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Muzzle Blasts is the Oldest and Best Muzzleloading, Traditional craft, and Living History publication.
We’re now bringing the Muzzle Blasts Magazine into the digital era with our own podcast produced by the NMLRA.
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This week we’re talking with Jason Schneider, owner of Rice Barrel Company. Rice barrels has been known in the muzzleloading world for fine barrels for many years now, and with interest in muzzleloading growing, we wanted to sit down with Jason and learn more about how the record setting Rice Barrels are made.
Jason had a background in machining well before he picked up his first muzzleloader. While at work on day, Jason asked a couple of his coworkers about what they used to hunt with and muzzleloaders quickly came up as a topic of interest for them all. Wanting to know more, Jason was pushed to talk to the Rice brothers about getting started in muzzleloading. At the time, Rice Barrel company was a small side business for the Rice brothers and neither Jason or the Rice brothers knew what the future would hold for all of them.
Jason quickly fell in love with muzzleloading after getting started with hunting season. At the time, he joined two local clubs and began traveling with them to matches across the Carolinas, Tennessee, and even to the NMLRA Nationals in Friendship, Indiana. Though he had experience in competitive shooting from his time as a highpower 1000 yard bench rest shooter, the challenge of muzzleloading sucked him in.
Jason’s interest in hunting pulled him west, where he guided hunters in search of big game in the mountains. After the last hunt of the season, Jason’s first call east was to the Rice Barrel Company, where he hoped he could secure a job to help pay the bills, Rice obliged and offered him some part time work in the shop helping with barrel production. Over time, Jason moved up the ranks in the company and began to oversee production. When the Rice brothers began discussing retirement in the early 2000s, Jason stepped in and purchased the company he had fallen in love with many years before.
Jason has now been running Rice Barrels for over 10 years now. The quality of Rice Barrels remains the same, but some of the technology has changed. Jason invested in several CNC machines to make the production of a variety of new barrel profiles easier, they no longer had to hand develop a pattern or master for each barrel. Expanding on this, Jason developed a set of CNC rifling machines, adding even more precision machining to the well known barrels.
Over the course of the interview Jason and I cover a variety of topics, from muzzleloading to competitive shooting, hunting to plinking. It was great to sit down with Jason, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Visit RiceBarrels.com for more information
Find out more about the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at our website - NMLRA.org
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A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.
We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.
Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.
With concerns over shooting sports and social media growing, we wanted to address things, answer some questions, and hear from you to get some feedback on where you'd like us to be.
Normal episodes return next week, we've got a lot of nice things coming. Hope you enjoy!
Find out more about the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at our website - NMLRA.org
Shop for your muzzleloading supplies with our sponsors
A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.
We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.
Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.
Bob McBride grew up like many young boys dream of growing up, as far north as you can go in the United States, deep in the Alaskan wilderness. With a father who loved the outdoors, Bob’s life revolved around hunting, winter trap lines, fishing, and exploring the Alaskan bush. As a boy, his family would take yearly winter trips north into their winter hunting camps. Most of his time there would be spent hanging around camp playing mountain man until he began hunting and trapping himself around the age of 9.
“School would let out, I’d drop the books, grab a pocket full of shells, and off I went… I was 10 years old and I could be 20 miles down the frozen river, it was like a highway for a little kid.”
As a young adult, Bob would join the Marines and end up in Houston, Texas. He recalls his time in Houston as an oddity in his life, it was such a change from his home now in the mountains of Tennessee and even more of a change from his formative years in Alaska.
Some of Bob’s favorite builders and craftspeople-
Links to Bob’s work
Black Powder TVhttps://www.youtube.com/c/blackpowdertv
Bob@blackpowdertv.com
Bob’s Youtube Recommendations
Duelist 1954- https://www.youtube.com/user/duelist1954
Blackpowder Maniac Shooter - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdLhvCzRayFr8nyZOS7Y1UQ
Leatherwood Outdoors- https://www.youtube.com/user/Leatherwoodoutdoors
Find out more about the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at our website - NMLRA.org
Shop for your muzzleloading supplies with our sponsors
A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.
We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.
Find out more about being a Member
Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.
This week we’re joined by Suzanne Thomson. Suzanne is known for her portrayal of “Mad Anne Bailey” at living history events all over the United States, but during a year without events, she’s been able to focus more on her organization, “Outdoor Wilderness Ladies”. We talk about that and more on today’s episode of the Muzzle Blasts Podcast.
Suzanne got started in living history by attending local muzzleloading clubs and rendezvous. Being a long time hunter with modern arms, Suzanne loved the competitive muzzleloading aspect of these events, but also the friendships in the evening around camp. Once she was hooked, Suzanne got a hold of a Thompson Center Renegade to shoot with. Her love of muzzleloading changed how she hunted as well, with her Renegade replacing her modern arms to bring more of a challenge to the hunting season.
