Lyman Black Powder Instructions Manual

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SHOOTING TIPS ...
CHOOSING BALL AND PATCH
Accuracy with a roundball rifle is based on a paradox; an underside ball is spun
by rifling that it never touches! The secret, if there is one, lies in the cloth patch.
It functions as a gas seal and, theoretically at least, completely seals the bore.
It also transfers to the ball the grip and the spin of the rifling.  To perform its
duties, the cloth patch should fill the grooves of the rifle. In other words, it
should be under considerable compression not...

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We know the ball must be smaller than the bore diameter so lets select a
.498 diameter ball as the best choice for this bore.
With the ball adequately undersize (.005) to fit into the bore we now deter-
mine the needed patching thickness to seal the grooves.
Groove .526
Ball -.498
.028 difference
Now divide the difference by two and the minimum patching thickness is
determined: .014. Remember, there is a thickness of patching on each side of
the ball and the difference between the ball and groove...

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two caps on the nipple to make sure the channel from the nipple through the
barrel wall is open. For a quick visual verification place the muzzle near a leaf,
blade of grass or similar object–cap blast will noticeably move it around if the
vent is clear. Finally, run the patch down the bore one last time to collect any
new debris. Now, youre ready to load and heres how it goes:
Set the guns butt on the ground with the barrel angled so the muzzle is well
away from your body.
Pour the measured charge...

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CONICAL BULLET SUITABILITY CHART
1.Bullet No. 454616–Popularly known as the Maxi-ball, this bullet is
designed specifically for the T/C Hawken with 1/48 twist and nominal
bore diameter of .45.
2. Bullet No. 457121PH–Designed for Navy Arms Parker-Hale Volunteer
rifles with 1/20 twists.  Casts a nominal .456/.453 diameter in pure
lead.
3.Bullet No. 504617–Designed for the Lyman Trade Rifle, Deerstalker,
T/C Hawken and other rifles with nominal .500 bore and 1/48 twist.
4. Bullet No. 508656–This is the...

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DISASSEMBLY AND CLEANING OF
RIFLES AND  PLAINS PISTOL
You must clean your rifle or pistol after each shooting session to prevent rust
and corrosion from damaging the metal parts. The Lyman Great Plains Rifle,
Trade Rifle, Deerstalker or Plains Pistol may be easily disassembled for
cleaning by removing the ramrod, driving out the barrel wedge in the fore-
arm, drawing the hammer to full cock and lifting the barrel (muzzle first) out
of stock. The hooked breech will slip right out of the tang unit with...

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Maximum Loads
Lyman Black Powder Guns
The following loads are maximum combinations of propellant and projectile
for Lyman Black Powder guns. Do Not Exceed!
Plains Pistol
.50 - .495 RB 40 grs. 3Fg
.54 - .535 RB 50 grs. 3 Fg
Rifles
.50 .495 RB 110 grs. 2Fg or 90 grs. 3Fg
240 gr. Sabot 100 grs. 2Fg or 90 grs. 3Fg
335 gr. Sabot 100 grs. 2Fg or 80 grs. 3Fg
420 gr. Maxi 100 grs. 2Fg or 80 grs. 3Fg
.54 .535 RB 120 grs. 2Fg or 100 grs. 3Fg
335 gr. Sabot 110 grs. 2Fg or 90 grs. 3Fg
450 gr. Maxi 110 grs. 2Fg or...

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SHOOTING TIPS
Black Powder Guide
Note: This chart is intended as a guide to show the appropriate uses of
Pyrodex and Black Powder. It is not necessary to follow them exactly.
FFFFG
Commonly called “Four F”, this is the finest
granulation and is used for priming flintlocks.
Due to its rather limited use, it is usually
somewhat difficult to obtain. When necessary,
FFFG may be substituted. There is no
Pyrodex equivalent.
FFFG/Pyrodex “P”
Commonly called “Triple F”, this powder is
used in most single shot...

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REDUCING EXPOSURE:Lead contamination in the air, in dust, and on
your skin is invisible. Keep children and pregnant women away during use
and until cleanup is complete.
Risk can be reduced-but not eliminated-with strong ventilation; washing
hands immediately after use of these products before eating or smoking; and
careful cleaning of surfaces and floors with disposable wipes, after lead dust
has had a chance to settle. Use a lead specific cleaner with EDTA, or a high-
phosphate detergent (like most...

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BULLET CASTING BASICS
The blackpowder shooter is almost always faced with the need to cast his
own bullets, be they round, conical or minies. A bullet mould is absolutely
necessary and generations of shooters have used–and continue to use–Lyman
precision bullet moulds. Other needed supplies include pure lead, melting pot,
ladle, fluxing substance, hammer handle/mallet and towel or blanket.
Caution:If you are melting lead on the kitchen stove, exercise care to avoid
lead contamination of stove, food...

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SIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Lyman Muzzleloaders
Lymans Great Plains and Trade Rifles are shipped with two types of rear
sights. The shooter can choose the style preferred and save the other as a
spare.
Front Sight–The sights on these rifles are a combination of traditional
appearance and sighting principles proved in more modern times. The front
sight is a strong, one-piece, square blade design finished overall in a dark
blue/black.
This dark, thick blade permits close holding and fast sight alignment. Blades...