Help with smooth bore (Brown Bess)

[SHARPS4953]

Im gonna try shooting my Italian Brown Bess a couple times at individuals next season. Can someone help with the loading procedures for a Bess? Ive shot it in the past using 75 cal ball and patch or paper wadding, I know they are not legal for NSSA shoots. Are 69 cal balls used in this case? what is the lubing procedure for smooth bore, Sorry im smooth bore competition ignorant..lol

Also are SAC cards still needed for any BrBss?
thanks

Scott
1st Main H.A.

[Michael Bodner]

Flintlock rules are as follows. Other folks will undoubtedly chime in regarding ball size and lube....


20.2.1 LOADING FLINTLOCKS (added 08/05)
a. Before loading or reloading, the leather frizzen cover must be placed over the frizzen.
b. The cover must remain in place until the loading process is complete and the arm is at the horizontal and ready to be primed.
c. NOTE: the flintlock must not be primed until the loading procedure is completed.
d. Loading shall proceed, and rule 20.2 shall be observed.
e. After loading is complete and the arm is at the horizontal, the frizzen cover shall be removed and the priming charge poured into the pan.


20.14 CLEARING FLINTLOCK ARMS
a. When the competitor is finished with his/her target and prior to leaving the line, the competitor shall prove that the arm is unloaded by placing the ramrod in the barrel and noting how much extends from the barrel and then withdrawing the ramrod from the barrel and placing the ramrod alongside the barrel, demonstrating that there is not room for a charge in the barrel.
b. The ramrod must extend at least to the touch hole.
c. When the inspection is complete, the competitor may retire from the firing line.


20.14.1 FLINTLOCK ARMS REQUIRED SAFETY FEATURES
a. Flintlock arms must be equipped with a flash guard to direct the flash from the touch hole upwards.
b. This is to protect the other competitors on the firing line.
c. The flash guard must be made of metal at least .058" thick.
d. Each competitor shooting a flintlock arm also must have a leather frizzen cover in place on the frizzen while loading.
e. The frizzen cover should be attached to the trigger guard by a leather thong.