SO YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT BLACK POWDER SHOOTING
WHY COMPETE WITH MUZZLELOADERS?
Whether at the major shoots or at local club gatherings, competitive shooters of muzzle-loading arms enjoy the exhibition of skills admired for centuries; indeed, muzzle-loading dates from the 1500s. The pungent aroma of blackpowder smoke, the necessity of making one shot do the job, and the link to history are only part of the reasons for the growing popularity of shooting muzzle-loading arms.
This attraction to blackpowder shooting varies. Some enjoy the increased challenge of shooting firearms with slow (by modern standards) ignition times. Still others enjoy the "primitive" reenacting of competitions in clothing and accoutrements appropriate to the original fur trade rendezvous period. Many enthusiasts look to the muzzle-loading arm as a way to extend their hunting opportunities, since most states offer early or special primitive firearms seasons. Even the slow-paced, almost gratifying simplicity of blackpowder shooting draws shooters, as does the individuality inherent to the sport.
MUZZLE-LOADING COMPETITION FACT SHEET
Recreational target shooting with muzzle-loading firearms encompasses a wide variety of guns, targets, and situations. Both flint and percussion locks are used, and matches usually include contests in which the participant may fire in rifle, musket, pistol, or shotgun competitions.
While shooting matches range from highly regimented to highly informal, the two main types are:
RENDEZVOUS
These are gatherings of shooters and bystanders usually characterized by clothing and accessories common to the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The targets are basically the same as those used during that era.
Shooting events at rendezvous may range from formal matches at set distances and standard 10-ring bullseye targets, to gong shoots or games such as splitting the ball on the axe blade. Regardless of the competitions, rendezvous strive to recreate the historical and aesthetic qualities of muzzleloader shooting. Rendezvous are credited, to a large extent, for keeping the blackpowder tradition alive and growing.
LOCAL OR NATIONAL SHOOTS
Standardized courses of fire that emphasize shooting skills rather than historical accuracy in dress and equipment are held all over the United States today. The most prominent competitions, the National Shoots of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA), bring together world-class muzzle-loading shooters to compete on the highest levels. Since the beginning of the NMLRA national matches in 1933, where less than 100 shooters participated, the contests have grown and now encompass over 500 different matches involving close to 2,000 competitors.
Unlike today's modern shotgun, rifle and pistol matches that generally offer strict outlines concerning calibers, gauges and loads, muzzle-loading matches stress individuality. Powder weights vary from shooter to shooter and from match to match. Rifle shooters use patch materials ranging from pillow ticking to precut linen, and lubricants may be anything from a space-age synthetic to saliva. Shot-gunners may stick with a basic volume of powder to the same volume of shot, or they may tailor-weigh charges to produce a definite and desired shot pattern at a given yardage. These are national-level competitions; those who know the specific quirks of their firearms score well.
EQUIPMENT
Competitors who shoot muzzleloaders, like all shooters, have certain components they need to enjoy themselves. The basic needs of blackpowder enthusiasts are propellant, projectile, and accessories specific to the type of competition in which they are involved. As stated previously, you don't need the "best of everything" to participate in competition. There are many good values in used equipment. If others know you are "in the market" you may hear of many good deals. Although the question of, which is best, is asked often, there is no answer. As you will find, each has his or her favorite brand. You may like one make and someone else a different one. However, both are usually satisfied with what they have.
A reliable gun dealer is most helpful in the selection of a proper firearm, Remember, a used firearm for a beginner is not a bad idea if the dealer can certify the condition of the firearm. This is especially true if the firearm is an original.
Eye and ear protection is strongly recommended and should be the first accessories you purchase. If you normally wear glasses, they should have hardened lenses for the best eye protection. If not, you should acquire shooting glasses designed for that purpose. Ear plugs or muffs are necessary and many shooters wear both.
PROPELLANT
Muzzle-loading firearms use either blackpowder or blackpowder substitutes as the propellant. You cannot substitute smokeless powder for use in muzzleloaders.
Blackpowder has remained virtually unchanged for more than two centuries and generally is a mixture of 75 parts potassium nitrate, 15 parts charcoal, and 10 parts sulfur. Currently two companies offer blackpowder: Goex, Inc., of Moosic, Pennsylvania, which releases products under the Goex name; and Petro-Explo, Inc., of Arlington, Texas, which offers Elephant Black Powder.
Blackpowder substitutes, however, vary in composition. Pyrodex, the oldest and most well-known blackpowder substitute, is a twentieth-century product of the Hodgdon Powder Company, Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Pyrodex offers blackpowder ballistics without some of the blackpowder problems. The substitute fouls the bore less than blackpowder. However, it functions best when the bore has been properly dressed--or after three to five warm-up shots have been fired.
