Thompson Center Penn Hunter Carbine followed me home, first black powder firearm

[new]

New to the world of black powder, saw this little beggar and couldn't resist it. Looks to have seen very little use. According to the internet it's 1:66 twist and prefers balls Plan to plink with it and possibly hunt, anyone have any experience with this unit or something similar?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Huntsman]

Congrats on your new to you smoke pole.
I had one of these years ago but it wasn’t 1:66 twist. It was 1:48
My load was 80grs 2F Goex or Pyrodex RS for both round ball and Lee REAL bullet.
If you notice unburnt powder (best shooting over snow) back off 5-10grs volume.
I use the same load for prb in my Hawken rifles and Lyman GPR.
Just to warn you, Black powder shooting/hunting can be addictive.
But current prices on black powder or substitutes and percussion caps can be hard to find and/or expensive.
Have fun and be patient.

 

[new]

You're correct, it is indeed 1:48 twist. I marked the rod and with the bore swab on it turned approximately a 1/4 turn when pushed in all the way! My kids and I are definitely excited to make some smoke!

 

[Hotwheels81]

Looks like the carbine version of my TC Newenglander…. TC makes a decent front stuffer, I know several people that own more than one including myself so that says something.

 

[Huntsman]

Good to hear you’re including your kids. You can vary your powder charge for all ages and sizes
That’d be a mean ground blind or deer stand gun with a TC Maxi-Hunter! But so would a prb
If only it had a double set trigger like my Renegade and Hawken. But definitely a keeper!!

 

[cdnrokon]

That will be a fun little rifle to plink with, round ball loads will give light recoil,, conicals will thump .Lots of fun to be had.