Thompson/Center Arms - Shooting Black Powder Guns

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Shooting a T/C Rifle

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Before loading your rifle, ensure the barrel is completely free of oil. Any oil left in the barrel or chamber can dampen the gunpowder, potentially causing a misfire or delay in ignition.

For percussion rifles, snap a few caps on the nipple before loading to ensure good ignition and to clear out any oil that might have seeped into the nipple.

For flintlock rifles, open the frizzen, fill the pan with priming powder until level, then close the frizzen, cock the hammer, and fire the priming charge several times to burn off any residual oil.

Now your rifle is ready for charging. Set the hammer to the half-cock position and follow these steps:

• Positioning: Place the rifle butt on the ground, ensuring the muzzle is pointed away from your face and body.

• Powder Charge: Adjust your powder measure to the required charge, and fill it with powder. Consistency is key here; aim to measure the same amount each time since variations can impact accuracy.

• Loading Powder: Pour the powder into the barrel and tap the barrel sharply with your hand to settle the powder at the bottom of the chamber.

• Patch and Ball: Lay a lubricated cloth patch over the muzzle, centered, with consistent orientation of the cloth's grain each time. Place the round ball on the patch, ensuring the sprue mark is facing up and centered.

• Starting the Ball: Use the short end of the bullet starter to press down on the ball until it begins to enter the barrel. A tight patch will require significant pressure, and you'll feel it "snap" into place.

• Driving the Ball: Flip the bullet starter to use the longer end, give a sharp tap to push the ball down about four inches. Then, use the ramrod to push the ball all the way down to the powder, seating it firmly but gently to maintain uniformity in each load. After the first load, mark your ramrod at the muzzle to ensure consistent seating depth for subsequent shots.

• Priming: For a percussion rifle, fit a cap securely onto the nipple. For a flintlock, open the frizzen, pour a small amount of priming powder into the pan (just enough to fill the depression), close the frizzen, and the rifle is now ready to fire.

By following these steps, you'll ensure a consistent, safe, and accurate loading process for your rifle.

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What if You Forget to Add Black Powder?

Most shooters will, at some point, accidentally push a ball down their rifle barrel only to realize they've forgotten the powder. When this happens to you—and it likely will—don't panic! For a percussion rifle, take these steps:

• Remove the Nipple: Unscrew the nipple from the rifle.

• Add Powder: Pour a small amount of powder through the nipple port into the barrel.

• Replace the Nipple: Screw the nipple back into place.

• Seat the Ball: Push the ball all the way down until it rests on the powder charge.

• Cap and Fire: Place a cap on the nipple, aim safely, and fire to clear the ball.

For the T/C Hawken Flint Lock:

• Remove Touch Hole: Use a small screwdriver to remove the touch hole.

• Add Powder: Pour in a light powder charge through the touch hole.

• Replace Touch Hole: Secure the touch hole back in place.

• Seat the Ball: Push the ball down to rest on the powder.

• Fire: Fire the rifle to clear the ball.

CAUTION!

Always ensure the projectile is seated directly against the powder charge.

• Stuck Ball: If a ball becomes stuck due to fouling or other issues, do not attempt to fire it out. The ball could act as an obstruction, potentially damaging the rifle.

To remove a stuck ball safely, you'll need to disassemble the rifle by:

• Removing the Breech Plug: Use a strong, padded vise and the correct wrench size to turn the lug counterclockwise.

• Seek Professional Help: If you lack the tools or expertise, consult a gunsmith to avoid damaging the barrel or lug with incorrect tools or methods.

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How to Load the Maxi-Ball

Loading the Maxi-Ball is similar to loading a standard Minie bullet:

• Clean the Bore: Wipe oil from the barrel. For percussion rifles, fire a few caps; for flintlocks, ignite several pans of powder.

• Charge the Rifle: Load the rifle with powder as you would for a round ball. Do not use a cloth patch!

• Insert the Bullet: With your fingers, push the lubricated Maxi-Ball into the barrel until the base and first bearing band enter easily. The bullet will stop when the nose's bearing band reaches the muzzle since the nose is wider and needs to be engraved for a tight fit.

• Use the Bullet Starter: Use the starter to push the Maxi-Ball about four inches into the barrel to engrave it properly. Then, use the ramrod to seat the bullet fully. Ensure consistency in seating pressure for each shot.

• Mark the Ramrod: After seating the bullet, mark the ramrod at the muzzle for reference to ensure consistent bullet depth in future loads.

CAUTION!

