How To Clean A Hawken Rifle

Published on February 17, 2018
Duration: 18:52

This guide details the proper cleaning procedure for a Hawken rifle, applicable to most muzzleloaders. It covers disassembly, using a 'Moose Milk' solvent (Ballistol and water), flushing the bore with hot water, scrubbing with a .54 caliber brush, and meticulous oiling with Ballistol for rust protection. Reassembly includes applying anti-seize to nipple threads.

Quick Summary

To clean a Hawken rifle, first disassemble it and wipe down parts. Apply 'Moose Milk' (1 part Ballistol, 5 parts water) to loosen fouling. Flush the .54 caliber bore with hot water, scrub with a brush, and patch dry. Oil all parts with Ballistol, including a final wet patch in the bore for rust protection.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Hawken Rifle Cleaning
  2. 00:23Disassembling the Hawken Rifle
  3. 01:17Initial Dry Wipe Technique
  4. 02:08Applying 'Moose Milk' Solvent
  5. 03:12Flushing and Scrubbing the Bore
  6. 04:18Patching the Bore Clean
  7. 07:16Cleaning the Breech and Action
  8. 10:18Oiling and Rust Protection
  9. 13:37Cleaning the Nipple
  10. 15:00Reassembly Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'Moose Milk' used for in muzzleloader cleaning?

'Moose Milk' is a cleaning solvent mixture, typically 1 part Ballistol to 5 parts water. It's sprayed onto the action, hammer, triggers, nipple, and wedge of a Hawken rifle to soak and loosen black powder fouling before cleaning.

How do you properly clean the bore of a Hawken rifle?

After flushing the bore with hot water, use a .54 caliber bore brush to scrub the rifling. Alternate running dry patches with Moose Milk-soaked patches through the bore until they come out clean, followed by dry patches.

What is the best way to protect a cleaned Hawken rifle from rust?

Apply straight Ballistol lubricant to the action and exterior barrel. Then, run a patch heavily soaked in Ballistol slowly down the bore to provide long-term rust protection for the internal surfaces.

Why is it important to use anti-seize grease during Hawken rifle reassembly?

Applying anti-seize grease to the nipple threads before reinstallation is crucial. It prevents the threads from seizing or locking up, making future disassembly much easier and preventing damage to the nipple and breech plug.

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