Muzzleloader ?

[dblmainbeam]

I just traded for a like new knight disc extreme .50 rifle. The problem is I have never used a black powder. I know some of the basics. Like powder and sabots but I have a couple of questions.

How often do you have to clean it? After ever shot or every few

Do you have to let the barrel cool down between shots?

How far out are these guns accurate?

Any do's and don't would be nice.

If I think of anything else I will post. Thanks

 

[JNRBRONC]

You will need to clean it thoroughly every day after shooting it. You shouldn't have to clean it after every shot unless you are done for the day. A clean barrel sometimes hits the target in a different spot than the second shot. Some people shoot until it becomes difficult to seat the bullet then run a patch down the barrel. Others run a spit patch between every shot. This can depend on what powder you are shooting. Barrel temperature can change point of impact by "softening" the sabot.
If you practice with a clean barrel, in most hunting situations (especially with a mz) your first shot is all that matters anyway. Shoot it and see if accuracy is affected as consecutive shots are fired.

 

[youngmoose]

Dido on above.

 

[Pup]

Myself, I like to clean my rifle after every shot. Keep in mind my rifle is an older model CVA, not nearly as well built as some of these newer rifles, but with a clean barrel the first shot is consistent, and that's what we're all after.
While you're sighting it in is the time to experiment and work up a load that works best for your rifle. You can also learn how much difference there is in the point of impact between your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shots without cleaning the barrel. Learn what it's capable of and you'll always be confident in it's performance. Maybe a little expensive, but shooting time at the range is always a good time.
This is just what works for me, I like to shoot, and work up different loads. When you have confidence in your rifle those "tough" shots get alot easier. Do what works for you, and have fun.

 

[moosehunter]

Start out with the Barnes expander bullet and 100 gns of powder. That load works well with both of my Knights. Keep in mind you may have to adjust your powder or go to a different bullet. ML's can be finicky. Run a cleaning patch between each shot as noted above and clean it with hot soapy water after the day is done. If you plan on using it during the late season leave it out in the cold when it's loaded. Bringing it into the warm will cause condensation in the barrel and soak the powder.

Have fun with it...........Moose

 

[dblmainbeam]

Thanks for the help. Do you use the warm soapy water in the barrel or the out side too? Do you need to oil it up after that or wont it bother? Sorry for asking so many questions. This is a whole new ball game for me. I am planning on late season and I would have never thought of that great tip.
The guy told me he sighted it in using 3 50 grain Hodgdon triple seven pelets and 223 gr. Powerbelt bullets are these a good? He also gave me the spesial tip for setting that certain bullet.
Heres a picture of my new toy. I wanted to go out and shoot it today but it rain pretty good most of the day.

 

[JNRBRONC]

Warm soapy water is what some people use. I've heard of some who are partial to Windex. I have never tried it. At least it would dry quickly. You will need to oil it after cleaning it. Also, it is important to fire a primer off before loading it to remove oil. It wouldn't hurt to run a dry patch down the barrel before snapping the primer.
I'm not sure if three pellets in necessary. Two should be adequate, but it seems everybody is trying to push the envelope. If you are going to try to take 200 yard shots, three pellets might be needed. Two pellets would be much more comfortable for you to shoot while you are getting accustomed to your new gun.

I have heard mixed reviews on the powerbelts. If they fit kind of tight in the barrel, you might be okay. The 223 grain sounds like it was built for speed. Most people shoot 250 or 300 grain bullets. It is a .50 caliber, right?

You might want to read and search some topics (powerbelts, powders, etc.) here: HuntAmerica