Muzzleloader Cleaning ,loading and firing

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cityhunter1

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GTA ON
I just bought Traditions XLT II Muzzleloader, but never used a Muzzleloader before.
Advice as what to but to clean and maintain the ML and what shall be used to fire in the Gun.
Is American Pioneer Powder really good as compared to others as it is sold at higher price and said to have less smoke and residue, comment if you used the powders.
How important is Butter for the Barrel and does it help to keep the loading smooth and barrel clean after shots.
Do we require extension to rod to load the bullets or the attached rod which comes with the ML is good.
How often shall we clean between the shots if using sabots with plastic jackets and have used butter inside the barrel to make it smooth.
How much maximum paradox /American pioneer shall I use to fire the Sabots,is it safe to fire upto 150
Can I shoot to 200 yards or just 100 yards is good and accurate.

Lot of Questions , but I am sure that this forum can give the best advice from serious shooters / hunters.
 
Well, where to start? I use black powder in my traditional muzzle loader and Pyrodex pellets in my in line rifle. I never use 150 grains as I find that 100 grains (two pellets) is more than sufficient. Sight your rifle in for 100 yards and don't take shots beyond that range unless you have done much shooting at that range and are absolutely satisfied that you are competant to shoot that distance. Cleaning.....at the range you should shoot without cleaning between shots so as to simulate hunting. The most shots you should ever need while hunting is one....possibly two if you have done your job well. When I clean at home after a trip to the range I always use boiling water with dish detergent added first. I put the muzzle of the rifle into a bowl and onto a rolled up paper towel to seal it. I pour the boiling solution into the breech end until full, let stand a few seconds and the lift the muzzle to allow it to run out. I repeat this once more then swab with clean patches and then follow up with a lubricant/protectant. Follow instructions which came with your rifle for cleaning the breech plug and reassembly. "Bore Butter" is one of many products to protect and lubricate your bore. Your first shot from a lubed bore will not shoot where your other shots from a dry fouled bore will shoot. I don't lube the bore between shots and sabots don't need lube. Your rod that comes with the rifle should do the loading and cleaning without any adjustments. I have never used "American Pioneer Powder" so can't comment. I did learn the hard way that while loading your sabots you do so very deliberately and never use any more force than is necessary to put the sabot onto the powder. Too much force will deform the sabot/bullet and shots will not be consistant.
Good luck. Your best solution is to have an accomplished muzzle loader person accompany you on your first trip to fire the rifle. There are many tricks which are easier learned from a veteran then by making errors yourself. Join a club and ask for help.
Good luck, Dave
 
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