While shooting last Friday at the almost empty Rondy I attended, I had an epiphany out there under the big blue skies.While packing up my gear and a backup outfit (in case of catastrophic flintlock failure) I fell victim to my habit of not always thinking things though. My buddy that walked with me noted that it took a lot of work to load up my rifle. Well yes it does when your ball pouch is capped inside your possible bag and your patches are in a small cap tin, also deep inside your bag. And when they are sharing space at the bottom of the bag with your powder measure and powder container, that is a lot of reaching and fumbling around. I should know better and I do know better, but I have never been the sharpest chisel in the pouch, if you know what I mean. I have always poo poo-ed those cute little boards with a bunch of patched balls in them, dismissing them as, well, cheating, I guess.
Well if that be cheating, take away my white hat and call me a miscreant because today I made up these:
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Ardessa/DSCN0196_zpsj3kqiayx.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Ardessa/DSCN0196_zpsj3kqiayx.jpg.html)
So with a powder horn under my arm, a measure hanging around my neck, and the board in my bag, I can load a shot in about 15-20 seconds. and not drop lead balls and patches all around my feet.
Next time I am shooting with a group, hopefully I will not hold up the line and no one will yell at me for littering.
Now if I could just remember to make sure my barrel is free of oil before I go shooting and thereby keep it from fouling so quickly, I might start looking like I know what I am doing.
hope you used a good lube that won't dry out, before you get load the patched ball in the barrel
(susp) apparently you were`nt kidding when you said "boards " ! pnic I`ve made a few of these , but never with quite the enthusiasm I see here ! mine are rather delicate little things by comaparison ROFL they do come in handy !
Quote from: pilgrim on April 18, 2016
hope you used a good lube that won't dry out, before you get load the patched ball in the barrel
I only set the PRB's to test the fit and for production value in the pictures.
Quote from: beowulf on April 18, 2016
(susp) apparently you were`nt kidding when you said "boards " ! pnic I`ve made a few of these , but never with quite the enthusiasm I see here ! mine are rather delicate little things by comaparison ROFL they do come in handy !
There is not much "delicate" around me, not with my track record of breaking things. ROFL These were just from messing around and before I go out and shoot again I will make some smaller ones more like what you have. That is unless I want to start pulling a wagon behind me to carry everything I will wind up "needing".
I use a simple combo type for hunting. It's a piece of antler with a patched ball and the end drilled out for 70 gr. of 3F.
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll33/docjawbraker/Muzzleload/QuickLoader1web_zps9f90758c.jpg) (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/docjawbraker/media/Muzzleload/QuickLoader1web_zps9f90758c.jpg.html)
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll33/docjawbraker/Muzzleload/QuickLoader2web_zpsabdffe3b.jpg) (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/docjawbraker/media/Muzzleload/QuickLoader2web_zpsabdffe3b.jpg.html)
I made some of the others too, made of scrap lumber.
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll33/docjawbraker/Muzzleload/BallBlock2_zps8d2dbb5a.jpg) (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/docjawbraker/media/Muzzleload/BallBlock2_zps8d2dbb5a.jpg.html)
Quote from: Patocazador on April 18, 2016
I use a simple combo type for hunting. It's a piece of antler with a patched ball and the end drilled out for 70 gr. of 3F.
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll33/docjawbraker/Muzzleload/QuickLoader1web_zps9f90758c.jpg) (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/docjawbraker/media/Muzzleload/QuickLoader1web_zps9f90758c.jpg.html)
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll33/docjawbraker/Muzzleload/QuickLoader2web_zpsabdffe3b.jpg) (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/docjawbraker/media/Muzzleload/QuickLoader2web_zpsabdffe3b.jpg.html)
I made some of the others too, made of scrap lumber.
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll33/docjawbraker/Muzzleload/BallBlock2_zps8d2dbb5a.jpg) (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/docjawbraker/media/Muzzleload/BallBlock2_zps8d2dbb5a.jpg.html)
Now I really like that idea. One less thing to grab onto when loading. well done sir!
Quote from: Patocazador on April 18, 2016
I use a simple combo type for hunting. It's a piece of antler with a patched ball and the end drilled out for 70 gr. of 3F.
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll33/docjawbraker/Muzzleload/QuickLoader1web_zps9f90758c.jpg) (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/docjawbraker/media/Muzzleload/QuickLoader1web_zps9f90758c.jpg.html)
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll33/docjawbraker/Muzzleload/QuickLoader2web_zpsabdffe3b.jpg) (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/docjawbraker/media/Muzzleload/QuickLoader2web_zpsabdffe3b.jpg.html)
I made some of the others too, made of scrap lumber.
