out-of-pouch

[RobD]

.40 rifle on the left ~ .54 rifle on the right

bags, horns, ball boards, patch knife handle, and fixed powder measures are all to blame on me.

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[RobD]

more stuff ...

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[Fyrstyk]

Seems like a lot of "dangly" things to get hung up in the brush, or are these setups for target shooting?

[RobD]

Seems like a lot of "dangly" things to get hung up in the brush, or are these setups for target shooting?

correct on both accounts - that's why the thread's title.

[Uncle Russ]

Good looking bags, Rob

For the past eight or ten years I have been a dedicated "out of the pouch" shooter.

When at the range I used to put a lot of stuff on the bench, or near the bench, then work off the bench.
I still take the Range Boxes, but about the only thing that gets laid on the bench any more is sometimes the ramrod....and then there's even times when I notice I put the ramrod on the bench and I will put back on the rifle, where it rightfully belongs.

Folks have always asked me the same question, "ain't that a lot of stuff to be hanging off you in the woods??"
The answer is no, not at all.
Not even in thickest Pacific Northwest woods. In fact, those "thick woods" is a very good reason to have things easily accessible, albeit I don't always carry a hawk when hunting, unless I'm Elk hunting, when a good stout Hawk or Axe is needed to bust that pelvis.

My favorite old hunting bag has "stuff" on the straps too, even a patch knife on the back of the bag, but that "patch knife" gets used for about everything from cutting patches to eating, while that flat horn lays perfectly on the flap of the bag.

After about 40 years of use, I wouldn't have it any other way....but that is just me.

I have other bags, and I've tried different things, as I'm sure all of us have.
But one seems to get that certain feeling when you come across that 'just right' combination. 
As with everything else in life, Your Mileage May Vary considerably depending on your own preference.



Uncle Russ...

 

[Winter Hawk]

Uncle Russ, about the only "dangly" thing I see there which could be done away with is the ball starter.  I use the pommel of my knife to push the ball into the barrel, then it gets seated with the RR.  It sure looks weather worn compared to those beautiful bags Rob has, but that comes with age.  I'm sure you have a bunch of scratches and wrinkles which weren't there when you were a pup; I know I sure do.  I guess it adds character! 

Here's mine.

~WH~

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[Ohio Joe]

I've thought about using the pommel of my knife to push the ball into the barrel, I see this done often. My problem is that I've loaded the same for over 40 years, I don't if I could make that transition... Wife says "I'm set in my ways..."   

[Maven]

All, Out-of-pouch reloading took a bit of getting used to for me.  I.e., I sometimes forgot to pack an item and then regret it later.   Since I have both flintlocks and cap locks, with different pouches for each, I find it helps to make a checklist of "necessities"for each and  actually mark off the needed items before heading to the range or a woods walk.  You'd be surprised how many folks forget basic stuff like the proper size RB, patching, caps, nipple wrenches cleaning jags, etc.  A through list carefully followed saves a lot of time and embarrassment at a woods walk or possibly a missed shot or follow up when hunting.

Here's a pdf of the checklist I use for my flintlocks, both rifle (.54cal.) and trade gun (20ga.)  Feel free to use and/or modify it to your heart's content:

[Ohio Joe]

All, Out-of-pouch reloading took a bit of getting used to for me.  I.e., I sometimes forgot to pack an item and then regret it later.   Since I have both flintlocks and cap locks, with different pouches for each, I find it helps to make a checklist of "necessities"for each and  actually mark off the needed items before heading to the range or a woods walk.  You'd be surprised how many folks forget basic stuff like the proper size RB, patching, caps, nipple wrenches cleaning jags, etc.  A through list carefully followed saves a lot of time and embarrassment at a woods walk or possibly a missed shot or follow up when hunting.

Here's a pdf of the checklist I use for my flintlocks, both rifle (.54cal.) and trade gun (20ga.)  Feel free to use and/or modify it to your heart's content:

Maven, that pdf check list is a good idea! 

