Thompson/Center Arms OWNER'S MANUAL Muzzleloading Supplement This muzzleloading supplement for the G2 Contender Muzzleloading Rifle AND the primary G2 Contender Owner’s Manual must be read and understood in their entirety before attempting to use your Thompson/Center firearm. BOTH MANUALS are necessary in understanding the operation of this muzzleloading variation of the G2 Contender Rifle.
Table of Contents Subject Page Number Safe Use & Handling of T/C Muzzleloading Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Nomenclature of the G2 Contender Muzzleloading Rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Basic Equipment For Shooting the G2 Contender Muzzleloading Rifle. . . . 9 Understanding Black Powder & Black Powder Substitutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Black Powder Chart Showing Appropriate Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Pyrodex® Chart Showing Appropriate Use . . . . . . . . .
This booklet contains information that is essential to the safe use and maintenance of Thompson/Center G2 Contender muzzleloader. You must read this material in its entirety and fully understand its significance before you can safely use this firearm. You must also read and understand the primary product manual for the G2 Contender that accompanied your G2 Contender from the factory. Both manuals must be read and understood prior to using your G2 Contender muzzleloading firearm.
Safe Use And Handling Of Thompson/Center Black Powder Muzzleloading Firearms Follow these rules for use and handling of the G2 Contender muzzleloader. Failure to follow these rules may cause injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. 1 If you are unfamiliar with muzzleloading firearms seek professional instruction.
metallic cartridges or shotshells. NO smokeless powder, even those which appear black in color, should ever be used in a muzzleloading firearm. Be sure you know what type and granulation of powder you are loading. Never buy or use powder unless you have seen it poured from the original manufacturer’s container which is clearly identified on the label.
hammer should be moved to the “Cocked” position only after a primer has been installed and you are ready to fire. Failure to follow this rule may cause serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. 10 Never hand a charged muzzleloading firearm to another person. Once charged, a muzzleloading firearm requires your complete attention. Never charge the firearm and then hand it to another shooter.
rette, cigar, or pipe can ignite Black Powder, a Black Powder Substitute, Primers or Percussion Caps. WARNING: Smoking around a charged and/or primed muzzleloader, percussion caps, primers, priming powder or supply of powder may cause premature firing of the gun or an explosion of the powder can, horn or flask causing serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. 17 Keep powder, primers and percussion caps well away from a firing position or shooting bench.
firearm, to or from a tree stand. Failure to follow this rule may cause serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. 22 Respect the muzzleloading firearm. Used properly your muzzleloader will give you years of pleasure. Used improperly, carelessly or abused, your muzzleloading firearm is a dangerous instrument and is capable of causing serious injury, death or property damage. Always treat your muzzleloader as if it were loaded.
this could weaken the barrel structure leading to a rupture. A ruptured barrel can cause serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. The foregoing general rules and cautions are printed to contribute to your safety when using Thompson/Center muzzleloading firearms. These rules must be read, understood and adhered to. The remainder of this book is equally important. It contains information which is essential to the proper use and care of your muzzleloading firearm.
G2 Contender™ Muzzleloading Rifle Nomenclature Know your G2 Contender firearm before attempting to use it. This booklet will help you to become familiar with the various terms associated specifically with this type of firearm. The diagram below points out the more commonly mentioned parts associated with the G2 Contender muzzleloading rifle.
Basic Equipment For Shooting Your G2 Contender™ Muzzleloading Rifle In order to shoot your G2 Contender with a muzzleloader barrel, a minimum of accessories or equipment will be necessary, these items include: Do Not attempt to shoot your muzzleloading firearm until you have read this manual in its entirety and understood it fully. Failure to read and follow these instructions could result in an accidental discharge, causing injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.
Understanding Black Powder And Black Powder Substitutes Make no mistake about it, Black Powder or a recommended Black Powder Substitute are the only propellant powders that are safe to use in a muzzleloading firearm. Oh, you will hear, or possibly read, advice to the contrary but don’t follow it for you will never hear such advice from a competent source. The reason for using a low yield powder such as Black Powder or Pyrodex is quite basic and it is related to firearm design.
characteristic of Smokeless Powders to burn in a controlled manner within a given pressure range. Control of this pressure range requires the proper application of the powder to the specific purpose and in the quantities for which it was designed to be used. Never use smokeless powder of any type or in any quantity in a muzzleloading firearm, and never mix powders.
