Finally got a decent group

[Gil Martin]

I have been shooting muzzleloaders since 1970 and enjoy them. Until today, I have never managed to get the kind of groups that I have read about or heard others recount. I bought a mint Lyman Deerstalker .50 flintlock off the used gun rack a few weeks ago. Last week I sighted it in and had to adjust the rear sight to get some left windage. Then it was time to leave the range.

This afternoon I went to the public range (my regular club ranges were closed for an event) and started shooting. I was using a .490" round ball, .010" lubed patch and 85 grains of FFG Goex. At the public range, you have to wait until the line is safe to go downrange and check your target. So I just kept loading and shooting. Then I went downrange and was amazed at the group with all shots nearly touching just below the bull and in the black on an SR-1 target. The guy checking the next target said he watched my hits through his spotting scope and asked if I was an expert. I said no, I just got lucky. All the best...
Gil