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White

ThunderBolt

Instruction Manual

And Pan-American Copyright Conventions

Congratulations! You now own the most advanced

Muzzleloading rifle available today.

Your WHITE muzzleloading firearm is designed with the goal of providing you with an affordable and technologically advanced muzzleloading firearm that does not compromise safety, strength or effectiveness. Your WHITE in-line bolt-action muzzleloading firearm will serve you for a lifetime.

Thank you for purchasing our muzzleloading rifles, bullets and accessories. White Rifles LLC, along with Doc White, are proud to have developed these new high performance muzzleloading rifles, bullets and accessories. Our in-line muzzleloading rifles provide true muzzleloading designs with modern applied technological innovation. We call it “Design Integrated Performance.” The results are revolutionizing the muzzleloading industry.

You have purchased the Model 02 ThunderBolt which is the finest in-line bolt-action percussion muzzleloading rifle ever produced. At the heart of each WHITE rifle is Doc White’s New “White Muzzleloading System.” Doc White’s system redefines muzzleloading performance with the most advanced technology that has come to muzzleloading in the past 100 years. The system approaches muzzleloading “holistically,” in that it takes formerly separate systems, (i.e., bullet, rifling, ignition, locktime, recoil, and overall gun design), and interlocks them into one functionally interdependent yet functionally elegant system. Just pick up your new WHITE muzzleloading rifle. You will notice its safeties, functionality, pointability and superb balance. Go to the range and you will see and feel what easy loading, reduced recoil, reduced locktime, shot to shot consistency, and down range accuracy really means. When you take it hunting, be prepared to stare in astonishment as big game collapse under the incredible knockdown power of PowerPunch and PowerStar bullets. You will soon feel the pride and satisfaction of harvesting big game cleanly, reducing wounding loss and conserving our precious wildlife resources. When you get back from the range or field, you will still have WHITE working for you: reducing maintenance and cleaning to one simple little word - easy! White’s Performance Integration and Doc White’s System do it all for you! With your new muzzleloading firearm purchase it is now your exclusively from WHITE Rifles.

At White, we see little point in chasing the imaginary claims and advertising hyperbole of others. There’s no redemption in muzzleloading products that violate the muzzleloading envelope. We practice pure and simple muzzleloading theology. As a result, we are blessed with true muzzleloading rifle performance and the peace of mind that comes from being at the pinnacle of muzzleloading performance. No gimmicks, no gadgets, no tricks. Just functionally elegant muzzleloading rifles built the time proven way with Advanced Technology, Advanced Designs, Advanced Materials and Advanced Workmanship!

Remember, Design Integrated Performance and the WHITE Muzzleloading System, from our employees to you: anything less than perfection is not an option.

How to Contact Us

If You Need Help, Call Us. If you wish further help or information concerning your WHITE muzzleloading rifle, please write of call the White Rifles LLC Customer Service Department at:

White Rifles

PO Box 1044

Orem , Utah 84059

Phone: 801-785-6655

Fax: 801-932-7959

Help@whiteRifles.com

Send Us Your Stories & Pictures

We want to hear from you. Send us your hunting stories and pictures. We always enjoy seeing our customers’ success and hearing about their hunting adventures. Send them to the above mentioned address or post them on the White Rifles Chat Room or Trophy Room. www.whiterifles.com

1. A Message From Doc

2. Safety

3. ThunderBolt Rifle Description

4. Disassembly and Reassembly

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

6. Loading and Shooting

7. Bullets, Ballistics, and Powders

8. Answers to Common Questions

9. Shooting

Appendix A - Limited Warranty

Appendix B - Ballistics Table

SECTION 1 - A Message From Doc White

Thank you for purchasing our product. My name is Gary “Doc” White. I was born in the West better than 60 years ago and started hunting before I was a boy scout. It just seemed natural to take to the fields and mountains every day I was out of school. I fell in love with old guns and was soon enmeshed in traditional muzzleloading.

I built my first muzzleloader before I was 16 and have made hundreds since. It was natural to use the guns I made and the old-time guns I collected for hunting, and I became extremely familiar with the quirks and problems of hunting with primitive single shot arms.