As living history took up more and more of her free time, Suzanne took interest in the “School of the Longhunter” program at Prickett’s Fort. There she was inspired by author Mark Baker to dive deeper into the history of the United States and the people that started it. She left the School of the Longhunter with an armful of books and ambitions to share the history she loved with as many as she could. Suzanne loves the historic portrayals done by John and Carol Jarboe, Steve Caudill, and Mel Hankla. She would strive to bring a similar quality to her efforts.
*Suzanne misspoke when she said Anne rode to Fort Lee to get gun powder, Anne rode to Fort Savannah and returned to Fort Lee. She also implied Gallipolis was in Virgina or West Viginia. Gallipolis is located in Ohio. Suzanne did not mean to insinuate in any way that it was Mark Baker was the famous guy who uninvited her on a trek."
To follow more of Suzanne's work check out these links below
OWL:
http://www.outdoorwildernessladies.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/MadAnneBailey
https://www.facebook.com/MadAnneBailey1791
Email:
MadAnneBailey@gmail.com
Find out more about the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at our website - NMLRA.org
Shop for your muzzleloading supplies with our sponsors
A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.
We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.
Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.
From the Muzzle Blasts Archives, 1990, this story from Jean A Taylor-Starr recounts the tale of the first annual muzzleloading moose hunt in Lake of the Woods, Ontario Canada.
The first annual muzzleloading moose hunt and Rendezvous in Lake of the Woods, Ontario, Canada was held amidst the vibrant October color of 1989. Based out of the small village of Sioux Narrows, Ontario, and organized by Dean Crist, this was a new adventure for most of the participants.
The area we hunted is a striking mosaic of inland waterways, islands, and quaint towns with a rural laid-back atmosphere. Sioux Narrows consists of several businesses including lodges with boat rentals and numerous docks for said boats, public, private, and government.
Find out more about the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at our website - NMLRA.org
Shop for your muzzleloading supplies with our sponsors
A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.
We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.
Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.
This week we’re talking with Ian Egbert, an active muzzleloading and blackpowder cartridge shooting competitor. Ian was drawn to the history of muzzleloaders after attending a civil war battle reenactment at 8 or 9 years old, but soon fell in love with shooting and competing with blackpowder. At the age of 14 he acquired his first muzzleloader, falling in love all over again. As a young adult, Ian became active in the NSSA ( North/South Skirmish Association. Returning to his roots, Ian participated in NSSA Matches with muzzleloaders from 50 to 100 yards for many years.
14 years ago however, he was drawn to a different type of blackpowder shooting, blackpowder cartridge. After seeing photos and hearing stories about the NMLRA 1,000 yard matches, Ian knew this was something he wanted to shoot. Now, at the age of 39, Ian eats, breathes and lives competitive blackpowder cartridge shooting by practicing, developing his own loads and traveling to matches around the eastern half of the United States.
During our talk, Ian goes into detail about his rifles, loads, practice regime and more, but we’re giving you a basic run down below.
Ian shoots one of three rifles depending on the match and how he’s feeling.
C. Sharps High wall, in 45-70 set up for iron sights or a scope, this has been his main rifle for 2020
Shiloh, which he admittedly hasn’t used much lately.
CTA rifle as a backup iron sighted rifle.
When using a scope, he’s enjoying his DZ Arms 8 power scope, it gives him enough to see and isn’t distractingly overpowered. He’s using paper patched bullets, with a 14:1 Lead to tin ratio. While his bullets aren’t pure lead, Ian mentions that this is a historic recipe used by BPCR shooters in the late 1800s. The tin brings a low level of hardness to the lead, making sure the nose of the bullet does not crumple and stays aerodynamic in flight. In the past Ian primarily used 81 grains of Swiss 1 1/2f blackpowder, but this year he's been using Swiss 2f with great success. In his 45-70 rifle, this load is flying at 1300 fps out of his rifle’s 33” barrel.
We’ve been following more BPCR matches this year as they picked up in the summer and it was great to follow the shooters progress around the country. If you are interested in lat 1800’s blackpowder history, blackpowder competition, or just learning how to be a better shooter, you’ll enjoy this podcast.
Thanks again to Ian for coming on the show, and special thanks to his wife Deanna Egbert, for sharing her photos from the 2020 matches.
Find out more about the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at our website - NMLRA.org
Shop for your muzzleloading supplies with our sponsors
A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.
We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.
Find out more about being a Member
Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.
** The audio is a bit rough in this one, sorry folks. It was a damp, windy morning during the interview. We're working on upgrading our equipment to better deal with conditions like these**
One year to the day later, we’re back at the frontier home of Eli Froedge and Jason Jacobs as they recover from another expedition in their dugout canoe. In 2019, the pair set out to travel the Wabash river, not far from Eli’s home, south into the Ohio River.
