Black Powder Cartridge News Fall 2018

Early reports from the .22 BPCR Association National Championships held on July 27 through 29 this year at the Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico, revealed that the match was completely booked-up with 160 competitors. This fact goes to show that the .22 BPCR discipline is continuing to grow and is easily our most popular single shot rifle competition. ...Read More >

This issue’s cover comes to us from Tom Rowe and Leo Remiger. Students of the single shot rifle will recognize the great Harry Pope busy at an “in the field” loading bench, no doubt loading for one of his breech-muzzleloaders. The photo clearly shows a Pope duplex powder measure and what looks like an altered surveyor’s tripod to support his spotting telescope. ...Read More >

What we refer to as “benchrest” shooting today was simply called “rest shooting” back in the days of Horace Warner and William Lowe, who were both noted riflemen of the late 1800s. Organized rest shooting got its start in 1858 with the formation of the National Rifle Club at Vernon, Vermont. Prior to this there wasn’t really any formalized benchrest competition with the notable exception of “over-the-log” or “plank” matches shot with round ball or picket rifles. With the formation of the National Rifle Club and its stated goal of pursuing the ultimate in accurate rifle shooting, many other clubs, both in the East and West, were formed for the express purpose of rest shooting competition. ...Read More >

This has been a rewarding year for the Long Range muzzleloading team. For the first time in the history of the U.S. team, we won gold, both in the Mid Range and Long Range team events in the 11th MLAIC World Championship in Murray Bridge, South Australia. The U.S. also won most of the individual events, including Ray Hanson winning the Overall Grand Aggregate, making him the “Top Dog” in the World Championship. ...Read More >

At birthdays and anniversaries, we some-times look back over our relatives’ lives. I am Alexander Henry’s great-great grandson, and the 200th anniversary of his birth was June 6, 2018. I have always been fascinated by his life, as so little was known. In my collaboration with gunmaking historian Donald Dallas on his book Alexander Henry – Rifle Maker, I found out so much about family tragedies and business issues, as well as celebrating his inventiveness and successes. ...Read More >

Men who shoot double rifles must belong to one of the smallest fraternities in the shooting world. In the last dozen or more years, interest in double rifles has increased to where many collectors have stated there are more new doubles being manufactured today than in the past. This resurgence has led to groups of enthusiasts interested in double rifles to gather occasionally to share and shoot their treasures. It is happening in several areas of the Lower 48 and also in the great state of Alaska. Compared to other groups of collectors, double-rifle men are definitely in the minority. ...Read More >

This review is about a rifle that might be seen in a magazine devoted to Cowboy Action Shooting. For the purpose of Cowboy Action competition, several versions of the Model 1873 Winchester are recommended, but probably not this one. This particular ’73 Sporting Rifle has a short magazine, which limits its capacity to eight rounds. Most Cowboy Action shooters like rifles or carbines to hold 10 rounds or more. But as yet, I don’t participate in Cowboy Action shooting, so this short-magazine sporting rifle is a personal favorite of mine. ...Read More >

This extremely informative article on offhand shooting was forwarded to us by good friend and BPC News contributor, Leo Remiger. It was written by famous barrel maker and Schuetzen competitor, Harry Pope. First published in the periodical Arms and... ...Read More >

My interest in black powder cartridge rifles began when I booked a buffalo hunt two years ago. I realized I just could not shoot a buffalo with a high-powered rifle; that magnificent animal deserved a little more effort on my part. So, I bought a ... ...Read More >

The men were questioned individually or gave formal depositions at various locations and dates. This is the final deposition article of this series. The information provided about the circumstances surrounding the battle of Adobe Walls, the differences in memory and styles of testimony, along with the general history of the great buffalo hunt certainly make them interesting reading and worth repeating here. William “Billy” Dixon has assumed almost mythical status as the yardstick by which all buffalo hunters are measured. We conclude this series with Dixon’s deposition. ...Read More >

Ruminations of a Life Long Bullet Caster&Preparation of Match Ammunition for Black Powder Cartridge RiflesOne simply cannot have too many reference books if he is a serious rifleman. Keeping accurate records of your own shooting and reviewing ... ...Read More >

Starline Brass was recently announced as the top reloading brass case brand by Southwick Associates from its 2017 Hunting & Shooting Participation and Equipment Purchases Report. More than 20,000 hunters and shooters were surveyed to identify the most purchased brands in the market and Starline was selected as the leading brass case brand for reloading. ...Read More >