DaveS

Grown and gone!   Dave

Ya just can't fix stupid!   Dave

That's the best one yet!   Dave

I made the comment above as I had thought that Fort Jackson stopped basic many years ago! Am I that far out of the loop?   Dave

"Oh Dawg you tha shiz, now to upload my new Facebook picture..." Dave

Fort Jackson, are you serious?     Dave

Thanks Dave. Good info. I found out last night that what he was doing was making these so called M-80's in plastic bottles and small diameter PVC pipe. He was setting this stuff off in his back yard and was reported by a neighbor. Deputies found alot of stuff in his basement, contacted the ATF, and they carried several boxes full of stuff out of his basement. He wasn't using Black Powder in his recipes. He got his recipes for explosives from a book called "The Anarchists Handbook". Some he had made I would assume would be similar to Tannerite, as it would detonate when shot.   After my reloading accident, there isn't enough money in the world that would coax me into picking up and mixing Tannerite bought in the store. Good luck to all you Chemists out there!   Dave

I need to ask my friend how and why he got charged by the ATF for "Illegal manufacture of explosives" when he got caught making and using homemade M-80 fire crackers. Just real curious now, that y'all are saying it's legal to make your own explosives. Inquiring minds just have to know!   Dave

Well said Brother!

Same here Brother. I emptied a 30 round mag in the POS to save my hide from dieing. Whether the 1st round dropped it or the last, I don't give a crap. It dropped to the ground and didn't shoot at me again. Everything else is meaningless to me....I'm here to talk about it....they ain't!   Dave

I had a reloading accident due to static. I don't know that manufacturing an explosive would be smart, let alone being legal!   Dave

Yes Sir, things are fixing to get real bad!   Dave

Personally, I'd go with a larger flint. Each person has their own likes and dislikes, however, the larger flint (as in mine) is actually touching the "jaw screw" within the jaws and can't move when fired. Also a larger flint strikes higher up on the frizzen than a shorter flint does, unless it is set well forward. The more contact a flint makes with the frizzen the more sparks it makes. When I deer hunt, I need the best performance I can get. Always keep your flints sharp and your frizzen clean and dry. For safety, a "frizzen stall" is a handy little item to have. All that is, is a little leather cover that goes over the frizzen to keep the flint from sparking should the hammer be bumped or hit. I'll post a picture of one later soe you can see what it looks like. They are very simple to make. Our Longhunter/Mountain Group requires frizzen stalls on all Flintlocks. If you can't find or make one, let me know.   Keep Your powder dry!   Dave

It all looks good. Your flint is making contact at about the right spot. If your flint is moving, she needs tightened up a tad. Don't worry about fracturing the flint. Only tighten the flint until she don't move. Looking at the picture you posted, your flint appears to be a tad too small for my liking. It doesn't look like much of the "jaws" is holding a whole lot of flint. The "flat" spot on the flint should be well seated withing the jaws of the hammer. Me personally, I would go with a larger flint. My flint is actually set in the jaws "upside down" as I get better contact with the smaller flints with the frizzen. Sorry about the blurry picture, just wanted to show you how the jaws grips the "flat" of the flint. You're looking good and off on the right foot. I would try a larger flint. I hope this helps you out. Dave

Duck Feather's are fine. However they look much better on the duck! A 3/4 in flint is fine for your rifle (also known as a Large) Bass Pro had some fine cut flints. Being a "purist" I only use hand knapped flints from Dixie Gunworks. Bass Pro may have some. 2 F is considered "rifle powder", but, I use 3F for the main charge because it ignites mili-seconds ahead of 2F. 4 F is faster in the pan but when I deer hunt, I only carry one horn (3F) and use it for both purposes. When using 3F in the pan you may notice a little longer burn time. So to be direct...I prefer 3F.   Happy Flint Shooting!   Dave

It sounds like you are off to a good start. On a .50 cal I started with 50 grains of 3F Pure Black Powder (don't know nothing about Triple 7). Don't worry about where she hits until you find your "sweat load". A sweat load is when the rifle (long rifles) changes from a "boom" to a "crack" when fired. That's what you want to achieve. My sweat load is 80 grains. It will put a .490 patched ball through a deer faster than you can think about it. There is a product available by TC (I think) called bore butter. That is an amazing patch lube! I use a homemade mixture of 1/3 Bees Wax and 2/3rds Tallow, because I'm a purist! Nice video's by the way! Once you get your barrel seasoned, swabbing between shots becomes a thing of the past! Good luck, and have fun! If I can be of help, let me know!   Dave

It sounds like you had a "blast".Sight in with YOUR rifle period. I use 3F in the barrel and 4F in the pan. However, I have and will use 3F for both, especially for hunting. The old saying "too many cooks spoil the broth", holds true with muzzleloaders as well. You got the fun out of the way now it's time to get down to business. My .50 Flintlock will ring a deer's bell at 100 yards with a .490 ball with a .10 patch and 80 grains of 3f. I hope you too can work up a good load for your rifle. Four elements have to come together here; shooter, powder charge, patch and ball. When those things come together, they are as accurate and deadly as a centerfire. I won't stop hunting with my Flintlocks for no amount of money. If you want to talk to me, let me know and I'll PM you my number. Happy shooting...   Dave

I just waited until the first frost after the suckers vacated the AO for Florida. Got the nest down and it hangs in my man cave. They make really cool decorations. Hanging above the driveway? Good luck! Don't tear up the nest...folks pay good money for them things!   Dave

Nice find. You can't go wrong with a flinter. Been building and shooting them for years, and I wouldn't trade my flintlocks for nothing! Awesome rifle!   Dave

Ramen Noodles, Pica Deggalo, crushed red pepper and salad shrimps....it's the bomb!   Dave

Y'all keep talking about the dude, like he's a Martyr or something!   Dave

I really suppose you guys are right. I've thought about, and came to the conclusion that the only people banning things hurts is us citizens that will follow the dumb law anyways. You're right, the bad guy don't give a darn about the laws...I guess I'll change my SD way of thinking.   A blessed day to all   Dave

Congrats on your new Job! Sounds like all is going well for you now!   Dave

I have custom built several Muzzleloaders (not kits) and one of the things us serious black powder shooters try to achieve is a "seasoned bore" within the barrel similar to a season cast iron skillet, so nothing sticks to the bore. It takes some shooting to achieve this and once you do, life becomes sweet! Consistent shots, less cleaning between shots and no rusting inside the bore. Cleaning then requires "WARM" soapy water and a patch or cotton swab (shotgun/cleaning swab) worked within the bore. Dry with a patch and lightly oil. Hot boiling water and a combination of a bore brush will ruin your seasoned bore. If you don't mind having to swab between every couple shots or a little rust in your bore....Hot boiling soapy water, a bore brush and lots of oil do an awesome job! Just do what works best for you and your gun.   Dave

Prayers coming your way buddy, get well soon!   Dave