The first rifles I built were frank copies of the old originals, both in flintlock and percussion; that is, until I read Greener’s Guns, noting his comments on Jean Samuel Pauly, a displaced Swiss who took out a British patent in 1812 for an in-line percussion action complete with coil spring. All the current fuss over modern looking muzzleloaders is just ridiculous. Coil springed, in-line action muzzle-guns are just as “authentic” and “traditional” as any other side-look muzzleloading long arm.

This knowledge tickled my imagination and I had an in-line rifle designed and shooting by the early 1970's. It proved to have many handling and safety advantages over more primitive muzzleloaders, the best being that it shot as well as any black powder rifle in the same caliber, handled as slickly as any modern firearm, and had a very positive safety. Now, WHITE’s new muzzleloading lineup with the White Muzzleloading System is at the pinnacle of muzzleloading development yet remains very much in the muzzleloading envelope. Soon, you too will see why I’m so excited about these rifles.

So get out to the range and get shooting! You have chosen what I consider to be the best muzzleloading rifle ever made. And thank you for choosing to be numbered in the ranks of the many hunters and sportsmen enjoying the benefits of WHITE’s “Muzzleloading System.”

Good Hunting - Gary “Doc” White

SECTION 2 - Safety

WHITE firearms are powerful and can be dangerous without proper handling. Always take proper care of your muzzleloading firearm and handle it with caution and safety so that accidents and injuries do not occur. Before you do anything with your new WHITE muzzleloading firearm, read this instruction book very carefully. Also obey the following code:

• CAREFULLY read this instruction manual

• ONLY use Pyrodex, Black Powder, Clearshot, Cleanshot, or Hodgden 777

• ALWAYS use the White double safety system

• ALWAYS assume the firearm is loaded

• ALWAYS point the firearm downrange and toward a safe area

• ALWAYS wear hearing and eye protection

• ALWAYS be sure bullet is seated on powder charge

• NEVER use “smokeless” propellants in your rifle.

Read This Manual Forget the old adage, “When all else fails, read the instruction manual.” This approach could be dangerous and costly. Remember, your WHITE muzzleloading rifle is a powerful firearm. If used improperly, it is capable of harming you and/or those around you. Read through the entire manual before using your WHITE muzzleloading rifle. Use the table of contents to find the information you need, and always follow the instruction steps carefully.

If you have any problems with your WHITE muzzleloading rifle or have any questions, refer to the “Answers to Common Questions” and the “Troubleshooting” sections first.

DUAL SAFETY SYSTEMS

The Thunder Bolt rifle is equipped with two (2) separate and independent safety systems. These safety systems lock the trigger/ hammer sear or the hammer. Thoroughly acquaint yourself with the operations of these two (2) safety systems.

WARNING! You must have a clear understanding of the operation of both safety systems! Always use these dual safety systems while handling this firearm!

ENGAGING THE SAFETIES

1. Point your muzzleloader in a safe direction.

2. Pull the primary trigger safety lever, located on the right rear side of the receiver, rearward toward the buttstock. This is the primary trigger “SAFE” position.

3. Pull the rear-cocking knob toward the buttstock until it catches. The muzzleloader is now cocked with the primary trigger safety on “SAFE”. The action bolt should be locked in the down position.

4. Continue pulling the hammer cocking knob rearward while turning it clockwise until it stops. Let the hammer-cocking knob down slowly until the safety detent rests in the hammer housing safety detent cutout. This is the secondary hammer block “SAFE” position.

DISENGAGING THE SAFETIES

1. Point your muzzleloader in a safe direction.

2. Pull back on the hammer rear-cocking knob while turning it counter-clockwise. Ease the hammer rear-cocking handle forward to the “Cocked/Fire” position. This is the secondary hammer block safety “FIRE” position. Make sure the action bolt is in the down posititon.

3. Push the primary trigger safety lever forward toward the muzzle. This is the primary safe “FIRE” position. “Your muzzleloading firearm is now ready to FIRE!

