AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Black Powder Shooting => Topic started by: bob in the woods on March 15, 2025, 10:08:52 PM
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For those who are interested in matchlocks, I picked up a few pieces of horseshoe fungus from the woods, and the light brown layer beneath the outer shell works super well as a source of ignition.instead of the usual match cord . It burns very hot, and the ignition is fast. It lights quickly, so I plan to keep a length installed in the lock, and then light it when I spot a deer or perhaps even a bear this year.
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thats some serious dedication!! ;) I can barely keep a shot on target with percussion. Trying to light the cord for a matchlock while keeping track of game too? I'd be a quivering mess!
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Bob,
I used to be a member on the 'other channel;' but log in and and passwords got so bad for me I quit.
I'd re set a password, have it all writ down and good, then they would tell me it was wrong. (Again!)
Anyway, we had a good bit of info on there about tinder for the locks
In Swedish the older Tinder-locks were called "Swamples Lit" Mushroom locks!
The earlier snapping matchlock was known as a Tinder lock, as the jaws of the serpent were small and could not take a length of match cord.
Normally a length of cord was kept lit, to light the pieces of tinder that were used for just one shot.
As you say it burns hot with a very good coal. The best part of the horseshoe fungus is that part that looks like cork, rather than the spores.
It doesn't need treating to work, just dried naturally in a sunny window for instance.
Dried in an oven hurts it so best avoided.
I think you are aware Bob, of Michael Tromner's threads on the Ethnographic or Viking sword Forum, re matchlocks.
Michael knew more than the rest of us put together.
(https://i.ibb.co/Z1Wh6h88/DSCN2767.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zHGShSRR)
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I have never had any experience with matchlocks but found them interesting after the movie ( Black Robe ) IIRC the name.
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Our own Justin Urbantis shot a deer in Ill(?) with a matchlock. Justin, Oh Justin, got a picture, buddy?
Bob - I think you'll do just fine.
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Our own Justin Urbantis shot a deer in Ill(?) with a matchlock. Justin, Oh Justin, got a picture, buddy?
Bob - I think you'll do just fine.
I watched a video presentation by Larry Horrigan re 17th and 18th C guns in the Great Lakes area, and he talked about shooting a deer with his matchlock. I'll be hunting from an elevated platform, so I don't think using a matchlock will present much of a problem.
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From the discussion that Pukka, myself and others had about Tinder fungus on that other Forum, here is how it burns, just by drying out, no nitrating or even peeing on it.
(https://i.ibb.co/Fkh3sW34/IMG-4653.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LD0RQPRd)
@Pukka Bundook - I had wondered why I haven’t seen you online in a while, I was hoping you were OK, or maybe you were out farming. Now I know I can reach you here. I wish you well!
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Here's some pics of my matchlock deer. I got her on opening day of muzzleloader season in Georgia back in 2007 I think. 40 yard shot from the tree stand .735 round ball and probably like 80 grains of ffg. Hit a little high in the shoulder, but I got both lungs.
(https://i.ibb.co/bGwJGh8/20250316-190952.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Lsj5sw2)
(https://i.ibb.co/Q7NmLtRs/20250316-191006.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vCPzpRG2)
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Here's the video.
https://youtu.be/YhNTB_4DjDg?si=diK5LOGHfOeki4A_
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Flintsmoothie,
Good to see you here my friend!
I miss the other spot but it was a pain.
Couldn't contact the mods as they said password was insecure and to reset it.
I followed their instructions numerous times to no avail,
Finally a fellow member told the admin what was going on, and it all seemed to work fine with new password, but next time it said it was wrong and showed stars for Old password. Neither worked so I said B***** it!
I also got a muley buck with my sear locked matchlock. It was about 85 yards but went right through him. (62 cal, -20 bore)
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Cool beans, guys. Justin, you might be the only person ever to shoot a deer with a matchlock in Georgia.
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I'm super happy to sees many responding to this post, since the early gun just fascinate me ! I do fully intend to hunt with mine this year, and I do believe that this may be more popular than most folks think. I know that Isaac Walters , whom some of you may know, successfully harvested a deer or two with his Harquebus.
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For those who are interested in matchlocks, I picked up a few pieces of horseshoe fungus from the woods, and the light brown layer beneath the outer shell works super well as a source of ignition.instead of the usual match cord . It burns very hot, and the ignition is fast. It lights quickly, so I plan to keep a length installed in the lock, and then light it when I spot a deer or perhaps even a bear this year.
Does the fire from the vent blow the fungus from the cock?
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My impression is that it would disappear upon ignition.
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From the discussion that Pukka, myself and others had about Tinder fungus on that other Forum, here is how it burns, just by drying out, no nitrating or even peeing on it.
Wouldn't you do that to put it out?
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Do what Daryl?
No, Waksupi, the serpent clamps it firmly so I have never had it blow out from the touchhole blast.
Match-cord will often blow out the jaws though!
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The bold print in this quote.
From the discussion that Pukka, myself and others had about Tinder fungus on that other Forum, here is how it burns, just by drying out, no nitrating or even peeing on it.
Wouldn't you do that to put it out?
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AH!
Yep, that would do it Daryl!
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I recently received an arquebus that Brixia Firearms is offering. I was planning to hunt deer with it, but have discovered it is not a recognized form of ignition for muzzleloaders in NJ. I’m in the process of trying to get Fish and Wildlife to also include wheel locks and matchlocks. I’m sure they think I’m crazy. Glad to see there are other less stable folks out there as well! 😜
Tom
(https://i.ibb.co/wFhK3Wrd/IMG-0634.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dw4Q12Jf)
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Yes Tommykid,
Besides the Normal, there are people like us here!
