Tip on ML please

[Tenpoint]

I am considering buying a new muzzle loader, to take advantage of the longer seasons and also like the fact that there will be fewer hunters in the woods during muzzle loading season. I'd like to get one that can take a scope eventually, although I will probably not get the scope right away.

I have never hunted with or even fired a muzzle loader. I am looking for a gun that is econimical but reliable. I have heard that some actions are not good for freezing temperatures. Can anyone reccomend a particular make and model please?

Tenpoint

[john1911]

T/C Omega.

It's what I use. I really like it. I've never had a problem with mine and I've used it in some pretty nasty weather.

John

[sdjake]

I shoot a CVA Optima Pro Magnum. The new ones are great. In the beginning, 5-7 years ago they had a few T/C and Knight fans that bashed the CVA line claiming inferior barrels. The fact was every gun manufacteror have a record of mishaps, but someone had it in for CVA. They re-designed the barrels in 2005 and they are well balanced and comfortable. I shoot 295 with 100 grains and it is comfortable to shoot.
You can get into these for around $200 and you don't get too indedt to try it.

[quigleysharps4570]

I have never hunted with or even fired a muzzle loader. I am looking for a gun that is econimical but reliable. I have heard that some actions are not good for freezing temperatures. Can anyone reccomend a particular make and model please?

Try a traditional. The Lyman Great Plains rifle is a good one.

[4pointer]

T/C Omega.

It's what I use. I really like it. I've never had a problem with mine and I've used it in some pretty nasty weather.

John

Same here ,, no trouble in nasty weather,,

[carbine100]

Absolute best available is Savage. It will handle smokeless powder if legal in your neck of the woods. Sure does make cleanup easy.

[Tenpoint]

Thanks for the tips. I ended up buying a T/C Omega cause it was on sale and was one of the models I was considering. I got it with a starting kit that included accessories, a Simmons 3-9 x 40 scope and hard case ($420 Canadian).

I tried it out last weekend and sighted it in. I really like how it feels and shoots. I bought 240 grain bullets and was using 100 grains of Pyrodex pellets (Triple Seven Brand). The recoil was not bad at all. I plan on trying 150 grains of powder to see what the difference in recoil is and how that effects accuracy at 100 yards.

The bullets I bought came with sabots and did not have the synthetic tip. I read the package and figured the ones without the synthectic tips might have better expansion and impact shock. I guess I will have to try both to see if there is a substantial difference in accuracy. Any advice on tipped or not tipped would be appreciated.

Tenpoint

[xxhotcoffee]

[quote="tenpoint"]Thanks for the tips. I ended up buying a T/C Omega cause it was on sale and was one of the models I was considering. I got it with a starting kit that included accessories, a Simmons 3-9 x 40 scope and hard case ($420 Canadian).

I tried it out last weekend and sighted it in. I really like how it feels and shoots. I bought 240 grain bullets and was using 100 grains of Pyrodex pellets (Triple Seven Brand). The recoil was not bad at all. I plan on trying 150 grains of powder to see what the difference in recoil is and how that effects accuracy at 100 yards.

The bullets I bought came with sabots and did not have the synthetic tip. I read the package and figured the ones without the synthectic tips might have better expansion and impact shock. I guess I will have to try both to see if there is a substantial difference in accuracy. Any advice on tipped or not tipped would be appreciated.

Tenpoint[/quote]

Ill be watching to see what everyone says about the bullets...I bought the tipped ones, 240 grain for myself, they are drylubed, and i like them.
I bought the 250 grain saboted bullets for hubby, thought we would each try , see what we like, or what seems to work best....wondering, what everyone thinks about them.

[TheoryRealm]

Here's some info on 150 gr. in Muzzies.



"No .50 caliber inline can fully burn more than 130 volumetric grains or so of blackpowder or Pyrodex. I've not tested every gun on the market, but even the tightest grouping guns lose their accuracy after 120 or so grain charges, depending on the specific projectile. The most experienced muzzleloading hunters and shooters on the continent, including one gentleman who has some 80 muzzleloading elk among his substantial credits, have documented this. Those elk all fell to bullets propelled by 120 grain (or lighter) charges."

http://www.chuckhawks.com/magnum_muzzleloading.htm



But then again other's swear by it!

"I shot a Hornady 250gr XTP mag with 150 grains of 777 and I thing it is a great load. Ballistically speaking, Im around 2200fps at the muzzle and about 2300lbs at the muzzle with 2 inch groups and 100 yards."

http://www.realtree.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2181






There are soooooo many conflicting stories on the use of "150 grains" but from all I've heard I'm sticking with about 95-120 gr. max. Different weapons have different pressure ratings, and it would be wise to look into that at least. Safety thingy....
Of course, every weapon is different and everyone has ways of determining their own road to accuracy, safety, and reliability.

To achieve "magnum" status, an in-line has to be able to handle a powder charge of 150 grains of propellant. (but not all weapons are classified as "capable", or a better term is "safe", to do this of course.) The gun manufacturer will have info regarding this, as each ML is different.