Hi All,
I just acquired a used Lyman 45 Cal Hawken Type Caplock (Percussion) Traditional Muzzleloader. While I have two "modern" Inline TC Muzzleloaders for many years, which I have successfully used on deer, I am a total newcomer on Traditional version and I would like some technical advice if someone has the knowledge to impart.
Firstly as regards ignition, the Rifle has a No.11 Nipple, but I have visited all the local retail outlets (Cabelas, KTP, Shooters Outpost) etc. and no store has No. 11 Caps, only No. 10 Caps. Is it possible to use No.10 caps on a No. 11 Nipple (i.e. will the cap fit) and is this safe to do so (within reason)
Secondly, years ago I switched over to using Blackhorn 209 Powder as my propellent of choice. The Scoped TC Omega with 84 Grains by Volume with a 265 Grain Sabot (Barnes) returns ~1933 FPS with ~20 FPS Standard Deviation and 2" Group (3 shot at 150 Yards) or 1.33 MOA. Does anyone have experience using Blackhorn 209 Propellent in a Traditional Muzzleloader (including with a flintlock using the Blackhorn 209 as the Main charge).
Thanks for taking the time to read.
Best, Seamus
I just acquired a used Lyman 45 Cal Hawken Type Caplock (Percussion) Traditional Muzzleloader. While I have two "modern" Inline TC Muzzleloaders for many years, which I have successfully used on deer, I am a total newcomer on Traditional version and I would like some technical advice if someone has the knowledge to impart.
Firstly as regards ignition, the Rifle has a No.11 Nipple, but I have visited all the local retail outlets (Cabelas, KTP, Shooters Outpost) etc. and no store has No. 11 Caps, only No. 10 Caps. Is it possible to use No.10 caps on a No. 11 Nipple (i.e. will the cap fit) and is this safe to do so (within reason)
Secondly, years ago I switched over to using Blackhorn 209 Powder as my propellent of choice. The Scoped TC Omega with 84 Grains by Volume with a 265 Grain Sabot (Barnes) returns ~1933 FPS with ~20 FPS Standard Deviation and 2" Group (3 shot at 150 Yards) or 1.33 MOA. Does anyone have experience using Blackhorn 209 Propellent in a Traditional Muzzleloader (including with a flintlock using the Blackhorn 209 as the Main charge).
Thanks for taking the time to read.
Best, Seamus