Manual

out the need to wipe the bore even once. Bear in mind though, that the pressure

does build and accuracy falls off as fouling builds in the barrel. So, regardless of

your lube, if you feel that it is getting more difficult to load as a result of exces-

sive fouling, it will be necessary to wipe the bore. The best method is to pay close

attention to loading (and group size). If the ball seems to drag or is somewhat dif-

ficult to seat then you must clean the bore before you load the next charge.

For complete cleaning when using either Pyrodex or Black Powder the

best solvent is hot soapy water. It is necessary that the water be very hot so

that it heats up the barrel metal. A hot barrel will dry rapidly without rusting.

GENERAL COMMENTS ON CLEANING

You will note that throughout this manual, references are made about us-

ing lubricants (patch lubricant, bullet lubricants and bore cleaners) which are

both petroleum based such as T/C Maxi Lube, and non petroleum based like

our Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter.

While we have no intention of changing your successful practices of lubing

or cleaning, we do want to point out that our experience in using non-petroleum

based lubes has shown us that it does improve performance and ease of loading,

while also eliminating the need to clean between shots. Natural products were

used in the early 1800’s with a great deal of success, and it wasn’t until petro-

leum based lubes were used that the corrosive nature of black powder fouling

seemed to present a problem in both maintenance and in reloading. Fouling is

fouling, and regardless of the system used to lube and clean your muzzleloader

(petroleum based oils versus all natural non petroleum based products) exces-

sive fouling will be evident to the shooter as he experiences more difficulty in

loading from shot to shot.

The advantages to using all natural non-petroleum based lubes and clean-

ing products are many; the elimination of having to wipe your bore between

shots or of having to immediately clean your gun after use; and the increase in

accuracy due to more consistent velocities and more uniform pressures.

However, the responsibility to clean your muzzleloader thoroughly before

putting it away still exists. It’s a tradition that has always existed and for good

reason. A well maintained firearm is a safer firearm, and it’s up to the

owner/user to keep it that way.

Using Cleaning Implements

With Your T/C System 1

™

Thompson/Center muzzleloading rifles and pistols ar

e supplied with a

cleaning jag which is the pr

oper size for the par

ticular caliber

. For cleaning use

commercial cleaning patches (round or square) or pieces of discarded clothing.