Every time I shoot a round of clays using black powder loads, those who have never seen it used are truly surprised by how well the loads work. On clays or feathers they are very efficient. For those who might think of using black powder but are concerned about clean up, It really is very easy. I use a brass muzzle loading jag which I have turned down in my drill press using a file to give a nice snug fit with my patch of choice that will pass through the barrels. Dismount the barrels and using dish soap and hot water in a plastic dish pan, I pump a few wet patches several times through the tubes followed by a good brush and a few more patches to clean the fouling. Dry them with paper towel squares or more patches and then use a nitro solvent with patches and brush until clean. When clean I use another patch with nitro solvent and leave them overnight. Dry patch or two followed by a patch with Slip 2000 and done. Only takes a few minutes of extra time for the enjoyment provided by using black powder ammunition. The important thing is correctly fitting the jag, snug but not too snug. Do not be afraid of having fun with black powder loads as it really is very easy to load and clean afterward.
