Black Powder

[kunk]

I just got a .50 cal Hawkin and a .45 cal pistol as a birthday present from my wife. Always wanted both, but have no experience with either one. Can anyone tell me where to start? They are used but in great shape and came at a bargain price, so I have no instructions. I did not get any powder, patches or balls. Where do I go? I would be satisfied to learn to load and shoot this year, and not necessarily hunt. Also, where in the northeast metro is there a range that will let me shoot these. I hear some ranges don't allow black powder. Thanks for any help you can give.

Kunk

[ddsbyday]

First off you better be nice to your wife. Any major sporting goods store will have everything you need. If you are in the St.Paul area I would suggest Joes sporting goods off rice street. The staff there knows there stuff. Any of the cabellas, gandermountain,Dick's, Sportsmans warehouse will have a black powder section. Just remember black powder is corrosive. Do not use gun oil on these guns. The first thing you need is bore butter.It is just a crisco hybrid. Black powder is fun but messy. I can give you a bunch of tips after you pick up your supplies at the sporting good store. Shoot me an E-mail after the guys set U up with the basics to shoot. [email protected]

[kunk]

Thanks a lot. I work about 2 miles from Joe's and could run down there some day on my lunch break. I'll get back to you when I get my stuff. Any suggestions on where I can go to shoot?

Kunk

[yellowsubmarine]

You can shoot them at Oakdale Gun Club. It is just east of the Lake Elmo Park Preserve and is open to the public every day now untill the 20th of November from 8:00 unitll 4:30.

[ddsbyday]

Kunk ,after you get your stuff and before you go to oakdale gun club check out the post on muzzleloaders a couple below yours in this section. You need to know how to clean them before you pull the trigger the first time. Just firing a percussion cap will make a huge mess in the barrel.