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Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy #7578850 08/13/19 11:48 AM
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TexasTURhunter Offline OP
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I drew a unit 33 muzzleloader deer tag in Arizona.

This is my first time with a front loader and im using a 50 cal 300gr parker ballistic extreme and Blackburn 209 powder

What is the recommended cleaning frequency? Do I need to clean every shot?

Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7578981 08/13/19 02:26 PM
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Yes...you should clean the bore after every shot...this ensures easy reloads...and keeps the accuracy on track for the next shot.

Try practicing the cleaning/reload drill at the range...it really helps when it comes time to seal the deal on a trophy deer!

Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7578983 08/13/19 02:28 PM
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Yes every time.


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Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7578997 08/13/19 02:49 PM
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Usually I can shoot about 5 times before accuracy falls off or have trouble loading rounds.


Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7579020 08/13/19 03:19 PM
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I say go shoot it and find out.

I have never shot the modern 209 ignition style rifles, but my 54 cal hawkin replica groups, loads, and shoots fine without cleaning between shots. Ive shot it 20+ times without cleaning using Pyrodex RS loose powder and lubed cast bullets/patched round balls/or saboted pistol bullets. I do thoroughly clean it every time it is fired before putting it away.


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Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7579104 08/13/19 05:07 PM
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I'd love to spend all morning at the range to quantify the accuracy difference between cleaning every shot and cleaning every 5th shot... but this thing kicks like a mule with those big charges! I'm not sure my shoulder would appreciate that experiment.

Thanks for the responses

Last edited by TexasTURhunter; 08/13/19 05:08 PM.
Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7579238 08/13/19 08:33 PM
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I also have experience limited to older front loaders with black powder and did not experience accuracy problems to any degree when shooting 5 to 7 shots. However I did miss a couple deer at over 300 yards and I thought it was my partridge sight now based on the earlier comments it may have needed cleaning. Test out your gun. I'm sure you can take multiple shots and still have reasonable accuracy.

Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7579262 08/13/19 08:58 PM
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I can shoot my Thompson Center 20 times without any accuracy issues at 100 yards. I use the redbox pellets (2 of them),so 120 grain equivalent. I can't take the 150 or more grain charges. Not bad on the lead sled, but out in the field without the sled, I can't take it. I have a bad shoulder, so it might not be as bad for others.

Have not tried it at any further distance because I limit my muzzle loader shots to 100 yards.

I would definitely practice the yardage I was going to shoot at before taking anyone's word.

Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7579284 08/13/19 09:33 PM
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[Linked Image]


This might be the first S&B ever mounted on a muzzle loader so I fully intend on testing it to 600yds at the range. Even with that giant glass on top it STILL kicks like a mule. It's far worse than my 300rum.

Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7579299 08/13/19 10:00 PM
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I would say that you should drop to the 250 grain bullets. I like the Hornady XTPs in a sabot and drop the powder charge to 100-120 grains. That is more than enough on deer to 200 yards (as verified by me on multiple whitetails with my TC Encore). That should help with the recoil a bit.

With Blackhorn, I go 5 shots between swabs, not full cleaning, just running a patch with bore butter down it, followed by a clean one.


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Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: HandgunHTR] #7579345 08/13/19 10:55 PM
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Thanks for the advice! I'll get some 250's to try

Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7579351 08/13/19 11:12 PM
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Check to see if there is a minimum grain ML bullet to be used in that state. IIRC some states do have a minimum weight bullet. I shoot a T/C Triumph and it will shoot about the same shot after shot without cleaning, but reloading gets a bit tougher and tougher. I was shooting 3-50 grain American Pioneer Powder Sticks.


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Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7579468 08/14/19 01:00 AM
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I am old school. only a cap and ball set up, but I only start to loose accuracy after about 7 shots. Not always, but I just developed the habit of 6 shots and clean it.


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Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7579629 08/14/19 11:05 AM
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Two points for repeatable accuracy:

1. Figure out what works for YOUR gun. They're each different.

2. Do the same thing EVERY time.


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Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7580096 08/14/19 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by TexasTURhunter
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This might be the first S&B ever mounted on a muzzle loader so I fully intend on testing it to 600yds at the range. Even with that giant glass on top it STILL kicks like a mule. It's far worse than my 300rum.


