What To Buy???

[Rammer]

So I just found out I drew a special South Dakota buck tag for muzzleloader that is good for anywhere in the state (except a few special places). The problem is it took me 2 years to draw the tag, and I don't have a smoke pole.

Here is what I have been looking at: CVA Optima and the TC Encore.

I really like the fact they are break action, easy to clean, etc. What do you guys reccomend a newby gets? There are no optics allowed for this season ,all open sights. I'd like to be able to shoot 150 yards, and this gun will more than likely be going on an elk hunt in the future in New Mexico.

I have a few guns laying around that I do not use much that will be getting traded off. So help me out! I need to get something bought so I can start practicing/experimenting with loads.

[Triple Se7en]

T/C Omega or Encore.

[pipecrew]

Ditto on what Triple Se7enrecommended. Go with either the Omega or Encore. They are both super accurate and easy to clean. If you get an Encore (older style), buy an EZ tip extractor for it. This makes it easier to take the breech plug out. You can't go wrong with either T/C. Good luck.

Mike

[rem 700]

Yep, omega or encore. Both easy to clean; old style encores are more difficult to remove the breech plug, but you can get more bbls for it later on--the omega is probably better ifin its life itwill only be used for a muzzleloader

[Omegalover]

First Congrats Rammer on drawing a tag.

Second since you are hunting multiple statesI recommend tocheck all states regulations before you do buy to make sure what ever muzzeloader youchoose is legal in all the states you may hunt. Buying to fit the most restricted would seem wise.

The reason I say this is some states do not allow Sabots, others no Scopes, etc. All this will impact which would be the best smokepole for your needs.

Dont get me wrong, I feel the Omega is a really fine weapon and T/C one of the best companies out there but an informed decision is one that you will not regret.

[nchawkeye]

I would buy and Omega...I have a buddy that owns a Optima...It groups well with PowerBelts at 100 yards...But, the second shot, he has to pull the breach plug and clean for the second shot to group...

[Rammer]

Hey guys thanks for all the repllies. sounds like I will be buying a TC of somesort

So here is the question. What is the cheapest way to shoot a smokepole? Use granulated powder, or pellets, sabots or conicals?

More than likely I will get an Encore. What does everyone suggest I start out trying for a load for deer? I'd like to try out that American Pioneer powder for sure (its what Jim Shockey uses, it has to be great)[:-], other than that I have no clue where to start.

[Triple Se7en]

A good inexpensive start is this bulk-purchase bullet
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000213974

with this high pressure sabot
\http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00072H15045BR

Here'smore option bullets. If any of these are tough to load/seat, use the Harvesters as a substitute plastic sabot.
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000308236

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00061900183

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00061900204

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0011550251

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000308296

Your choice of Shockeys/APP or Goex Pinnacle family in FFis OK for a beginner. Start with 75gr -- move up in 10-grain increments until shot groups spread -- then back down five grains to tweak the load. You may need around 90 with some of these bullets -- perhaps as much as 110 gr.

[Rammer]

Thanks Triple Se7ven for the info. The only downfall I have heard fomr a few Encore shooters is that it came be very difficult to load after 1 shot, is there any truth to this?

[cayugad]

I think all rifles can be hard to load a second shot. That fowling that many people encounter can be a real pain. In my Black Diamond XR I once broke a short starter trying to load a second shot without swabbing. I then went to a different sabot and bullet combination and that was a thing of the past.

Careful bullet and sabot selection and powder choice will have a lot to do with how well a second shot can be done without swabbing. When shooting Pinnacle 3f for instance, I shot 12 times without swabbing in my Knight Wolverine. I could have shot more but ran out of bullets to shoot.

All rifles can be tempermental. Its just a matter of learning how to tame them while getting the best possible accuracy that makes this sport fun.