Recently, several new substitutes have appeared on the market. Black Canyon Powder, made by Legend Products Corp. of Las Vegas, Nevada, doesn't foul nearly as much as blackpowder and makes cleaning the firearm a breeze; however, shooters used to volumetric charging should note that Black Canyon must be loaded by weight, not volume. Arco Powder of Miramar, Florida, has developed a blackpowder substitute that was not in full production at the time of this writing. Called Black Mag, the powder reportedly duplicates the performance of blackpowder while lacking some of its corrosive properties.
Both blackpowder and blackpowder substitutes have their uses. Competitors should remember, however, that blackpowder and blackpowder substitutes are not always listed in the same explosive category for transportation purposes. The shooter who intends to fly to matches across the country may find that some airlines prohibit carrying blackpowder, especially in amounts required for extended contests.
PROJECTILES
While only lead balls, bullets, or shot are used, serious shooters often cast their own projectiles, inspect and weigh them for consistency, and experiment with variables such as powder and priming charges, patch thickness, projectile composition and alloys, and differing brands of percussion caps. They are, in effect, doing the same things that modern reloaders do in search of accuracy--but without cartridges.
Lead balls and bullets can be swaged or cast. Swaged bullets are often used by slug-gun competitors, which is the term used for a very specific type of bench-discipline devotee. Slug guns are the cutting edge in muzzle-loading technology. Most of these firearms sport massive handcrafted barrels with fast (1 in 20" or faster) twists, under-hammer ignitions utilizing primers rather than caps, and huge paper-patched bullets of .45 caliber or so and weighing over 1,000 grains. Targets are shot at 100, 200, and 300 yards, and the 10 ring can be covered with a nickel. Still, most slug-gun competitions are decided, not by points, but by the number of Xs shot.
ACCESSORIES
Accessories vary with the gun. Most primitive shooters get by with a "possible" bag to carry balls or bullets, flints or percussion caps, and a powder measure. Some shot-gunners use a "shot snake," a leather tube with a shoulder strap and brass measure built into one end, while others fill the loading benches with all sorts of necessary hardware. The high-tech, state-of- the-art bench discipline competitors, both those who shoot round balls and the slug (bullet) shooters, utilize special equipment such as ramrods fitted with muzzle guards and ultra- sensitive powder measures.
Regardless of the firearm used, hearing protection is strongly advised and high-quality shooting glasses provide protection against flying debris such as bits of flint or copper shards from detonating caps. Shooting clothes can be anything that is comfortable, but if the reenacting bug bites you there are plenty of suppliers offering to sell blanket coats, capotes, or buckskins for period costumes.
FIREARMS
Open or Unlimited Class matches allow the use of the modern in-line muzzle loading rifles, which resemble contemporary centerfire rifles in form (but not function, since in-lines still load from the muzzle), but most other contests require that rifles be the traditional types like those in use over 100 years ago. The ball, bullet, or shot charge must load from the muzzle must and be ignited by an approved ignition system, usually sidelock or under-hammer utilizing percussion caps, or a flintlock. Handguns range from flint and percussion pistols to percussion revolvers. Any original or reproduction muzzle loading shotgun can be used, and the same is true for smoothbore muskets that adhere to original designs..
CONTACT
For complete rules, regulations and information on both local and national muzzle loading competitions, contact the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, P.O. Box 67, Friendship, IN 47021; phone (812) 667-5131, fax (812) 667-5137.
BLACK POWDER COMPETITION SHOOTING
Black Powder competition is open to all interested individuals. Muzzle Loading Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun competition allows any safe black powder firearm to be fired in competition. In certain tournaments the matches can be used as a vehicle for tryouts and membership on the U. S. International Muzzle Loading Team. Depending on the firearm used, the bulls-eye matches are generally fired at distances of 25, 50 and 100 yards or meters in the standing, sitting or kneeling or prone positions. Muzzle loading trap shotgun competition is fired at 5 and 8 meters.
Black Powder Target Rifle competition allows any safe original, modern production or custom variety black powder rifle to be fired in matches at distances of 100 to 1,000 yards. The courses of fire use the same targets as NRA High Power Rifle competition. Black Powder Target Rifle competition also complements the existing NRA Black Powder Cartridge Rifle silhouette competition shooting program.