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll33/docjawbraker/Muzzleload/BallBlock2_zps8d2dbb5a.jpg) (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/docjawbraker/media/Muzzleload/BallBlock2_zps8d2dbb5a.jpg.html)
Unless you put a recessed area in both sides of the wooden one you have it loaded wrong, the recess that I see on the top side of this one is supposed to center the ball on the muzzle to speed things up.
I made mine with smooth sides and set the ball out just a little for that purpose. Otherwise, nice looking piece!
Quote from: hotfxr on April 17, 2016
While shooting last Friday at the almost empty Rondy I attended, I had an epiphany out there under the big blue skies.While packing up my gear and a backup outfit (in case of catastrophic flintlock failure) I fell victim to my habit of not always thinking things though. My buddy that walked with me noted that it took a lot of work to load up my rifle. Well yes it does when your ball pouch is capped inside your possible bag and your patches are in a small cap tin, also deep inside your bag. And when they are sharing space at the bottom of the bag with your powder measure and powder container, that is a lot of reaching and fumbling around. I should know better and I do know better, but I have never been the sharpest chisel in the pouch, if you know what I mean. I have always poo poo-ed those cute little boards with a bunch of patched balls in them, dismissing them as, well, cheating, I guess.
Well if that be cheating, take away my white hat and call me a miscreant because today I made up these:
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Ardessa/DSCN0196_zpsj3kqiayx.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Ardessa/DSCN0196_zpsj3kqiayx.jpg.html)
So with a powder horn under my arm, a measure hanging around my neck, and the board in my bag, I can load a shot in about 15-20 seconds. and not drop lead balls and patches all around my feet.
Next time I am shooting with a group, hopefully I will not hold up the line and no one will yell at me for littering.
Now if I could just remember to make sure my barrel is free of oil before I go shooting and thereby keep it from fouling so quickly, I might start looking like I know what I am doing.
Hotfxr:
I think you will find the big boards to be a little awkward to use but try them out and see. Most loading blocks are made with 3 to 10 holes for that reason but you can always carry more than one if you plan to do a lot of shooting on a trail walk .
"Unless you put a recessed area in both sides of the wooden one you have it loaded wrong, the recess that I see on the top side of this one is supposed to center the ball on the muzzle to speed things up."
I use the recess to center the ball in the patch before pressing down. It saves aggravation on my part. The lubed patch goes in the recess and the ball is centered every time.
However, You just made a good point. I think I'll countersink a place on the other side to accept the barrel. Thanks for the idea.
I had made a couple of smaller boards for the .50's a while back and did cut in a relief to fit over the barrel. However, it only works on a half stock, the long rifles having a nose piece that interferes with the centering. I made these thinner and the balls protrude a bit out the bottom and so far all I have to do is let the ball find the bore and it has tapped in perfectly the dozen or so times I tried it out here.
However, these DON'T work with a spit patch!
Hey HF, that aint ole Red Skeleton there holding up those boards is it?
Quote from: Patocazador on April 18, 2016
"Unless you put a recessed area in both sides of the wooden one you have it loaded wrong, the recess that I see on the top side of this one is supposed to center the ball on the muzzle to speed things up."
I use the recess to center the ball in the patch before pressing down. It saves aggravation on my part. The lubed patch goes in the recess and the ball is centered every time.
However, You just made a good point. I think I'll countersink a place on the other side to accept the barrel. Thanks for the idea.
Nice point about centering the ball and patch on the board, but I usually use strips and muzzle cut, or I use precut squares and when I use a board I trim the corners and then finish seating the ball so it sticks out just a little.
Dogshirt, you can spit on it just before you load, but prelubed with your favorite greasy lube will be faster.
Quote from: flintboomer on April 19, 2016
Quote from: Patocazador on April 18, 2016
"Unless you put a recessed area in both sides of the wooden one you have it loaded wrong, the recess that I see on the top side of this one is supposed to center the ball on the muzzle to speed things up."
I use the recess to center the ball in the patch before pressing down. It saves aggravation on my part. The lubed patch goes in the recess and the ball is centered every time.
However, You just made a good point. I think I'll countersink a place on the other side to accept the barrel. Thanks for the idea.
Nice point about centering the ball and patch on the board, but I usually use strips and muzzle cut, or I use precut squares and when I use a board I trim the corners and then finish seating the ball so it sticks out just a little.
Dogshirt, you can spit on it just before you load, but prelubed with your favorite greasy lube will be faster.
For some unknown reason, I just get the feeling that if Dogshirt was ever to fire a Flintlock again, he would most definitely use a spit patch.
Quote from: hotfxr on April 19, 2016
Quote from: flintboomer on April 19, 2016
Quote from: Patocazador on April 18, 2016
"Unless you put a recessed area in both sides of the wooden one you have it loaded wrong, the recess that I see on the top side of this one is supposed to center the ball on the muzzle to speed things up."
