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Posted by JL
on 5/29/2009, 8:29 pm, in reply to "Re: New to flintlocks"
205.188.116.141
Hi, Good and the correct size flints are needed. The flint must fit in the hammer jaws tightly, bevel up or down, whichever makes it spark the best. The frizzen must be hard enough to make the lock spark well. As previously said, it may needed hardening if it doesn't spark well.
For priming 4f black powder works well. You can use 3 or even 2f in a pinch. Remember, 4f is for priming only. A can of that will last for years.
For the main loads use either 3 or 2f black powder only. Flint guns just like black powder. Keep the charges light, depending on your caliber, and build up to what seems to be an accurate and comfortable load to shoot.
When using the patched round ball lube the patch lightly with something like bore butter. This will allow you to shoot several shots with less fouling buildup. Black powder fouls barrels. Use a vent pick (a bent paper clip can work well) to poke the vent between shots. Use a rag to wipe the flint, frizzen and pan after each shot.
Before firing run a dry patch down the barrel to clean any previous preservative that may be there. "Foof" out the barrel by dropping about five to ten grains of black powder down the tube, prime with 4f and fire in a safe direction. This will completely dry out the barrel and insure when you put a load down there it will ignite properly the first time. Load, wipe the frizzen, flint and pan, poke the vent, prime and you are ready to get on target.
Always load with the flint hammer fully down and the frizzen open.
JL
--Previous Message--
:
: I am new to rock locks too. Here is what I
: have learned so far:
:
: 1. Pyrodex doesn't work. Even if you grind
: it to a fine powder. You gotta use real
: black powder. 4f for the priming pan. 2f
: for the main charge.
: 2. Make sure you get good sparks from the
: flint and frizzen. If you don't try a new
: flint. If that doesn't work you may have to
: have the frizzen re-faced.
: 3. Thin lead makes a better flint holder
: than leather. Pound a ball flat to make
: one.
: 4. Ask someone that knows more than me
: because we are now even.
:
: --Previous Message--
: I just purchased a reproduction of a
: mid-18th
: century English flintlock pistol. It has a
: 10 1/2 inch smooth-bore barrel for .54
: caliber shot. I've never owned a flintlock
: before so I've got some questions.
:
: 1. What grade powder should be used for the
: primer?
: 2. Should I use a different grade for the
: barrel? If so, what grade?
: 3. How many shots can I get out of this
: pistol before it's time to clean it or until
: it becomes too inaccurate?
:
:
:
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