Black Powder Chart Showing The Appropriate Use Of The Various Granulations FG (commonly called Single “F”) The muzzleloading enthusiast finds little use for this very coarse black powder. It’s use is restricted to the large bore (10, 8, 4 gauge) shotguns of yesterday. FFG (commonly called Double “F”) This is a very popular powder for the larger (.45 to .58 cal) firearms. It is also used for 12, 16, and 20 gauge muzzleloading shotguns.
When purchasing Black Powder be certain that it is in the original manufacturer’s container and that its granulation or type is clearly marked on the label. Follow the storage and handling precautions which are on the label. If you have any questions concerning the safe handling or storage of Black Powder, write to the manufacturer of the powder. Additional information on powder storage is available from : National Fire Protection Association, P.O. Box 9146, Quincy, Mass. 02269. Or call 1-800-344-3555.
PYRODEX™ Chart Showing Appropriate Use Of The Various Grades PYRODEX™ “CTG” FOR BLACK POWDER CARTRIDGES. This powder was designed to be used in early model breech loading cartridge firearms (firearms, pistols & shotguns) which were intended for use with Black Powder only. It has no application in Thompson/Center muzzleloading firearms. It is listed here simply for your identification. PYRODEX™ “RS” (or PYRODEX SELECT “RS”) FIREARM & SHOTGUN POWDER.
Triple Seven™ Chart Showing Appropriate Use Of The Various Grades Triple Seven™ “FFG” This powder is intended for use in shotguns and rifles, .45 caliber and larger. It may be used in all Thompson/Center muzzleloaders including the G2 Contender. Triple Seven™ “FFFG” This powder is intended for use in pistols and rifles, .50 caliber and smaller. It may be used in all Thompson/Center muzzleloaders including the G2 Contender.
Ignition in the G2 Contender™ Muzzleloading Rifle Considering that Black Powder ignites easily and burns almost instantaneously, it would not seem that ignition could create problems for the muzzleloading enthusiast. Yet, it was in the age of Black Powder that such terms as misfire, hangfire and flash in the pan found their origins.
Pressures And Velocities for Black Powder and Black Powder Substitutes Shooting muzzleloading firearms requires rethinking all that you have learned about firearms. It requires discipline to cope with the requirements of being a reloader and rifleman at the same time. It requires strict adherence to the instructions set forth in this booklet. Failure to follow these instructions may cause damage to the firearm and injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.
Never fire a muzzleloader unless you are sure the projectile is firmly seated on the powder charge and the ramrod had been removed from the bore. Shooters should bear in mind that the muzzleloading projectile is not crimped into position as is the fixed cartridge projectile. If a projectile does not fit tightly, then jarring or movement of the firearms can cause it to move forward.
Charging And Priming The G2 Contender™ Muzzleloading Rifle If you have not read this manual in its entirety, do so before attempting to load your firearm. Improper loading and use of your firearm can cause injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property The photo on page 20 shows a shooter in the process of loading the G2 Contender muzzleloading rifle. Study this photo carefully and read all the captions before you proceed to charge your G2 Contender.
G2 Contender™ Muzzleloading Rifle Stay mentally alert. This task requires your complete attention. Improperly charging your T/C muzzleloading rifle can be dangerous. Study this photo carefully before proceeding. Eyes, ears & arms protected. Barrel held securely with muzzle upwards directed away from your body. Do Not Smoke while loading any muzzleloader. Use Black Powder or a recommended Black Powder Substitute ONLY! Use a T/C graduated powder measure only and do not overcharge.
Loading Sabots and Conical Bullets When Using Loose (Granular) Black Powder or a Black Powder Substitute® The procedures for loading sabots or conical bullets when using loose (granular) Black Powder or a Black Powder Substitute are basically the same as when using Pellets; the only difference being that instead of dropping Pellets down the bore, you will be pouring premeasured charges of Black Powder (FFG) or a recommended Black Powder Substitute.