(Note: Both safeties must be in the “FIRE” position and the bolt must ne turned down for the firearm to function. If either safety is left on, or the bolt is up, the hammer will not release to ignite the cap.)

SECTION 3 - Thunder Bolt Description

The Thunder Bolt is the newest of the White Muzzleloading rifles and comes with a bolt action and 209 ignition system. (Optional 336 primer system available later) The bolt and hammer is designed to almost completely enclose and seal the 209 shotgun cap. This protects the cap from wet weather conditions and prevents ignition gases from escaping. The rifle was designed specifically for today’s Elite big game hunter. Whether hunting from Alaska’s highest peaks to the African bush, the Thunder Bolt is a unique in-line percussion rifle that blends traditional muzzleloading balance with modern performance and appeal. It is also engineered with all the benefits of the White Muzzleloading System.

The Thunder Bolt has everything needed for a successful hunt, starting with ordnance-grade stainless steel for strength and durability. Its twenty-six inch (26") straight tapered barrel provides traditional balance and pointability, while featuring two (2) ramrod guides for easy operation. The action’s large recoil block and two-point stock engagement system increases accuracy while the stock design minimizes felt recoil with heavy loads. Field stripping the Thunder Bolt is easy and requires no tools. The short throw in-line hammer with rear cocking knob and internal guided coiled hammer spring reduces locktime and is easily removed from the action as a single assembly without tools for easy cleaning.

The Thunder Bolt features WHITE’s new and exclusive Thunder Bolt 209 one-piece nipple/breechplug, or the optional 336 primer breechpulg, which uses a short brass reloadable case for small pistol primer). The Thunder Bolt uses a 209 shotgun primer and increases performance by accelerating flash speed and increasing flash temperature and pressure. The short Thunder Bolt nipple/breechplug drives the cap flame deep into the powder charge, igniting the powder from the inside-out, improving powder ignition and firing dependability, The Thunder Bolt is fitted with a fully adjustable custom trigger set for a crisp, and clean, three and a half to four and a half pound (3 ½ to 4 ½ lb.) trigger release. It is also equipped with custom high visibility, fully adjustable hunting sights and WHITE’s solid aluminum PowerRod™ threaded to 10/32 at both ends for add-on shooting accessories. Each PowerRod™ is equipped with an integral bullet puller and cleaning jag.

The barreled action is perfectly fitted to a smooth black laminate, or checkered black composite stock with recoil pad and sling swivel studs. Each stock features a fourteen inch (14") length of pull, a straight comb for undisturbed sight and a target acquisition, a slender pistol grip for hand comfort and rifle control, and a broad English buttstock for quick shouldering pointability, comfort and felt recoil reduction. The Thunder Bolt is drilled and tapped for easy scope or peep sight mounting, and weighs eight pounds (8 lbs.), depending on stock material. It is covered by WHITE’s Exclusive Limited Lifetime Warranty. Available in standardized caliber of .451 (1-20 twist) and .504 (1 in 24" twist.) Each Thunder Bolt is shipped in a hard Kolpin gun case and includes twenty (20) Power Punch bullets, EasyOut nipple/breechplug wrench and a 5/32 Hex wrench.

SECTION 4 - Disassembly & Reassembly

WARNING! BEFORE DISASSEMBLING OR CLEANING YOUR MUZZLELOADER FIREARM, MAKE SURE IT IS UNLOADED! USE YOUR POWERROD™ TO CHECK!

REMOVING THE BARRELED ACTION

Remove the ramrod.

Remove the large stock screw located at the mid-forestock in front of the trigger guard.

Remove the rear trigger guard screw.

Lift the barreled action out of the stock.

REMOVING THE TRIGGER ASSEMBLY

Turn the barreled action upside down. Put on the secondary safety.

The trigger assembly retaining screw is located at the muzzle end of the trigger assembly. Using the allen wrench provided, turn the trigger assembly retaining screw counterclockwise and remove.

Remove the trigger assembly.

REMOVING THE BOLT ASSEMBLY

Place the primary safety lever located at the right rear side of the receiver in the forward “FIRE” position.