Lol if your going to be shooting 600 yards you can toss anything I have to say on it. I shoot mini balls doubt they would make it 600 yards... but the recoil is not even in the same department as a 300 RUM. Your RUM have a brake on it?


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Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: redchevy] #7580209 08/14/19 11:00 PM
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I do have a large brake on the RUM and that gun is heavier than the muzzleloader by about 1#

I'd rather put 20 rounds down the RUM than 10 rounds down this silly thing.

Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7580262 08/15/19 12:32 AM
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How much Blackhorn 209 powder are you using?
I’ve never experienced anything even close to that type of recoil in over 40years of hunting with a BP rifle.
For deer I’ve used 90 gr. 2F with a 370 grain maxi ball in my T/C Hawken, both side and flintlocks.100grain,2 pellets of Pyrodex, with 240gr.HorndayXTP in two different Traditions flintlocks.
For Elk, using a T/C Impact, which is fairly light compared to the Hawkins, I use 100 grain of Blackhorn 209, with a 320 grain maxi hunter, and would equate the recoil to a 20 ga. Side by side with #6 hi brass bird shot.


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Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7580281 08/15/19 12:43 AM
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Cleaning between rounds depends entirely on the rifle and load.
In general my Hawken and Renegade muzzleloader, I dry swab once between shots for easier loading. After several shots they generally need a better cleaning.
The Traditions with Pyrodex pellets and 240gr. XTP w/ sabot generally 2-3 rounds between dry swabs.
The T/C Impact with Blackhorn 209, is much cleaner but it largely depends on the bullet. I tried 300 gr. Thor’s that required a swab between each shot,while the 320 gr. T/C maxi hunter I could shoot 5 shots before needing to dry swab.


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Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7580405 08/15/19 03:16 AM
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Black Horn 209 shoots much cleaner than Pyrodex are 777

Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7580523 08/15/19 12:18 PM
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Originally Posted by TexasTURhunter
I do have a large brake on the RUM and that gun is heavier than the muzzleloader by about 1#

I'd rather put 20 rounds down the RUM than 10 rounds down this silly thing.

You should shoot the RUM without the break and I bet your recoil rankings are rearranged. Good luck and have fun, I always loved shooting my smoke pole.


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Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: JimBridger] #7580672 08/15/19 03:10 PM
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I'm dropping 84.0 grains by weight of blackhorn209. I believe that's equivalent to 120gr by volume

Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7580937 08/15/19 08:57 PM
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My 100 grains of Blackhorn 209 is by volume also.


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Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: TexasTURhunter] #7580963 08/15/19 09:22 PM
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I clean every shot.

Checked my zero right before Deer Season last year.

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Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: flintknapper] #7581024 08/15/19 10:19 PM
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Bullshitt. Most of these guys don't know what they are talking about, and are referencing back to old black powder or Pyrodex loads. The Blackhorn 209 with 209 primers shoots much cleaner and hotter than original loads, The Parkers are great bullets and your 120/84 gr load is smoking fast. Compared to a 250 grain XTP, its like racing a Porsche against a VW. I would sight it in at the range, see what it likes, and plan on swabbing it out every 10-20 shots. I can get 20 shots out of my CVA Accura with no problems. Each rifle is different, but try yours and learn what is normal.

Re: Muzzleloader cleaning & accuracy [Re: Blank] #7581078 08/15/19 11:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Blank
Bullshitt. Most of these guys don't know what they are talking about, and are referencing back to old black powder or Pyrodex loads. The Blackhorn 209 with 209 primers shoots much cleaner and hotter than original loads, The Parkers are great bullets and your 120/84 gr load is smoking fast. Compared to a 250 grain XTP, its like racing a Porsche against a VW. I would sight it in at the range, see what it likes, and plan on swabbing it out every 10-20 shots. I can get 20 shots out of my CVA Accura with no problems. Each rifle is different, but try yours and learn what is normal.


You are right, I have no idea what I am talking about. I have only been muzzleloader hunting for 20 years and killed over 50 deer with a ML. I also like your Porche vs. VW analogy. You are absolutely right. Using the 300 grain Parkers (and their cost) is like using a Porche to go to the grocery store, when a VW will do just as well for a lot less money.


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