PHOTO A Using short strokes with the ramrod, push the projectile down the barrel and to seat it against the powder charge. PROJECTILES MUST ALWAYS BE SEATED FIRMLY AGAINST THE POWDER CHARGE. After the projectile is seated tightly against the charge, mark your ramrod to indicate the correct loaded depth of the powder plus the projectile (as shown below) PHOTO B Mark the ramrod at the muzzle. Use a pencil to mark the ramrod. This will allow you to ensure that each projectile is seated to the same depth.
Loading Sabots or Conical Bullets with Pyrodex® or Triple Seven Pellets If you are loading Thompson/Center Sabots, make sure that the bore has been swabbed and that all of the oil or lube has been removed. The drier the bore, the better, as this will improve accuracy. Start by loading (2) 50 grain Pellets, dropping each pellet down the bore. Insert your sabot (with bullet installed) or conical bullet into the muzzle using your fingers. Push the projectile into the barrel as far as you can, until it stops.
Once the projectile is in the bore, using short strokes with your ramrod, push the projectile the remainder of the way down the bore, until it makes contact with the Pellets. Seat firmly, but do not pound on it, as this will likely crush the Pellets, which will affect accuracy and the reliability of ignition. It could also deform the bullet. (See Photo C) Photo C Use the ramrod to push the projectile down the barrel and seat it against the Pellets.
Priming Your Charged G2 Contender muzzleloading rifle. If you have followed the preceding instructions your firearm will now be charged with Black Powder or a recommended Black Powder Substitute and a projectile will be firmly seated against the powder charge. Your ramrod will be marked to the exact seating depth allowing you to ensure that each future projectile is seated in the same careful manner.
With the hammer in the “At Rest” position and the manual firing pin selector in the neutral position and the barrel tipped open, hold the G2 Contender with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and insert the #209 Shotshell Primer. Close the barrel by tipping up the barrel firmly. The firearm is now ready to fire.
injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. Summary of Charging & Priming Your G2 Contender™ Muzzleloading Rifle 1. Check to ensure that the firearm is uncharged and that the manual firing pin selector is in the neutral position. 2. Wipe the bore free of all oil. 3. Move the manual firing pin selector to the centerfire position. 4.
Removing a Charge From Your G2 Contender™ Muzzleloading Rifle Never attempt to pull a charge from your G2 Contender muzzleloader until you are absolutely certain that the firearm is deprimed (209 primer has been removed). While in the process of pulling the charge (removing the breech plug) do not smoke, or be near anyone else smoking; the spark from a lighted cigarette, cigar, or pipe can ignite black powder, a black powder substitute, percussion caps or primers.
3rd Step - Remove the two forend screws. Turn these screws out counter-clockwise (as viewed from the bottom of the gun). Remove the forend from the barrel. 4th Step - Tip the barrel open and remove the barrel hinge pin by tapping it out (in either direction). Remove the barrel from the frame. 5th Step - Remove the screw that retains the extractor in the barrel lug. Remove the extractor from its slot.
of the trigger and hammer prior to loading and firing. The breech plug and the interior threads of the breech area of the G2 Contender muzzleloader should be lubricated with an anti-seize lubricant like T/C’s Super Lube. The breech plug should then be seated in the barrel until it is “snug”. “Snug” is defined as being as tight as you can turn it into the barrel by using the breech plug wrench and turning it clockwise, while holding the barrel in your hand.
A projectile which is seated only part way down the barrel sets up a highly dangerous condition WHICH MAY CAUSE A BURST BARREL AND INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDER AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. The projectile must be seated firmly against the powder charge. If the ball or bullet is not seated against the powder charge the firearm must be disassembled and the charge removed (see section on “Pulling a Charge”).
Photo A Use a Jag for field cleaning (a Patchpuller Worm will also work if you don’t have a Jag with you. Number 13 Bore Cleaner. is specifically designed for cleaning Black Powder or Black Powder Substitute fouling. After removing all the fouling, follow up with a few dry patches to thoroughly dry the bore. If the gun is to be stored for any length of time, follow the dry patches up with a good protectant lubricant like T/C’s All Natural Lube Bore Butter.
overcome the initial resistance caused by the barrel to breech plug seal. The breech plug should now be scrubbed free of fouling and later it should be lubricated with an anti-seize lubricant like T/C's Super Lube, before re-installation. The threads inside the breech end of the barrel must also be well cleaned with a stiff brush and should be lubricated with anti-seize lubricant also. 3. Fill a pan with very hot soapy water.