Remove the bolt assembly retaining screw located on the left side of the receiver.

Lift the action bolt upwards until it stops.

Pull the bolt and bolt body/ hammer assembly to the rear and out of the action.

DISASSEMBLY OF THE BOLT BODY/HAMMER ASSEMBLY

While firmly holding the bolt body/hammer assembly housing, pull back on the hammer cocking knob while turning it clockwise to the secondary “SAFE” position.

Using the small hex wrench provided, loosen the small screw located on the forward hammer shroud, then unscrew the hammer shroud, turning it off counterclockwise. This will expose the hammer. Now place the secondary safety in the forward "FIRE" position to take the pressure off the hammer spring.

Unscrew the hammer from the hammer assembly by holding the bolt body/hammer housing in one hand while turning the hammer counterclockwise with the other hand. WARNING! The hammer is under tension from the hammer spring. Remove the hammer carefully!

Remove the exposed hammer and hammer spring from the front of the bolt body/hammer assembly.

Remove the hammer cocking knob/sear and hammer spring guide assembly from the rear of the hammer housing.

Unscrew the rear cocking knob shroud from the bolt body/hammer assembly.

REMOVING THE FLASHFIRE NIPPLE/BREECHPLUG

Insert a White EasyOut Wrench or a 3/8" inch socket and extension into the rear of the receiver and engage the 3/8" hex nut on the Thunder Bolt 209 nipple/breechplug and turn counterclockwise. (A 3/8" box-end wrench may also be used, engaging the hex nut through the Receiver cutout.)

Remove the Thunder Bolt 209 nipple/breechplug from the receiver cutout.

When placing the Thunder Bolt 209 nipple/breechplug back into the barrel, make sure you place EasyOut Grease on the Thunder Bolt 209 nipple/breechplug threads. Do not over-tighten the Thunder Bolt 209 nipple/breechplug. Tighten the Thunder Bolt 209 nipple/breechplug finger tight only, then back out just enouph that the breechplug plus 209 or 336 primer fits snugly against the bolt face

Warning! Over-tightening the Thunder Bolt nipple/breechplug may cause it to seize in place when fired!

RE-ASSEMBLING THE THUNDER BOLT

Reassemble your Thunder Bolt in the following order:

Reinstall the Thunder Bolt 209 nipple/breechplug with EasyOut Grease on the threads.

Reinstall the trigger assembly.

Reinstall the barreled action in the stock.

Reassemble the bolt body/hammer assembly.

Reinstall the bolt body/hammer assembly.

Reinstall the bolt body/hammer assembly retaining screw.

Perform each reassembly step as you did when you removed each part, but in reverse sequence. Here are some helpful tips:

Apply Super Blue Breechplug Grease to the FlashFire nipple/breechplug threads before reassembly.

Carefully align the trigger assembly with the trigger cutout in the receiver. Tighten the trigger assembly securely.

When reassembling the barreled action, tighten the large stock screw in the mid-forearm of the stock first. Then place the rear trigger guard screw in place and tighten. Try to be consistent. Establish a consistent tightness for each screw each time you reassemble.

After reassembling the bolt body/hammer assembly, pull back the hammer and place it in the secondary hammer block safe position.

With the primary trigger safety lever pushed forward in the “Fire” position, pull the trigger while inserting the hammer assembly into the receiver. Remember to align the exposed trigger hammer sear with the hammer sear groove cut into the bottom of the of the hammer assembly housing. After hammer assembly housing inspection, align the bolt body/hammer assembly detent screw hole located on the left rear side of the receiver with the corresponding hole located on the bolt body/hammer assembly housing.

Tighten the bolt body/hammer assembly retaining screw, locking the hammer (bolt) assembly in place.

Once re-assembled, check the Thunder Bolt for proper fit and function. Make sure both safeties and the trigger function properly and safely and that the primer fits snugly against the bolt face

WARNING! Never attempt to remove the barrel from the action or alter the primary or secondary safeties. These items should only be repaired or serviced at the factory.

