Introduction to Muzzleloading

[Addicting]

Bore butter is sold as a remedy to fix the hard to seat a bullet problem. It also “seasons” the bore whatever that means.

It’s a grease that builds up in your barrel and makes a mess to clean. Plus if still wet, powder will stick to it and absorb the moisture. You will get squib loads and plugged breach plugs. It is a completely unnecessary fix to an improperly chosen projectile. Guys will argue that it works, but why introduce oils and moisture to an area that has to function dry. If they sized their projectiles and tested they would find they don’t need it at all to load.

 

[Addicting]

Good timing for this thread as I’m currently half assed looking at Hawkens. I think it would be a lot of fun to do some December hunting in the timber, especially for whitetails and elk. I don’t like that Montana added this season, but if you can’t beat them…

A nice Hawken in some snowy timber would be hard to beat.

 

[MTLabrador]

A nice Hawken in some snowy timber would be hard to beat.

I watched Jeremiah Johnson too many times as a kid, but I think it would be cool.

 

[Addicting]

CVA Optima™ V2 Rifle - .50 Caliber - Open Sights - PR2020S

CVA® Optima™ V2 209 Magnum PR2020S - .50 Caliber Break-Action Muzzleloader, Black w Stainless. Best Prices, Fast Shipping, Expert Advice!

muzzle-loaders.com

This is a good place to shop and here is what I would buy if you want a decent inline to start with.

 

[Sytes]

CVA Optima™ V2 Rifle - .50 Caliber - Open Sights - PR2020S

CVA® Optima™ V2 209 Magnum PR2020S - .50 Caliber Break-Action Muzzleloader, Black w Stainless. Best Prices, Fast Shipping, Expert Advice!

muzzle-loaders.com

This is a good place to shop and here is what I would buy if you want a decent inline to start with.

I might entertain that for conical rounds. For the price not a bad entry point for a quality modern muzzleloader!

 

[huntnpack]

Hey I need to do something else. WA rifle deer sucks. And I'm still giving archery the middle finger. I've shot a muzzleloader once in my life. Does anyone know of any decent resources for how to do it? The equipment, the loading process, the cleaning process, etc. KISS, I'm a noob if ever there was one. Maybe an article or YT series. I'm probably not going to go all traditional, sorry @BrentD . WA allowed shotgun primers, and just this year 1x scopes or red dots.

I know you’ve hunted units in Idaho with decent muzzleloader seasons as well. Could keep Idaho regs in mind as well. Muzzleloaders are fun and the more traditional style ones are even more fun. Their maintenance and reliability are a bit more of a hassle but not much. Sliding or adjusting tang sights are a good option on muzzies where scopes are illegal.

 

[Addicting]

I might entertain that for conical rounds. For the price not a bad entry point for a quality modern muzzleloader!

Just keep in mind if you want to use BH209, you will have to change the breech plug to the proper one.

 

[Irrelevant]

I know you’ve hunted units in Idaho with decent muzzleloader seasons as well. Could keep Idaho regs in mind as well. Muzzleloaders are fun and the more traditional style ones are even more fun. Their maintenance and reliability are a bit more of a hassle but not much. Sliding or adjusting tang sights are a good option on muzzies where scopes are illegal.

How much different are they?

 

[MThuntr]

I shoot a handful of muzzleloaders...some new and some old. I haven't read all the responses but I will say to make sure you clean the hell out of your rifle after every shooting session. I have some rifles that will still shoot but I neglected to clean well and have some pretty bad pitting

I still kill with round balls out of my 54 cal and I kill with sabots. Never shot an elk with one but hope to one day