About the only time I will take my shooting box to the Range is when I have to zero a muzzleloader (like last Friday) 'cause it has my files and drift punches in it, and "supposedly" stocked up with patch and ball...  However, I fell short last Friday - I didn't have the .445 balls stocked in my shooting box (well I had 2), the others were .440's in the box. All my other .445 balls where in bullet blocks on my shooting bags, and setting in boxes on my work bench back in my shop.  It worked out for me however (I got lucky) as the rifle I had with me seemed to like the .440's...  

[Maven]

I've got everything in my range box but the kitchen sink, but it's sure heavy enough without it.  Which reminds me, I think it's time to remove some items from it....  As for the check list, I find it really works if you pay attention to it and fill your pouch accordingly.  Funny story about why you may need a list:  A well known local ML builder showed up at one of our woods walks several years ago, but soon discovered he had only enough powder for maybe 3 shots.  Needless to say, he left a bit early and chagrined even though powder was freely offered:  Maybe he forgot other stuff too?  Need I say more about a list?

[SharpStick]

I'm a greater appreciator of lists. After a gazillion camping trips  with and without boy scouts I've developed a two page, small print list that I use on every trip. No more thinking about what I have that I might want to bring. I just go through the long list and cross off what I don't need on a particular trip then pack everything else. I've redone that list multiple times as equipment wears out or changes or I find another just-gotta-have-it item.

Anyone want to offer up a list for their range box?
And, since I've been thinking of constructing one for myself, pictures would be greatly appreciated?
Maybe even a pointer to a good design for a wooden range box.

To build a good range box with my limited BP experience, I need all the advice I can get. 

[Ohio Joe]

As handy as a Range Box is (when I properly stock mine) in all honesty, I truly prefer to load from my horn and pouch.  I just like the convenience of loading from the bag, and I like the feeling of the old history of it before - trains, planes, and automobiles. I just feel it gets me closer to the era of history I enjoy... Again, a Range Box is handy at times, but for the most part it's just not for me. 

[Bigsmoke]

Joe,
I surely do agree with you.
Years ago, I put together a range box containing all sorts of plunder.  A couple of cans of different granulation powder, a spotting scope, different size round ball, patches of various thicknesses and diameters, spare nipples, jags and ball pullers in all the calibers I might need, and a whole lot of et cettera.  Then after I carried it to the range a couple of times, it wound up sitting in my garage forever.  Not for me, either.  What a waste of time, money and energy.  Went strictly to the pouch and horn and a spare can of powder and a spare box of RB carried in the car, and life was good.
I guess the range box is OK for those who want those sorts of things, but I'll pass.  And of course, YMMV!!!
John

[rollingb]

Joe,.... sounds like we do similar things.

Fact is, since 1969 when I bought my first muzzleloader I've never owned/had a "range box" (per sae), just my shootin' bag and a haversack containing a few tools and sometimes a note pad and a pencil when I'm shootin' paper at my range.

[ridjrunr]

This is a great topic, with I think no absolute anwear.  The club I shoot with, changes the format every month but most always three diferent scenarios, rifle, pistol, hawk or tradegun, rifle, novelty, etc The woodswalk is always shot out of the bag even though we have small loading tables sporatically located throughout the woodswalk. And the novelties are a diferent area but still only have a  large wire spool as a table so most eveyone shoots out of the bag there too.
For me it is still evolving, I am about to cone a rifle with very strict testing before and after aiming to eliminate the short starter once and for all. but it gives me a very high pucker factor thinking of doing all of my rifles coned.
The range box is mostly only for when I am shooting from a bench, testing loads, sighting in, etc but I do occasionally have it in the back seat of my truck in case I forget to put something in one of my bags, which like I said is ever evolving. 
I myself am always hesitant to have stuff dangling only for the reason I dont want to lose things that have sentimental value. So I ask the danglers, have you ever lost stuff, whether it be  because of brush stags, loose fitting of whatever.?
Also, I do need more horns and bags as I aim to have each for every long arm. Again, grtting closer