Using Cleaning Implements With Your G2 Contender Muzzleloader Thompson/Center muzzleloading firearms are supplied with a cleaning jag which is the proper size for the particular caliber. For cleaning use commercial cleaning patches (round or square) or pieces of discarded clothing. When using the cleaning jag,keep in mind that patch size and thickness are important. Start with a patch that is approximately 2 1/2" square (or in diameter).
(as viewed from the receiver end) to lower the point of impact, and counter-clockwise, to raise the point of impact. Windage Adjustment Screw Elevation Adjustment Screw To adjust the windage it is necessary to move the entire rear sight leaf left or right by using the slotted screw head on the right side of the rear sight (as viewed from the receiver end of the sight).
Statement Of Liability From Thompson/Center This gun is classified as a FIREARM OR DANGEROUS WEAPON and is surrendered by us with the express understanding that we assume no liability for its resale or unsafe handling under local laws and regulations.
Thompson/Center Arms Co., Inc. - Limited Warranty THOMPSON/CENTER ARMS provides a warranty for all factory finished firearms for the LIFETIME OF THE ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASER. Any firearm or part thereof returned, postage paid, to the factory at Farmington Road, Rochester, New Hampshire 03867, will be repaired or replaced to our commercial standard free of charge, and returned to the consumer purchaser postage prepaid.
Projectile Data For T/C Muzzleloading Firearms Maxi-Balls® For T/C Firearms ● .45 Caliber (240 grs.) For small to medium (deer-sized) game. Now factory lubricated with T/C Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter. ● .50 Caliber (370 grs.) A medium and big game bullet for .50 caliber firearms. Factory lubricated with T/C Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter. ● .50 Caliber (460 grs.) A big game bullet for .50 caliber firearms. Now factory lubricated with T/C Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter.
Thompson/Center’s Mag Express™ Sabots ● .45 Caliber Sabots (For .400" to .401" Bullets) Designed for using jacketed or lead bullets in a muzzleloader. ● .50 Caliber Sabots (For .429" to .430" Bullets) Designed for using jacketed or lead bullets in a muzzleloader. ● .50 Caliber (For to .451" Bullets) Designed for using jacketed or lead bullets in a muzzleloader. Thompson/Center’s Shockwave Sabots ● ● ● ● .45 Caliber with Spire Point Bullet - 200 Gr Bullet .
Suggested Black Powder Loads For The G2 Contender™ Muzzleloader The following charts show recommended charges for Thompson/Center’s G2 Contender muzzleloader. Charges are listed by caliber, style of firearm and type of projectile. Note that in each instance a series of charges are listed. More than one charge is shown in each category to clearly illustrate the safe loading range for that particular caliber, model and projectile.
WARNING Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.
Assembly And Loading Of Thompson/Center Sabots Thompson/Center Sabots come in several variations for .45 and .50 caliber muzzleloading applications; they accept .40 cal. (.400”-.401” dia.), .44 cal. (.429”-.430”) or .45 cal. (.451”-.452”) bullets. Use the correct diameter bullet in the sabot and press firmly, making sure the bullet is fully seated. When loading Thompson/Center’s Sabots, make sure that your gun is unprimed, and that your Sabot has been properly assembled.
The photo on page 20 pictures a shooter in the process of loading a muzzleloading rifle. Study this photo carefully and read all the captions before you proceed to charge your rifle. The complete sabot unit should be seated firmly on the powder charge as indicated in the illustration below. Do not exceed the recommended loading data in this manual when using Thompson/Center Sabots in Thompson/Center rifles.
Suggested Loads For Thompson/Center .45 Caliber G2 Rifle .45 Caliber Rifle For Use Only With .45 Caliber Thompson/Center G2 In-Line Muzzleloader Using Bullet Weights as Shown Below Use a #209 Shotshell Primer Using Pyrodex® or Triple Seven® Pellets & T/C Sabots For Use With Bullets Weighing Charge .45cal/50gr. Pellets Muzzle Velocity (Feet Per Second) Muzzle Energy (Foot Pounds) 155 Grain Bullet 2 Pellets 1989 F.P.S. 1362 Ft. Lbs. 3 Pellets 2657 F.P.S. 2430 Ft. Lbs.
