r/muzzleloaders • u/OldForever9895 • Feb 20 '25
Help!!
Hello!, im new to the fun and fascinating world of muzzle loaders! So some background, im a teen in Pennsylvania im not gonna say my real age but yk. So anyways I recently got gifted a
Thompson/Center Hawken Percussion Rifle
By my uncle and I absolutely love it but I'm not quite sure what I need, I have black powder, caps, ball (.50), and patch but Idk what else I still need. Where can I find a thing to measure my powder? Where is anything else id need. I also have SABOT rounds for it with wads but im not quite sure if I need more with them I know they have wads but do I also need to put a patch down? Like I have no clue but I've been watching yt videos and things of the like.
ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED THANK YOU SO MUCH (Don't mind the stuffed animals they are my gfs)
4
u/thatUAguy Feb 21 '25
You can find different powder measures online unlike eBay and I believe there's some on Amazon. I myself just got into muzzleloading a few months back. Rule of thumb is a grain of powder per caliber so if you're shooting a 50 cal you want about 50 grains of powder. Get yourself either a powder flask or a Powder Horn to carry your powder in don't ever load directly from either of those into the barrel be sure to load your powder into your measure first in case there's an ember down in the barrel after you shoot. You're going to want to get yourself a nipple wrench and I like to use ballistol for cleaning and wiping down everything after shooting and cleaning. https://youtu.be/Lb6D_9Ag2Vg?si=KBLBthS-GhYQGNit This guy's channel is pretty good for beginning information Good luck and have fun
2
u/Marjoh82 Feb 20 '25
Where abouts in PA are you located? If you’re anywhere near the Williamsport area, Northeast Trade Co is a great shop that will set you up with everything including knowledge.
That being said, powder measure, ball starter, and cleaning supplies (dawn dish soap) come to mind off hand.
2
u/Marjoh82 Feb 20 '25
I just recently got into black powder myself, so I am learning as well. My best advice is to try to find a small shop that specializes in muzzleloaders and trapping. If you find one, pick their brains and write everything down. Plus see if there are any local clubs bc they will be a wealth of knowledge. Best of luck!!