1JSA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_pOUN3VnCo

Cheers Duncan