SECTION 5 -CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

We recommend WHITE WipeAway Cleaning Solution for all your muzzleloading cleaning needs. WipeAway is a powerful black powder and black powder substitute cleaning solution. It will easily remove lead and plastic fowling even without the use of a brush. When used properly it will keep your firearm clean for a lifetime of use and enjoyment.

Receiver and Hammer Cleaning

Dis-assemble the action and remove the Thunder Bolt 209 nipple/breechplug according to the instructions preceding this section.

Place fouled disassembled parts into a WipeAway Cleaning Kit Jar and let soak.

1. While parts are soaking, use the included brush and Pre-Saturated WipeAway Patches to scrub the receiver around the breech cutout free of all powder and black back residue. Also scrub scope mounts and scopes if applicable. Doc’s Medical forceps’s are useful here.

2. After cleaning the receiver, scrub each part that has been soaking until clean. Make sure all powder residue is removed.

3. Dry the receiver and each part, then protect with White’s Water Displacing Oil.

Barrel Cleaning & Oiling

Screw PowerGrip T-Handle onto the PowerRod end opposite from the cleaning jag.

Place a WipeAway Pre-Saturated Patch on the ramrod cleaning jag.

Work the patch back and forth the full length of the barrel. Repeat this step, replacing pre-saturated patches as necessary until barrel is sparkling clean ( 3 to 5 patches should be enough).

Repeat step three above using dry patches until the bore is completely dry and free from cleaning solution residues.

After drying, spray the inside and outside of the barrel and action with White’s Water Displacing Oil.

Run a pre-saturated White’s Water Displacing Oil Patch down the bore with your ramrod/cleaning jag.

If the rifle will be stored for a prolonged time, finish the bore cleaning process by running a patch coated with WHITE PowerLube down the barrel.

Trigger Cleaning & Maintenance

Special attention should be given to the trigger since it is not made of stainless steel and is subject to rust and corrosion. If hunting in inclement conditions, clean, dry and lubricate the trigger assembly often. Make sure you protect the trigger from rust, corrosion and debris.

WARNING! RUST, CORROSION AND DEBRIS CAN CAUSE THE TRIGGER TO FAIL, THEREBY CAUSING THE FIREARM TO MALFUNCTION WHICH MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER AND/OR BYSTANDERS.

Inspect the trigger for function, making sure the safery works correctly and that the sear and trigger move freely..

Scrub away all powder residues and debris, then dry.

Lubricate the trigger sear, trigger and safety plate with White’s Water Displacing Oil.

Inspect for fit and function and re-install on the rifle. Tighten the retaining screw securely.

Reassembly, Inspection & Storage

Now that your WHITE muzzleloading firearm is clean, you can reassemble it following the instructions in the previous Model sections of this manual. After assembly is complete, inspect the sights, ramrod and stock for fit and function. If the rifle will be stored for a long time, then lightly coat the exterior of the muzzleloader with White’s EasyOut Grease.

Keep your WHITE muzzleloading firearm stored with muzzle horizontal or down, in a cool dry place out of the reach of children. Never store it in a leather wool-lined gun case, or with the muzzle up. Muzzle up promotes moisture build up and the collection of oil and debris in the breech area. Your muzzleloading firearm is now clean and ready for your next hunting or shooting adventure.

SECTION 6 - Loading Your New Rifle

Loading

Easy loading is one outstanding feature of WHITE muzzleloading firearms. While the rest of the industry preached the “pound the bullet down the barrel” technique, Doc White invented the White Muzzleloading System, which carefully matches barrel, bullet, and action to precisely deliver easy loading, consistent accuracy, and effective down range performance.

Your WHITE muzzleloading firearm will shoot any conical bullet, saboted/rifle bullet, saboted/pistol bullet, or Patched round ball; but White’s Power-Punch™ conical bullets and patented PowerStar™ Saboted rifle bullets deliver greater accuracy and greater energy at longer distances than any other bullet, sabot, or ball combo currently available.