After 6 days of cooking under the summer heat on the Wabash, they pulled to shore and ended the trek for this year. Jason noted that the trip was wonderful, but played out a bit like a Navy SEAL Challenge. They left the river with their heads high, knowing they had survived for 6 days on the river, a feat not earned by many.
Fast forward to September of 2020, the group announced they would be continuing their expedition in an effort to complete last year’s goal. This year the pair had some more friends to join in on the adventure. Keith and Jen Syers of “Ramshackle Homestead and Survival” would join them in a period homemade bateau, and Heath Hoffmann & son who joined in on part of the trip last year will be joining Eli and Jason once again in their canoe.
The paddle driven armada put in north of New Harmony, Indiana, setting their sights on the Ohio River.
During the 4 day trek, the team covered a total of 80 miles of water, performed a water rescue the Coast Guard would be proud of, traversed class A rapids, and created a lot of memories with good friends. Listen to their full interview now on the official NMLRA youtube channel, or in the latest episode of the Muzzle Blasts Podcast.
Find out more about the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at our website - NMLRA.org
Shop for your muzzleloading supplies with our sponsors
A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.
We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.
Find out more about being a Member
Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.
Hodgdon Powder Company is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Ramshot and Accurate smokeless powder brands and the Blackhorn 209 muzzleloader brand from Western Powders. This acquisition is effective October 1, 2020, with the company set to immediately begin shipping these new products to wholesale and retail customers. “This acquisition of the Ramshot and Accurate brands further solidifies our portfolio of smokeless brands and products for our handloading end users,” said Steve Kehrwald, president and CEO of Hodgdon Powder Company. “And the addition of Blackhorn 209 to our world-class muzzleloading brands like Pyrodex and Triple Seven uniquely positions us to serve the muzzleloading consumer. With these brands, we also add the capabilities of an additional ballistics lab to continue developing the data our customers demand from our Reloading Data Center tool and publications like our Annual and Basic Manuals.”
“Hodgdon has always been a strong competitor in the reloading powders industry,” said Doug Phair of Western Powders. “The Hodgdon family has built a robust company. Ramshot, Accurate and Blackhorn 209 will make excellent additions to the Hodgdon family of powders.” “For years, our friends have referred to the Hodgdon family and company as ‘The Gunpowder People’ and this acquisition is another example of our dedication to the handloader and muzzleloader hunter,” said J.B. and Bob Hodgdon, co-owners and sons of the founder of the Hodgdon Powder Company. “We have experience in acquiring the IMR Powder brand in 2003, the Winchester Powder license in 2005 and the GOEX brand in 2009 and we plan to put this experience to use in expanding the reach and customer base of the Ramshot, Accurate and Blackhorn 209 brands.”
Find out more about the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at our website - NMLRA.org
Shop for your muzzleloading supplies with our sponsors
A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.
We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.
Find out more about being a Member
In this episode, talk with contemporary craftsman Ian Pratt. Ian has spent the better part of the last 20 years building iron mounted long rifles.
Learn more about how Lucas Oil is working to promote shooting sports
As a younger man, Ian saved up enough money and took some time off work to attend the NMLRA / WKU Seminar to learn Lock Building from Jim Chambers. During any break in the class, Ian would run across the hall to catch bits from the House Brothers classes. From there he traveled to their home shop to chat and learn before stepping out to develop his own style of rifle building.
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Since taking those classes, Ian and his wife Maryellen have started teaching their own classes in a variety of locations. Both Ian and his wife teach classes at the Log Cabin Shop in Lodi Ohio, as well as at Canter's Cave in Southern Ohio with the Southern Ohio Artisans Guild. If you like Ian's work and want to see it in person, you can find him behind a table and in the crowd at several events during the year including the large CLA show in the fall, as well as several other "Mini" CLA Shows through the year.
Washington Hatfield Rifle at RIA
Gunmaker’s Workshop with Ian Pratt and Ken Gahagen
Ian’s profile at Southern Ohio Artisans
Kentucky Rifle Foundation Scholarship
Places to study traditional crafts
Find out more about the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at our website - NMLRA.org
Shop for your muzzleloading supplies with our sponsors
A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.
We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.
This week we're joined by Jordan Walsh of "Best of the West, The Rifleman". At just 26 years old, host Jordan Walsh enters his fifth season of outdoor television production. Airing for the first time in the United States, Walsh aims to bring viewers on adventure-packed hunts all around the world while still remaining true to his Western Canadian roots and his hunting beliefs of spending time in the field with family and friends.
This season, Jordan is hunting exclusively with the new muzzleloading rifle from "Best of the West". Listen today to hear some of his stories about hunting, starring in a hunting show, and how COVID 19 has changed the television and hunting industries around the world.
Watch Jordan on the Sportsman Channel
Listen to this episode on youtube
Learn more about how Lucas Oil is working to promote shooting sports
Find out more about the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at our website - NMLRA.org
Shop for your muzzleloading supplies with our sponsors
A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.
We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.
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