New to muzzleloaders

[cdalle6]

I am brand new to the world of muzzleloading and am looking for some guidance on sighting mine in and cleaning it, both while sighting in and for storage between seasons. I have searched the internet profusely and seem to get multiple answers to both. I have a TC encore, 50 caliber. I have purchased pyrodex 50-50 pellets and 245 grain copper powerbelt aerotip bullets to sight in with/hunt with.

When I first sight it in, do I clean it between each shot? Does that involve removing the breech plug and running a patch from action to muzzle each time? I’ve seen people mention water or dish soap and water, I am always hesitant to put any type of water near a firearm.

Once I get it sighted in for final cleaning/storage, do I clean it just like a center fire rifle? Bore cleaner, dry patch, repeat until clean?

I would like to get more comfortable with it and the process before hunting with it, hoping to get to go late muzzleloader this year. Thanks all in advance.

 

[NOCAMST]

I personally clean mine after every shot when sighting in because when I take a shot hunting the bird will be in the same clean condition. I remove breech plug and clean it all the same way every time and that way I’m confident it will shoot the same every time.

 

[riverboss]

I run a patch between shots while sighting in if it takes more than 10 shots it gets the plug removed and cleaned good at the bench, then I continue the same way.
After it's sighted in I clean it again then fire one primer and check a 3 shot group while running a clean patch between shots.
If it's good I take it home clean it and oil the barrel for storage, I will clean it good to remove the oil fire one cap and then load it to hunt.
Mine stays in a case in the truck until I'm done hunting unless it's wet out then I will remove the powder and clean it and start all over the next day.
I keep my primers in a pill bottle with some dry cotton balls to help keep moisture out of them and keep the noise down.

 

[Outdoor_np]

I also remove the breech plug and clean mine the same way each time. I feel like it ensures accuracy for me.

 

[Mt Pokt]

Like @NOCAMST I clean and let cool between shots when I'm sighting in.
Pull the beach plug, clean it, I use pre-soaked patches, bore brush, and a boresnake. At the range I use 2 fiberglass rods to clean with for efficiency, and the rod that came with the rifle for loading.
The last step for me is a patch of bore butter to coat/ lube the barrel.
The first step for me is popping a primer before loading.
It's a tedious process, but it works for me.
I go to the range, pop a cap, load it up, take aim, and smack the 4" steel at 200 yards a week before the season to make sure its still on.
If you do it right the first time, you shouldn't be cranking on the scope year after year. It should take only one or two confidence shots pre-season and your ready to hunt.
You may experience a barrel seasoning period too, where you may not get a group until you've put 8-10 shots through it. If I get a new rifle I usually put 5 or 6 shots through it before I start tuning the sights. I won't even clean between the shots ..lol
I would do some research about what folks are using with the best results in your rifle and start with that, rather than just buying pellets and bullets and trying to force your rifle to eat what it may not like.
I have 2 .50s. One absolutely hates loose powder and belted bullets, so it only gets pellets and sabots.
The other hates pellets and sabots and gets best results with Blackhorn and BoreLoks.
I find the Blackhorn more consistent, easy to tune, and easy to clean up after than pellets. But I've killed a lot of deer inside 150 yards with pellets and Hornady SSTs.

Good luck!

 

[davers]

"......
I am brand new to the world of muzzleloading and am looking for some guidance on sighting mine in and cleaning it, both while sighting in and for storage between seasons. I have searched the internet profusely and seem to get multiple answers to both. I have a TC encore, 50 caliber. I have purchased pyrodex 50-50 pellets and 245 grain copper powerbelt aerotip bullets to sight in with/hunt with.

I think you'd be happier using loose powder instead of 50-50 pellets. I've used Triple 7 FFG loose powder for years with great success. I use 90.0 grs (Volume) of Triple 7 with a 209 shotgun primer.

When I first sight it in, do I clean it between each shot? Does that involve removing the breech plug and running a patch from action to muzzle each time? I’ve seen people mention water or dish soap and water, I am always hesitant to put any type of water near a firearm.

Yes, I'd clean after every shot for consistency of accuracy. Just run a cleaning patch with a bit of alcohol followed by a dry cleaning patch. You need not remove the breech plug or soapy water when sighting in your rifle.

Once I get it sighted in for final cleaning/storage, do I clean it just like a center fire rifle? Bore cleaner, dry patch, repeat until clean?

Yes, before storing your M/L rifle, you need to clean it to remove any residue or it will rust. I've been using a solution of a product called "Grease Police" ( you can find this at Walmart) mixed 50%-50% solution Hoppe's #9 bore cleaner. The Grease Police is water based, so after cleaning your rifles's bore you'll need to remove all the cleaning solution using the product Gun Scrubber, after this use Hoppe's Gun Medic Lub to lightly coat the bore. Also be sure your breech is clean and installed correctly per your rifle's instruction booklet.

I would like to get more comfortable with it and the process before hunting with it, hoping to get to go late muzzleloader this year. Thanks all in advance......"

You're Welcome, and good luck hunting.

 

[xbokilla]

When you’re on, or close enough that it makes you happy, don’t keep target practicing. Clean it and put it away. You’re ready!

 

[rockhousehunter]

I run a patch between shots while sighting in if it takes more than 10 shots it gets the plug removed and cleaned good at the bench, then I continue the same way.
After it's sighted in I clean it again then fire one primer and check a 3 shot group while running a clean patch between shots.
If it's good I take it home clean it and oil the barrel for storage, I will clean it good to remove the oil fire one cap and then load it to hunt.
Mine stays in a case in the truck until I'm done hunting unless it's wet out then I will remove the powder and clean it and start all over the next day.
I keep my primers in a pill bottle with some dry cotton balls to help keep moisture out of them and keep the noise down.

I do basically the same thing you do.

 

[Little FR]

I use the hottest soapy water I can stand in an old dish pan and swab like crazy, rinse with clean hot water. Then set my barrel in front of dehumidifier after swabbing dry. Hit it lightly with oil, swab again. Put it up.

Sighting mine in. I shoot 3 rounds. Average the group then file my sights down or drift them with a punch then wire brush, cotton brush, shoot 3, then file some more… 😅.