I am looking for a new muzzleloader for deer hunting in IL. I recently traded off my Black Diamond XR. Never had any problems with it, shot great. I want something easier to clean. I'm in about a $400 or under price range (w/o scope) so I am looking for ideas. I will probably only shoot out to about 100 yards ( I grew out of my magnumitis stage lol) so 100 grain rated gun is plenty for me. A few friends have Optimas, but I'm not a huge fan of the stock on them. Dad has a break action H&R or NEF...I can't remember the name, I like how it shoots, hate the ram rod. I am open to suggestions, and it will have to be 50 cal, as I kept all of my brushes and bullets. Thanks
OK - I will give you one thought. There are a lot of great gun names out there....but
I really do think one of the very BEST amd most complete all-around INLINE available today if you can still find one is the White Ultra Mag from Sportsman Wharehouse - it can use all three ignitions sytems - it will conicals as well as sabots - it is stainless with either a synthetic or laminated stock - it has an open breech as a lot of states require - it is strong and it is accurate.
That is just one opinion from looking at an all-around inline. If you want a to look at specilized inlines or even percussion sidelocks - there are a lot out there.
I own and shoot several inlines and each of them is very good in my opinion.. I shoot an Austin & Halleck, Remington Model 700Ml's, Omega, and now a White Ultra Mag - several different sidelocks. In my state the Omega is not even legal during ML season but I use a ML all season now - completly given up on centerfires - except in very specialized situations.
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Keep on Shooting Muzzleloaders they are a Blast
Frankly although I don't havemy Black Diamond anymore (Bone-headed idea to sell it), I never really thought the BD was very difficult to keep clean. Time-wise perhaps an extra 5 minutes or so.
Nevertheless: T/C Omega would be my recommendation (I have two).
There are others as well but in your price range I know the Omega will serve well and it's very easy to clean. (Five minutes or so less than the Black Diamond).
Tahquamenon
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The first thing I would ask is are there any special State laws that forbid the use of certain kinds of breech ignition systems where you live? Are there projectile restrictions? And since you have decided that magnum charges are not necessary, then what we need to determine is how much quality in the rifle do you want to PURCHASE.
Taking for granted there are no State Laws that forbid a closed breech for instance, and you're looking for an easy to clean rifle, then the Omega, and the Sidekick by H&R or NEF comes to mind. If you like a bolt type rifle, then I would suggest a Knight Disc Elite if you can find one. If the place you hunt or plan to hunt do not allow plastic projectiles, and you must use open sights, then I would suggest the White Ultra Mag in .504 if you can find one.
The thing a lot of people need to keep in the back of their minds when talking muzzleloaders is, they all have to be cleaned because of the powder we shoot. Some powders are more forgiving true, but you still have to clean them. If you are willing to donate ten additional minutes of your life to making sure the rifle is clean, almost any muzzleloader, even the Black Diamond you got rid of would be an excellent choice. If you want to clean something fast and easy and be done with it, then stick to the break open design or the stainless steel model rifles. They just seem to clean quicker. I personally would go after the White Ultra Mag also. My Ultra Mag so far has been a do everything asked of it rifle, and cleaning it seems almost too easy. I am always looking back over it to see why it comes clean so fast... These of course are just my opinions. Pick a rifle that pleases your eyes, wallet, and shooting abilities... Good luck in your search.
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No blowback with my Omega allows me to only disassemble it's trigger & firing pins compnents every 3-4 range visits. The only mess on these parts comes from the 209 primer & that stuff is non-corrosive. So 3 out of 4 times, I just wipe down all easy to-get-at parts with a weak blackpowder solvent like T/C 13, Butch's Blackpowder Bore Shine... etc. When I do take apart the trigger/firing pin assemble, it's only a few minutes longer.
__________________ Make Smoke - Not War with those using a different style muzzleloader than you.
Cayugad's message is right on point - I would like to add the White, for me, is the easiest rifle I have to clean. I thought when I got the Omega that would be one of the positives - the White is easier - it is such a simple rifle - it is amazing....
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Keep on Shooting Muzzleloaders they are a Blast
I have got to throw one in for the Omega. It is the top selling muzzle loader for a reason. Plus you know it carries the Thompon center name so parts and service will always be there if you need them and lets not forger the lifetime warente. Hook it up with some triple 7 and 250 shock waves and you got you a real deer gun. Mike
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need a new front stuffer