Many individuals who become interested in black powder competition find it difficult to get started unless they start off with the proper information. The cost of equipment is generally a stumbling block. Many feel that unless they have the best of everything they cannot compete. This is not true. Most start with a minimum investment in a black powder firearm (new or used), spotting scope with stand, sling, glove, shooting coat, shooting box and most important, eye and ear protection. It is also advisable to have a current copy of the NRA Muzzle Loading Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun Rules or the NRA Black Powder Target Rifles Rules.
HOW TO GET STARTED
If you have an interest in taking up the sport of black powder competition, it is recommended that you find a tournament being conducted near you and contact the listed sponsor and request a program. It is suggested that you attend this tournament as a spectator. This will give you an opportunity to observe what goes on and talk to the sponsor and competitors. Be sure you don't disturb the competitors during the match. The time between relays is a good time to talk to them.
You will see a variety of equipment and accessories being used. Keep in mind that competitors have their own opinions as to what is best. This may sound confusing, but remember, you're there to gather information.
If there is a club in your area, make arrangements to attend one or more shooting sessions. This will serve the same purpose as attending a tournament even though shooting sessions are normally much more informal than a match. Here you will have a better opportunity to talk and ask questions about equipment and techniques. Also, you may have an opportunity to actually shoot one or more types (brands) of rifles that will help you decide which seems best for you.
Muzzle Loading Rifle, Pistol and Shotguns
Generally, any safe muzzle-loading firearm is allowed in Sanctioned Tournaments.
Sights - The sights on muzzle loading firearms should be contemporary to the firearm. This includes aperture sights.
Ammunition - Only sporting grade black powder or Pyrodex® may be used. Special care should always be taken when handling loose black powder or Pyrodex®. Smoking is not allowed, and all powder containers must be covered when powder is not being poured from them. Powder charges should be contained in pre-charged containers. Depending on the firearm used, either lead round balls or bullets can be used.
Black Powder Target Rifle
Rifle - Any safe, original or modern production or custom variety, breech loading rifles that is designed as a single-shot firearm is allowed. Original or modern muzzle loading rifles, with or without sealed ignitions are also allowed. There is also a special category for Black Powder Military rifles that have not been altered from their original configuration.
Rifle Sights - Any metallic sights, with or without clicks, including open, aperture or tube are allowed. No optics other than sight correcting shooting glasses, rear sight adapters and colored, non-magnifying sight filters are permitted. Black Powder Military rifles must have sights basically of original design.
Ammunition - Any cartridge that was originally designed as a black powder rifle cartridge is allowed. These include .40-60, .45-70, .50-70 to name just a few. The ammunition may be fixed, breech seated or loaded from the muzzle. Sporting grade black powder or Pyrodex® may be used and, in breech loaded ammunition only, 20% of the powder charge may be smokeless powder. Any lead or lead alloy bullet may be used. As with muzzle loading firearms, caution should be used when handling loose black powder or Pyrodex®.
Besides your firearm, there are several accessories that every competitor should have to enjoy competitive shooting. Some of the most common and useful ones are:
1. Shooting Box or Kit - Some means is necessary to transport your accessories to and from the range. This can be as elaborate as a leather case or as simple as a large box or cloth bag. The choice will depend on the type and amount of shooting you do.
2. Specialty Pieces of Equipment - Shooting mat, shooting coat, glove, sling, kneeling rolls and other items too varied to mention. The purchase of such equipment depends on personal preference. However, some of these pieces of equipment mentioned above become essential depending on the type of competition.
3. Spotting Scope/Stand - It is the most important piece of equipment after the rifle and rifle sights. The scope allows you to check your target from distance. Spotting scopes are precision optical instruments (often you get what you pay for). Scope stands should be suited for the job you will want them to do.
4. Gun case - Used to protect your rifle as you travel to and from the range. Necessary in some areas to comply with local laws.
Many new competitors often ask where to get various equipment and accessories. First, check with local gun shops, keeping in mind that good used equipment is an excellent value, especially if your local dealer will guarantee them. If you local gun shop does not carry the type of competition equipment you wand, check with the competitors at the tournaments you visit or at your local gun club.
COURSE OF FIRE
Muzzle Loading Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun competition is held over a variety of distances and courses of fire. Rifle and pistol competition can be held at either yards or meters with the properly scaled target, and shotgun competition is held exclusively at metric distances. Match competition can be as quick as a single stage of 5 shots in 30 minutes or longer over the four target rifle aggregates. Shotgun competition lasts for 60 minutes, with the competitor firing 25 birds in a single stage of a tournament.
The competition could involve firing from different positions; prone, sitting or kneeling and standing in caplock rifle, flintlock rifle and rifled musket.
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