I realize that this is a bit OT, but I have a few questions regarding my great granddads 1863 Springfield musket. Im thinking of taking it out hunting for deer or feral pigs during black powder season this fall and need to know:
What is the proper BP load, or better yet the load range from light to heavy?
The rear sight has three leafs, what range does each leaf represent?
Even though I have some round balls for it, Im planning on getting some bullet shaped projectiles (mini-balls?) for it. I fired it once back in 1978, point blank at my Spanish textbook, and blew a hole clean through it. At the time I was told to put the ball in my palm and then cover it with BP and that would be a good load. It worked, but in retrospect Im glad I didnt blow up the gun.
I moved recently and misplaced my Dixie Gunworks Catalogue (which probably has the load information I need). Anyhow, sorry for the OT but thanks for any help that anyone here can give.