Like our old mate M, Or Rudyard says, "The only way forward its backwards!".
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At this rate, I’ll be throwing spears at the deer before long! 😜
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We have a friend up here (a guide and outfitter) who borrowed a spear from Taylor, practiced with it over the summer, then killed his fall black bear with it.
He said shooting them with a bow was getting boring.
He also said fit boot fit into the entrance hole & the bear just collapsed.
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Tommy,
After spear, its rocks, then sharpen your teeth..
;)
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"Earlier" Brits and Germans had hunting swords for killing stags "brought to bay" by dogs.
I've always thought of a spear with cross tree, and used with a sword for bears.
Too old now, but had those thoughts for an exciting hunt, some 30years ago.
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This has drifted a wee bit off coarse, and I'm almost afraid to admit to this .....but now that you mention it ;D ;D ;D
(https://i.ibb.co/LDWWwVLs/P1010095.jpg) (https://ibb.co/My44TFYJ)
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The little dude behind the shield looks a bit spooked, Bob!
My own boar lance has the cross, Daryl.
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Oh yeah!!
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Has anyone done any sort of experimenting regarding the process they used to make their slow match vs burn rate? As we know, there are a number of different “recipes” out there, but I was curious if anything more than anecdotal evidence has been presented. I know this isn’t an exact science, but my newbie-to-this scientific brain can’t help itself. I have some cordage arriving today and plan to do some trial and error, myself. Didn’t want to reinvent the wheel, though.
Thanks,
Tom
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Yahoo
(https://i.ibb.co/d00YmcgZ/IMG-8220.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GvvSHJTm)
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The best you can get is twisted hemp, Tommy.
It when cured burns nice and hot and a large coal.
Susan Wallace used to sell it in 100 yards balls. (Silver Shuttle, Memphis TN, but not sure if they are still in business.
It stays twisted when burning.
I tried in in potash, but needed a good wash afterwards or it burned too fast and fizzled.
Tried it in gunpowder, boiled , then laid to dry. Worked V well. brush it through your hands after drying.
takes the bits off the surface that can fizzle off where you don't want them.
A handful of gunpowder to a gallon or so of water.
Any slow match should be laid to dry, otherwise the solution runs to the ends if hanging.
Never used lead acetate myself.
It slows the burn rate.
Mine burns an inch in 5 minutes. Wood ashes in solution, and matchcord boiled in it works as well as most.
(https://i.ibb.co/ZpYXBnwc/DSCN2771.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NdmC98kW)
(https://i.ibb.co/ynq2PpZL/DSCN2897.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5WLZ4kSq)
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Thank you. Maybe it’s me, but I’m having issues finding braided or twisted hemp. When I search, it get results for jute and manila. I’m not sure if that’s a form of hemp or something entirely different. I ended up with braided cotton to try, initially. I found a number for Silver Shuttle and will call to see if they are still in business.
Have you ever used straight potassium nitrate? I know that’s a component of black powder, but cheaper. I do have some hardwood ashes on hand. I was thinking of trying a few different things. Boiling in the ash solution and then trying with and without the potassium nitrate. Maybe with the potassium nitrate alone, as well. Down another rabbit hole I go!
Tom
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Can't help with slow match, but can tell you hemp and jute are derived from distinctly different plants.
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With straight potash Tom, don't overdo it, as it burns too fast.
That's what I used for a start and a spark would set the matchcord to smoking in different places,
If its washed afterwards it slows it down, or a weaker initial solution.
I forget my mix at the moment, as I made a fair bit different ways so not needed to make any for years!
yes, hemp is hemp, and the others are not.
I will look for the same stuff I have, see if I can find a supplier. Burnley and Trowbridge maybe?
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Simmering some cordage in the ash solution as I type this. Doesn’t quite smell like Mom’s home cooking 😜
Tom
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With straight potash Tom, don't overdo it, as it burns too fast.
That's what I used for a start and a spark would set the matchcord to smoking in different places,
If its washed afterwards it slows it down, or a weaker initial solution.
I forget my mix at the moment, as I made a fair bit different ways so not needed to make any for years!
yes, hemp is hemp, and the others are not.
I will look for the same stuff I have, see if I can find a supplier. Burnley and Trowbridge maybe?
Thank you!
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LLet us know how it goes, Tom..
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Will do. I have some soaking in potassium nitrate right now. I put 4 teaspoons in 2 quarts of water to start. The ash solution treated is still damp, but I had heard on the other forum that similar Cotten braided rope unraveled while burning for someone. I lit some untreated cordage and didn’t have that issue. Hopefully, the treated will act similarly.
Tom
(https://i.ibb.co/cX7ZYDZq/IMG-8229.jpg) (https://ibb.co/84SfY6fk)
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My impression is that it would disappear upon ignition.
As Pukka said, with a clamp-type serpentine it holds pretty well and in snap locks, the tinder (especially long pieces wet, pounded flat, twisted & dried like short cigar) hold in the jaws much better than cordage.
To the other comments … time to break out my Atlatl, lol!
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The last time I used mine, was with Taylor. I overdid it and ended up with tendinitis in the right forearm.
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Never could make sense of an atlatl myself, Daryl! everything I aimed at was safe and what I didn't aim at wasn't.
Tom,
Hard to tell but solution may be a bit weak, as I don't see a good red coal on the end.
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Oh, the pic was of untreated cordage. I haven’t tested the treated stuff as of yet.
Tom