Fur Trade Loading Method

[Muley]

Ok, i'm not sure there's a set answer to this. I'm interested in what you think the majority of MM used for a method of loading.

Cut at muzzle with prelubed cloth, or lubed during loading?

Loading boards?

Precut patches either prelubed, or lubed at loading?

Any of the above, but spit patched?

[Muley]

Is there no answer to this question? Maybe all the methods were used?

[ridjrunr]

Not shure muley, I havent heard much of any documentation of detailed loading methods. But I do think loading blocks were used a bit earlier than is "accepted".
To yer question though, I think there were as many methods as there were trappers,much like today. Everyone has there favorite method on how they like to load. And really even my own methods change ,always trying for a simplified method that doesnt sacrafice accuracy.
Some things I hear of seam gimiky and I dont go there but others swear by them ( daisy patches) as an example. My current method of loading my Pedersoli is deadly accurate and consistant so I wont mess with it. But I do work towards attaining same with all my long guns no matter how long it takes. Thats part of the fun!
My .36 half stock flint is on deck! Got skwerls to get!

[Muley]

Thanks for your thoughts. I kind of figured that is how it was, but just wanted to hear what others thought.

Go get them skwerls.

[ridjrunr]

I got to wondering, are you just working towards all period style hunting?
I think of that often and slowly am going in that direction.

[Muley]

Yes, that's what i'm after.

[ridjrunr]

Here is a bit of info you may find of interest.


http://rockymtncollege.proboards.com/th ... ding-block




Great site

[Muley]

That's perfect. I knew I had seen that picture a few years ago. Thanks for the link.

My persona is a hunter. That's what I am now, and I would have been back then if I lived then. I'm thinking as a young hunter for a brigade during the fur trade era, and later as a hunter supplying meat for a fort. Then later for myself and family, but always as a hunter. Let's say from 1830-1860. The JBMR I just bought fits in with owning a plains rifle. I'll carry a ball board, horn, fixed antler powder measure, belt pouch, knife, and possible bag. Dress will be buckskin and cloth. Capote when cold. I'll use pillow ticking cut at the ball board, and lubed with bear tallow. Green River will be my knives for skinning and butchering.

My style of hunting will be as it has been all my life. I'll still hunt the timber, and timber edges with no modern gadgets. Meaning no binos, GPS, Goggle Earth, etc. Just my own skills against the natural instincts of the game.

[ridjrunr]

 curious about the jbmr,have you shot it much yet?

[Muley]

As a matter of fact. I just received it 10 min ago.  

I need to order some Goex, and other stuff for it. Might be a little while before I shoot it. Definitely a stout gun, and no lightweight, but I like it already. Single set trigger is nice, but pulling the hammer back is a workout in itself. No weak main spring on this gun.

[ridjrunr]

A friend in Tx has two ,of which both are still in the box, unfired. I think I last saw them in 09. They where beauties but heavy, yes. Is yours slow twist as well? Would like to see a picture if possible. That kit in the picture would be just dandy to duplicate and use with that rifle.

[Muley]

Look in the Hawken thread in the caplock forum. It's not a safe queen, but was hunted a lot. Yes, it's deep groove slow twist. I believe they all are.

[Muley]

Sorry, I meant the Renegade thread in the caplock forum.

[ridjrunr]

You made a great decision.

[Muley]

Thanks. I think so too.  It's heavy, but that just makes it like the real plains guns.

I'll shoulder it a few thousand times, and she'll feel light as a feather.