Manual

impractical for muzzleloading use. Alloys containing antimony are harder

and lighter than pure lead. Consequently projectiles cast from such materi-

als will be overly hard (depending on the amount of antimony present) and

somewhat lighter than the bullet weight listed for the mold. The biggest

problem, however, is that

antimony alloys have less a shrinkage factor

than pure lead. Antimony alloys produce an extremely hard, over size

projectile which is very difficult to load properly. Pure lead can be

obtained from a plumbing supply house

This booklet and the Thompson/Center Catalog lists a series of round

ball, Maxi-Ball and Maxi-Hunter molds that are proper for use with our fire-

arms. All T/C bore diameters, patch thickness and mold dimensions are

carefully calculated to produce a safe result when used with our recom-

mended Black Powder charges and a pure lead projectile in the appropriate

caliber.

The reader must realize that Thompson/Center has no control over cast

projectiles, bullet molds or patch material offered by other sources. Before

using such items, the user must assure himself that the components or

molds are proper and safe to use with our firearms. If you have questions

concerning the correctness of a product or component, write to the Custom-

er Service Department, Thompson/Center Arms, P.O. Box 5002, Rochester,

New Hampshire 03866.

For bullet specifications and loading data, refer to page 55 of this

booklet.

Patching

The Round Ball

To shoot properly, the round ball must be tightly patched. If the round

ball is not tightly patched, it may, by movement of the firearm, work its

way off the powder charge and up the bore. UNDER SUCH A CONDI-

TION THE BALL WILL ACT AS A BARREL OBSTRUCTION AND

FIRING CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER

OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

The novice at muzzleloading is often perplexed by the problem of trying

to figur

e out the correct patch and ball combination for his firearm. More

often than not, he ends up using a loose fitting combination which loads easi-

ly but leaves something to be desired in the way of accuracy and safety.

Accuracy with a muzzleloader is based on a paradox: an undersize ball