Hello everyone,
I'm new here and I recently purchased a .50 Cal Pedersoli Hawken Hunter 1:24 twist (my first BP rifle, just had BP revolvers before w/RB) and although it's a solid rifle, there are things that I'm not a fan of - no tang, mediocre sights - ghost ring, chambered breech (just found out about this, had some misfires due to fouling), etc.. I'm currently using 460g Bullshop conicals (previously No Excuses) and an over the powder .54 cal wad. Decent accuracy, with the sights being my largest limitation - just ordered a Williams FP 1340 and 17A front globe for longer distances.
I've spent a lot of time reading stuff on this site, it's been a wealth of knowledge and I've found better ideas for sidelock muzzloaders on this site than I have on other sites...ironically. Obviously I have numerous questions (being a newbie and all), so bear with me. For starters, what do ya'll think is better, Pedersoli or Rice barrels? I've got my long range sight options covered, but I've gotten mixed suggestions and reviews for twilight hunting sights, any recommendations? (had a buck at twilight - couldn't see my sights) I am more concerned with functionality over being traditional, not trying to ruffle feathers, just being practical. I will be using this for hunting and long distance target - needed .50 cal for elk restrictions. Also, by cleaning in between shots I have had misfires that I think are caused by fouling in the chambered breech area, initially by not cleaning it (didn't know about it) and maybe by swabbing in between shots and pushing fouling into the antechamber - if that's the right term. Any thoughts? What do you put on the patch when swabbing between shots? What do you use to clean out that area?
I ask about the barrels because I may keep this for a short range hunting setup and then get a longer barrel for Elk hunting, etc. - such as a 32" Rice barrel or Pedersoli Missouri River Hawken.