How did 1800s men clean their muzzleloader?

Answer 1

For the most part cleaning of muzzle loaders has not changed. Some of the cleaning products have changed or evolved, but the methods remain. A quick cleaning out in the woods or between battles was done by using the ramrod and a cleaning jag,( looks like a large button with ribs around the edges that screws onto the ramrod ) and running dampened ( with hot or warm water if available ) cloth up and down the barrel , followed by dry cloth and finally a cloth soaked in lard or fat to keep the barrel from rusting. The other method involved hot soapy water being poured in the barrel and much the same procedure as above was used after the the solution had softened the fouling caused by the black powder and lead. The tools were what ever was available or had been made by the gun owner, screwdrivers brushes picks ect. and an oiled cloth to keep the exterior clean and rust free.