Thompson Center Hawken 50 Cal Muzzleloader Manual ◉

Thompson Center Hawken .50 Caliber Muzzleloader: Complete Owner’s Manual & User Guide Introduction The Thompson Center (T/C) Hawken .50 caliber percussion muzzleloader is one of the most iconic black powder rifles ever produced. Modeled after the legendary plains rifles of the 19th century, the T/C Hawken combines traditional styling with modern manufacturing precision. This manual covers safe operation, loading, cleaning, and maintenance for standard .50 caliber T/C Hawken models (caplock, not flintlock unless specified). WARNING: Black powder and muzzleloaders can cause severe injury or death if mishandled. Read this entire manual before loading or firing. Section 1: Specifications

Caliber: .50 Barrel Length: Typically 28 inches (octagonal) Twist Rate: 1:48 (compromise rate for both round ball and conical bullets) Ignition: Percussion cap (#11 or musket cap with adapter) Overall Length: Approx. 45 inches Weight: Approx. 8.5 lbs Stock: American walnut (select models had synthetic) Sights: Adjustable rear (buckhorn) and blade front

Section 2: Safety Rules (Read First)

Always treat the rifle as loaded. Use only black powder or approved substitutes (Pyrodex, Triple Seven). Never use smokeless powder – it will explode the barrel. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Never cap the nipple until ready to fire. Check for obstructions before loading each time. Wear shooting glasses and ear protection. Never smoke or have open flames near black powder. After firing, wait at least 30 seconds before reloading (in case of hangfire). Clean the rifle thoroughly the same day it is fired. Black powder residue is corrosive. thompson center hawken 50 cal muzzleloader manual

Section 3: Parts Identification (Hawken Model)

Stock (walnut) Barrel (octagonal, .50 cal) Nipple (on breech plug) Hammer (external, side-mounted) Lockplate (percussion lock) Trigger guard (double set triggers – front trigger sets rear trigger) Rib (under-barrel, holds ramrod pipes) Ramrod (wood or synthetic) Rear sight (adjustable) Front sight Wedges (keys that hold barrel to stock – usually 2)

Section 4: Loading Instructions Required Equipment: Thompson Center Hawken

.490 or .495 diameter lead round ball (or .50 caliber conical bullet) Pre-lubricated patch (for round ball) or bore butter Black powder (FFg or equivalent substitute) Powder measure (never pour from flask directly into barrel) #11 percussion caps Short starter Ball puller (for emergencies)

Step-by-Step Loading:

Ensure rifle is not capped. Run a dry patch down the bore to confirm no obstruction. Pour measured powder charge (see Section 5 for charge weights). Use a powder measure – typical starting load: 60-80 grains FFg. Place patch over muzzle , center a round ball (hollow sprue up). Use short starter to push ball 1/4 inch into bore. Cut off excess patch (optional but traditional). Ram the ball down with ramrod in one smooth, continuous motion. Ball should seat firmly against powder (no air gap). Place #11 percussion cap on nipple. Set the rear trigger (if using set trigger) or pull front trigger directly. WARNING: Black powder and muzzleloaders can cause severe

For conical bullets (e.g., Maxi-Ball): No patch needed. Lubricate bullet grooves and seat directly on powder. Section 5: Recommended Powder Charges (.50 Cal T/C Hawken) | Projectile | Powder Type | Starting Load | Maximum Load | | ------------------- | ------------- | ------------- | ------------ | | .490 Round Ball | FFg Black | 60 gr | 90 gr | | .490 Round Ball | Pyrodex RS | 60 gr (vol) | 85 gr (vol) | | 370-385 gr Maxi-Ball| FFg Black | 70 gr | 100 gr | | 370-385 gr Maxi-Ball| Pyrodex RS | 70 gr (vol) | 95 gr (vol) | Note: Never exceed 100 grains of FFg black powder or equivalent. Stick to published data. Section 6: Trigger Adjustment (Double Set Triggers) The T/C Hawken features double set triggers:

Front trigger = Fires the rifle (heavy pull if unset) Rear trigger = Sets the front trigger (makes it hair-light)