Suggested Loads For Thompson/Center .45 Caliber G2 Rifle .45 Caliber Rifle For Use Only With .45 Caliber Thompson/Center G2 In-Line Muzzleloader Using Bullets Lubed with T/C Bore Butter Use a #209 Shotshell Primer For Use With Bullets Weighing (Grains) 255 Grain Maxi-Hunter & 240 Maxi-Ball Bullet Using Black Powder & Mag Express™ Sabot Loads Black Powder Charge (Grains) Muzzle Velocity (Feet Per Second) Muzzle Energy (Foot Pounds) 80 grs. FFG 1541 F.P.S. 1345 Ft. Lbs. 90 grs. FFG 1608 F.P.S.
Suggested Loads For Thompson/Center .50 Caliber G2 .50 Caliber Rifle For Use Only With .50 Caliber Thompson/Center G2 In-Line Muzzleloader Using Bullet Weights as Shown Below Use a #209 Shotshell Primer For Use With Bullets Weighing 200 Grain Bullet 240 Grain Bullet 250 Grain Bullet 275 Grain Bullet 300 Grain Bullet Using Pyrodex® or Triple Seven® Pellets & T/C Sabots Charge .50cal/50gr. Pellets Muzzle Velocity (Feet Per Second) Muzzle Energy (Foot Pounds) 2 Pellets 2015 F.P.S. 1804 Ft. Lbs.
Suggested Loads For Thompson/Center .50 Caliber G2 .50 Caliber For Use Only With .50 Caliber Thompson/Center G2 In-Line Muzzleloader Using Bullet Weights as Shown Below Use a #209 Shotshell Primer .45 Cal.
Suggested Loads For Thompson/Center .50 Caliber G2 .50 Caliber Rifle For Use Only With .50 Caliber Thompson/Center G2 In-Line Muzzleloader Using Bullet Weights as Shown Below Use a #209 Shotshell Primer For Use With Bullets Weighing 275 Gr. Maxi-Hunter® Or 320 Gr. Maxi-Ball® 275 Gr. Maxi-Hunter® Or 320 Gr. Maxi-Ball® Using Pyrodex® or Triple Seven® Pellets & T/C Sabots Charge .50cal/50gr. Pellets Muzzle Velocity (Feet Per Second) Muzzle Energy (Foot Pounds) 2 Pellets 1694 F.P.S. 2039 Ft. Lbs.
.50 Caliber Conical Bullet Ballistics Bullet 350 Grain Maxi-Hunter® or 370 Grain Maxi-Ball® Lead Conical 350 Grain Maxi-Hunter® or 370 Grain Maxi-Ball® Lead Conical 50 Grain Pyrodex® Pellets Range in Yards Impact from line of Sight Velocity f.p.s Energy ft./lbs. 2 0 -.8 1649 2235 2 50 +1.9 1383 1572 2 100 0.0 1176 1137 2 150 -8.1 1041 891 2 200 -21.8 951 743 3 0 -.8 1866 2861 3 50 +1.5 1574 2036 3 100 0.0 1326 1445 3 150 -4.6 1142 1072 3 200 -15.
T/C .50 Caliber Sabot Ballistics Cont'd Bullet 250 Grain PTX™ 250 Grain PTX™ 50 Grain Pyrodex® Pellets Range in Yards Impact from line of Sight Velocity f.p.s Energy ft./lbs. 2 0 -.8 1849 1898 2 50 +1.2 1629 1472 2 100 0.0 1437 1145 2 150 -5.5 1273 899 2 200 -16.4 1144 727 3 0 -.8 2182 2643 3 50 +.8 1934 2077 3 100 0.0 1707 1617 3 150 -3.7 1504 1255 3 200 -11.
Service for Your T/C Muzzleloader Should your T/C muzzleloading firearm require adjustment, repair or refinishing, we strongly recommend that the rifle be returned to the factory for such work. There is no other way to ensure that the work will be done by a competent staff or trained technicians. Send your rifle back to the factory unloaded with a letter describing the problem. Any T/C muzzleloader should be sent prepaid (we will not accept collect shipments).
Notes & Load Data ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ______
For Your Records Important Note: For fire, theft & insurance purposes, retain this record with your important papers.
12/04 Thompson/Center Arms Co., Inc. P.O.