• Bullet Position: Never fire if the bullet isn't seated directly on the powder charge. Mispositioned bullets cause nearly all muzzle-loading accidents. Unlike fixed cartridges, these bullets aren't crimped and can move if not tight or if air is trapped beneath them.

• Check Bullet Fit: Load normally but don't prime. With the hammer at half-cock, hold the rifle muzzle down and tap the muzzle hard on a wooden block several times. Recheck your mark with the ramrod. If the bullet hasn't moved, your load fits well.

• Fouling: If a bullet gets stuck due to fouling, disassemble the rifle to remove it safely.

NOTE:

• Sizing: Do not size the Maxi-Ball as it will change the first bearing band's diameter and reduce effectiveness. Use as cast.

• Lubrication: Lubricate with T/C MaxiLub. Rub the lubricant into the bullet's grooves with your fingers, ensuring complete coverage for optimal accuracy.

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Suggested T/C Round Ball Loads

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Suggested T/C Maxi-Ball Loads

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Loading the Percussion Pistol

The process of loading a percussion pistol is similar to that of a percussion rifle, but it uses lighter charges. A specialized T/C Powder Measure, adjustable from 20 to 60 grains, is recommended for use with pistols.

Preparation:

• Begin by cleaning the barrel to remove any oil, then fire several caps on the nipple to clear it.

• Set the hammer to half-cock before you start loading.

Loading:

• Measure the powder precisely for consistency, which is key to accuracy. Pour the exact amount into the muzzle.

• Tap the barrel with your hand's heel to ensure the powder settles into the breech.

• Place a lubricated patch over the muzzle, ensuring the fabric's grain or weave is consistently aligned each time.

• Position the ball atop the patch, with the sprue mark facing up and centered.

• Use the short end of a bullet starter to push the ball into the barrel. It will require firm pressure but should start moving once you overcome the initial resistance.

• Use the longer end of the starter or ramrod to continue pushing the ball down the barrel until it's firmly seated against the powder. Apply consistent pressure each time to maintain uniformity.

Marking for Consistency:

• After seating the first ball, mark your ramrod or starter at the muzzle to ensure all subsequent balls are seated at the same depth.

Priming:

• Place a No. 11 percussion cap firmly onto the nipple, and your pistol is now ready to fire.

T/C Dual Triggers:

• The T/C Patriot Pistol features dual set triggers for a light, crisp trigger pull. The front trigger "sets" the mechanism, and you'll hear a click when it's set. The rear trigger, positioned for better firing control, is the "hair" trigger.

• To shoot, cock the hammer to full, press the front trigger until you hear the click, then a very slight pressure on the rear trigger will fire the pistol.

• Note that this trigger setup differs from older antique locks where the rear trigger sets and the front is the firing trigger.

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Suggested Loads for the T/C Patriot Pistol

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Cleaning Your T/C Muzzle Loading Firearm

The Importance of Cleaning:

• Black powder is highly corrosive, making thorough cleaning essential for muzzle loading firearms. Neglecting to clean can lead to damage or ruin of the firearm.

Cleaning can be divided into two types:

• Routine Cleaning During Shooting: This helps remove powder fouling and eases subsequent loading.

• Between Shots for Target Shooting: For the best accuracy, use a patch soaked in T/C No. 13 powder solvent, running it through the bore several times, followed by dry patches to remove moisture.

• General Shooting: Cleaning isn't required after every shot. Monitor how easily the ball seats; if it's becoming difficult, clean the bore before the next shot. Weather conditions can affect how often you need to clean; fouling hardens in colder temperatures.

Comprehensive Cleaning:

• Using Hot Soapy Water: The most effective solvent for a thorough clean is very hot soapy water, which should be hot enough to warm the barrel metal, ensuring it dries quickly without rusting.

Removing the Barrel:

• If your firearm has a "hooked breech" system like many T/C models, you can easily remove the barrel for cleaning.

• Remove the ramrod, gently tap out the forearm wedge (be careful not to damage the forearm), and cock the hammer to clear the breech. Apply upward pressure to the muzzle to lift the barrel from the stock.

Cleaning Process:

• Prepare a bucket with very hot water and dissolve small pieces of bar soap in it (avoid detergents).

• Submerge the breech end of the barrel on your cleaning rod. Move the rod and a patch up and down to flush the barrel, allowing water to exit through the nipple hole.

• Once clean, wipe off excess water, set the barrel aside to dry, and clean any fouling from the stock and lock with an oiled cloth.

• After drying, thoroughly oil the barrel inside and out before reassembling the firearm.

