So, this year I'll be missing out on hunting with the family because of Covid and my mom being scared to death of it. I missed out last year due to work issues beyond my control. Next year I want to try to maximize my time since I've not been able to go. Centerfire season is only for about 2 weeks in MI, so I was thinking about getting into a muzzleloader since it'll let me hunt longer next season. What sorts of muzzleloaders should I be looking at and why?
Following with interest
If you have an Encore, the Katahdin 50cal barrel is nice, but can be hard to find.
Aside from the early Remington ML700 I had, that is the only muzzleloader I've owned.
If I were buying again today, I'd look for a 50cal (use sabots for 44 or 45 cal bullets), in-line, 209 primers, quick remove breech, and easy access to load primers (some are more fiddly than others).
BH209 powder is the only one I'll use now. I can go 20+ shots at the range without cleaning. I could only go 2-3 with Pyrodex as a comparison. Clean up with BH209 is with the same stuff you'd clean your centerfire guns with.
BTW, any specific regs you need to adhere to? Such as flintlock-only (Pennsylvania)?
Chris
The only regulation that I can find in Michigan is that it has to be used with either black-powder or a commercially manufactured black-powder substitute. I guess anything else is fair game.Originally Posted by mtnbkr
I have had good luck CVA Wolf for new shooters. Fairly inexpensive, easy to load and easy to clean. Links below
Loaded with 2 Hodgdon Triple 7 pellets and a Power belt bullet makes the Wolf good to about 150 yards. I have never seen one not shoot this loading.
That said my, go to is a Traditions Vortek(pre striker fired) that I can comfortable shoot to 225 yards or so.
Make sure you read your state regulations. It differs from state to state and what constitutes a muzzleloader.
Wolf Stainless Steel with Realtree Edge Stock – CVA
Triple Seven® 50/50 Pellets | Hodgdon
POWERBELT .50 295 gr. COPPER (bpishopping.com)
Vortek StrikerFire® Series | TraditionsFirearms.com
The Knight Ultralite (sp?) has some stellar reviews and seems to be incredibly accurate for a smokepole. There’s a thread on Rokslide demonstrating some 5” and less 200yd groups. I believe there are even aftermarket brakes for it now.
I’m just going to drop this link here in the spirit of enablement, not because I have any actual experience with it. Who cares if it’s almost a grand it’s got a can.
https://www.swfa.com/silencerco-maxi...er-140646.html
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im strong, i can run faster than train
Hmmm, those look damn tempting to someone looking get into a muzzleloading rifle because he sort of misses his BP revolvers...
Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits - Mark Twain
Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy / Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
I hadn't hunted with a muzzleloader in about 15 years, but had an opportunity for a private land elk hunt Colorado this past fall during the rut. A muzzleloader was allowed.
After research, I decided on the CVA Optima, with a Nitride finish. Ordered without the scope, and was very affordable. Trigger was outstanding! Buds had the best price.
Removable breach plug makes it very easy to clean, but I had to order a new plug because I elected to use Blackhorn powder.
Colorado didn't allow scopes, so I installed a peeprib sight, and got good groups at 100 yards with 370 grain bullets.
Haven't killed anything with this rifle yet, I passed on a cow elk the first evening of the hunt and wasn't able to call a bull into range later in the week.
I will scope it for local hunts, then work up a load with sabots.
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