I use the recess to center the ball in the patch before pressing down. It saves aggravation on my part. The lubed patch goes in the recess and the ball is centered every time.
However, You just made a good point. I think I'll countersink a place on the other side to accept the barrel. Thanks for the idea.
Nice point about centering the ball and patch on the board, but I usually use strips and muzzle cut, or I use precut squares and when I use a board I trim the corners and then finish seating the ball so it sticks out just a little.
Dogshirt, you can spit on it just before you load, but prelubed with your favorite greasy lube will be faster.
For some unknown reason, I just get the feeling that if Dogshirt was ever to fire a Flintlock again, he would most definitely use a spit patch.
I don't use anything BUT spit. I use a touch of olive oil during hunting season, but that's only 3-4 loads a year. The other 500-750 a year are all spit. I find all lubes foul the barrel and require wiping after 5 or 6 shots. My longest string to date with spit is 57 shots with no wiping.
Spit vs other lubes depends on your gun and load, but with light loads and spit I can shoot all day, but I have never counted the shots. I seem to be able to shoot all day with hand lotion lube too, its wet and just a little greasy.
Newly inspired, in between jobs today I whipped out a prototype "hunting" board.Small enough for one hand but a multi purpose tool. There is definitely some refining to do, but I feel it is off to a good start. I figure to drill a smaller hole in the butt end to hang it from either my Batman utility belt or around the neck.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/2016%20Rendezvous/DSCN0203_zpseljuokgp.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/2016%20Rendezvous/DSCN0203_zpseljuokgp.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/2016%20Rendezvous/DSCN0201_zps0z2vv9bo.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/2016%20Rendezvous/DSCN0201_zps0z2vv9bo.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/2016%20Rendezvous/DSCN0197_zpsdz7gcqpj.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/2016%20Rendezvous/DSCN0197_zpsdz7gcqpj.jpg.html)
The measure is sized for 50 grains and I will still have the balls pooching out on the down side for fast bore acquisition. With horn and bag on the right, powder is poured into measure. While it is pouring, horn is dropped and short starter is grabbed, etc, etc, so on and so forth. You get the picture. Of course I am blatantly plagiarizing Patocazador and his nifty starter board, but since he doesn't know where I live and I am giving him props for the ides, I am not too worried, yet.
great pictures and ideas - I may have to start playing with boards again...
"Of course I am blatantly plagiarizing Patocazador and his nifty starter board, but since he doesn't know where I live and I am giving him props for the ides, I am not too worried, yet."
I'm kinda slow so I wouldn't have caught on to the confessed phlegm-arizin' or whatever you said. ???
I think I got it. Messed around a bit and modified a powder horn by adding a measured tip that doesn't need a stopper pushed back in. Although since I don't have any patience whatsoever, I had to make a 50 grain tip for it, instead of waiting for a couple of days to have one delivered. After all, I am not going out shooting for a couple of weeks and I want to be ready.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/2016%20Rendezvous/DSCN0205_zpsjclbteqb.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/2016%20Rendezvous/DSCN0205_zpsjclbteqb.jpg.html)
So now with the tools outside of the bag it is pour from horn to measure on the block, while pouring powder in, dropping horn and grabbing short starter. With the same hand that poured, flip over the block and set on muzzle, smack it in with the short starter and drop the block while setting the starter back in it's loop, grab the rod and set the ball down where it is supposed to go. Been practicing and it is leagues better than the way I did it before. I can have a ball loaded in less than 15 seconds without compromising safety or feeling rushed.
Now if I could just figure out how to make that ball hit the center of the circle I would have something.
thmbsup OK, good deal.
I did that to my horn a couple of years ago but with a 70 gr. tube for shotgun hunting.
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll33/docjawbraker/Muzzleload/Bag-Horn2aWEB_zps0d77dc54.jpg) (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/docjawbraker/media/Muzzleload/Bag-Horn2aWEB_zps0d77dc54.jpg.html)
Trouble is, I never saw a shotgun to kill.
double post
PSSSST....Don't look now, but neither of you guys have any pictures showing. slap
Quote from: Dogshirt on April 25, 2016
PSSSST....Don't look now, but neither of you guys have any pictures showing. slap
Methinks that PhotoBucket is having problems. When I went to check on it none of my pictures show up. Ain't technology grand?
They could probably fix that with the judicious application of a framing hammer! ;D
Quote from: Dogshirt on April 25, 2016
PSSSST....Don't look now, but neither of you guys have any pictures showing. slap
I can see the pictures, might be you system or else this time of day has less demand
at least half the photos are gone , mostly those of the "loading planks " :mini-devil-28492:
All except 2 are back now. If you move a photo on Photobucket, it won't show up. You need a new link.