We recommend Pyrodex Select and 2 Fg 777 powders in the ThunderBolt, but for simplicity’s sake, we will use “Pyrodex” in our text for powder. You may use Pyrodex RS or Select, Arco Black Mag’s Clean Shot, Goex’ ClearShot, or Black Powder in your new WHITE muzzleloading firearm as well, however, you will achieve better performance by using Pyrodex Select or 2Fg 777. Any other black powder substitute will require WHITE’s written approval before use. We do not strongly advocate the use of Pyrodex Pellets. While we find the convenience, ignition, and velocity characteristics of Pyrodex Pellets favorable, our testing has proven Pyrodex Pellets to be somewhat inconsistent and inaccurate especially once they have aged. If you desire to try Pyrodex Pellets, you may do so, however if poor accuracy is experienced, switch back to Pyrodex . We recommend Remington 209-4 shotgun primers; however, for simplicity’s sake, we will use the term “#209 shotgun primer”

WARNING! Carefully read and follow these instructions when loading your WHITE firearm. Never carry a capped and loaded muzzleloader while in a vehicle, riding a motorcycle or horse (even if the rifle is in a scabbard), or while hiking through difficult terrain or undergrowth. Remember to play it safe: don’t cap until you are in shooting position and ready to shoot.

Six Simple Loading Steps:

Make sure your muzzleloading firearm is not loaded. (Use your ramrod to check).

Make sure the primer pocket is empty.

Fire a squib load (when loading a clean barrel).

Engage the safeties

Pour a charge of Pyrodex (by volume).

Firmly seat the bullet on the powder charge.

Insert a 209 primer into the primer pocket of the muzzleloader when ready to shoot..

Before performing any of the steps above, read the detailed explanations and instructions listed below. DO NOT attempt to load your muzzleloading firearm without fully understanding these instructions. Failure to do so could result in injury or death to the shooter and/or bystanders!

CHECKING THE MUZZLELOADER

Make sure the muzzleloading firearm is not loaded by sliding the ramrod down the barrel. It should be close to flush with the muzzle if unloaded.

Check the barrel for cleanliness and obstructions. The ramrod is useful here, too.

CLEARING THE NIPPLE

Engage the primary safety lever to the “SAFE” position.

Place a 209 shotgun cap in the primer pocket.

Push the bolt forward and down to its locked position. The hammer is now cocked.

Keep the muzzleloader pointed in a safe direction.

Disengage the primary trigger safety and fire the primer.

Repeat as necessary to clear the nipple.

FIRING A SQUIB LOAD

A squib load is a PYRODEX ONLY load that fouls the bore and breech. You must fire a squib load before loading a previously cleaned barrel! This provides greater accuracy, shot-to-shot consistency, and ensures that the bore is dry and ready for a full power load. Never load a projectile while firing a squib load!

Pour 20 to 30 grains by volume of Pyrodex powder down the muzzle.

Engage the primary safety.

Place a 209 shotgun cap in the primer pocket.

Push the bolt forward and down to its locked position.

Point the muzzleloading in a safe direction.

Disengage the primary trigger safety and fire.

Your muzzleloading firearm will report weakly, fouling your bore. If not, repeat steps 1-7 above.

POURING THE PYRODEX CHARGE

Measure your Pyrodex powder by volume equivalent. The maximum loads for WHITE muzzleloading rifles are 150 grains volume equivalent (.50 caliber), 120 grains volume equivalent (.45 caliber) and 90 grains volume equivalent (.41 caliber). We recommend that you start with 80 grains by volume of Pyrodex P powder for .50 caliber, 70 grains by volume of Pyrodex P powder for .45 caliber, and 60 grains by volume of Pyrodex P powder for .41 caliber.

Pre-measure your powder charges using White’s Volumetric Powder Management System.

DO N Place the buttstock of the rifle on the ground or secure surface.

Pour your previously measured charge of powder into the muzzle.

SEATING THE BULLET

WARNING! Failure to seat the bullet properly on the powder charge could result in injury or death to the shooter and/or bystanders.

Place a PowerPunch™ bullet or PowerStar™ saboted bullet base first into the muzzle and push it into the barrel with your thumb or ramrod.