By following these cleaning practices, you maintain your muzzle loading firearm's functionality and longevity.

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The pamphlet references three rifles (Hawken, Seneca and Renegade) but did not provide any type of side by side comparison. We compiled that information below plus included more detail of the T/C Patriot pitol.

The Thompson Center Hawken, Seneca, and Renegade rifles are notable models from the Thompson/Center Arms Company, each with distinct features tailored for different preferences within the muzzleloading community. Here's a detailed comparison based on the available web information:

Thompson Center Hawken

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• Barrel: Typically 28 inches long, with variations in barrel width. The .45 and .50 caliber models have barrels that are 15/16 inches across the flats (ATF), while .54 caliber Hawkens can have barrels 1 inch ATF.
  Stock: Features a more ornate design with brass hardware, including a patchbox and a nose cap, giving it a traditional Plains rifle aesthetic.

• Ignition: Percussion cap ignition.

• Calibers: Commonly available in .45, .50, and .54 caliber.

• Design: Modeled after the famous Hawken rifle from the 1800s, known for its larger, more decorative elements like a larger, different shaped patch box, trigger guard, and cheek rest.

• Interchangeability: Different variations in parts over the years, meaning not all parts are universally interchangeable among Hawkens.

Thompson Center Seneca

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• Barrel: 27 inches long, with a twist rate of 1:30 for .32 caliber and 1:48 for .36 and .45 calibers. The barrel is 13/16 inches across the flats.

• Stock: Made from American Walnut, generally simpler in design compared to the Hawken, the base model lacks the decorative elements like a patchbox or nose cap.

• Ignition: Percussion cap ignition.

• Calibers: Offered in .32, .36, and .45 caliber.

• Design: Aimed at providing a more budget-friendly or less ornate option than the Hawken, often described as having a plainer, utilitarian look.

• Interchangeability: Not directly interchangeable with Hawken or Renegade due to different barrel sizes and stock designs.

Thompson Center Renegade

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• Barrel: 26 inches long, with twist rates varying by caliber (e.g., 1:38 for .50, 1:48 for both .50 and .54, 1:66 for .50 with deep button rifling, and a smoothbore option in .56).

• Stock: Similar to the Seneca in its utilitarian approach, using blued hardware instead of brass, no nose cap, and no patchbox, making it more plain but robus

t.

• Ignition: Available in both flintlock and percussion models.

• Calibers: .50, .54, and .56 caliber.

• Design: Known for being sturdier and more straightforward, aimed at shooters looking for reliability over aesthetic appeal. It was also noted for its accuracy, especially with certain loads.

• Interchangeability: Like the Hawken, the Renegade had variations, but barrels of 1 inch ATF could often interchange with some Hawken models, particularly when the dimensions matched.

Key Rifle Differences Summarized:

Aesthetics and Construction: Hawken is the most ornate with traditional brass hardware, Seneca is simpler and lighter, while Renegade is utilitarian, focusing on durability and performance.
Barrel Dimensions: Different across the models, affecting interchangeability. Hawken's barrel can vary in width, Seneca's is narrower than both, and Renegade's matches some Hawken models in width.
Calibers and Twist Rates: Each model was offered in different calibers with specific twist rates tailored for optimal performance with certain types of projectiles.
Ignition: Renegade offered both flintlock and percussion options, while Hawken and Seneca are mainly known for percussion.


Thompson Center Patriot Pistol

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• Caliber: .45 caliber.

• Barrel Length: Not explicitly stated, but commonly associated with having a shorter barrel, typical of pistols.

• Ignition: Percussion cap.

• Stock: The stock has been noted to have a weak spot in the wrist area, which can be prone to breakage. It's advised to use a load stand that supports the wrist during loading to mitigate this issue.

Load Specifications:

• Projectile: Home cast .445 pure lead balls.

• Patch: OC Daisy patches .015 thick.

• Powder Charge: 30 grains of Swiss 2F black powder.

Accuracy:

• Described as very accurate with the mentioned load specifications. Users have reported enjoying shooting it and finding it fun to use.

Legal Considerations:

• The Patriot Pistol was part of a notable Supreme Court case, United States v. Thompson/Center Arms Co., where it was determined that the rifle conversion kit for the pistol did not constitute a short-barreled rifle under the National Firearms Act of 1934, even if the pistol could be fitted with a shoulder stock.

• Discontinuation: The Patriot Pistol was discontinued following a major factory fire in 1996 that destroyed all tooling and parts for this model.