Just Bought Traditions XLT

ScrapeAndRub · 12-26-2006, 05:12 PM

Newbie to BlackPowder here. I just purchased a Traditions Pursuit XLT muzzleloader today. It has the camo thumbhole stock and came with a bore sited scope. The Guy at the gun shop told me the scope wasnt that great..... but it would work for now.

I'm completely new to blackpowder so I'll probably have alot of questions. I'm reading the manual about 10 times tonight and will head to the range this weekend.

ScrapeAndRub · 12-26-2006, 05:14 PM

may as well load up the first question. What load setup should I use for deer at or around 100yds? Pellet or Powder..?

cayugad · 12-26-2006, 05:25 PM

Depends on if you want to shoot a lot as a sport or just earn a couple more days in the woods. If all you want is a few more days in the woods, drop two 50 gr pellets down the barrel (the correct way if using pyrodex) and then put a 245 gr powerbelt on that.

Other projectiles to try would be some 300 gr XTP's, 250 grain Shockwaves, or some of the other powerbelt weights out there. They should shoot well out of most any rifle you want to try them in.

If you want to save money and shoot a lot, get some loose powder and a powder measure. Put 100 grains of loose powder down the barrel and try some of those suggested loads. They should shoot well.

Understand that a bore sighted rifle is not the same as a tuned rifle, but I am sure you knew that. You need to take some trips to the range. I'd start my shooting at 25 yards and work back from there.

frontier gander · 12-26-2006, 05:25 PM

loose powder. I like using pyrodex RS because it doesnt give me any fussy crud ring. I also like 295 grain powerbelts. I cant help you with sabots, i dont use them so maybe someone can help you pick a sabot thats easy to load. 90-100 grains pyrodex rs will be more than enough for 100 yard shots.

Gotbuck · 12-26-2006, 09:04 PM

I've got two in-line Traditions and they love 2 (50 grain) pellets, (black side down) with a 250 grain shockwave with the supplied sabots. They group under 1" at 100yds with a 3 shot group and I have had complete pass throughs on deer. They load really well with little pressure and you can feel when they are seated properly on the pellets. I use a 209 primer, I use the Remington Kleenbores and have never had a problem with ignition and the bores are cleaner using them with Pyrodex pellets. I am seriously looking at the same gun you have but TC is coming out with a new one next year and I like that one too. Maybe buy both

ScrapeAndRub · 12-27-2006, 06:07 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: cayugad

Depends on if you want to shoot a lot as a sport or just earn a couple more days in the woods. If all you want is a few more days in the woods, drop two 50 gr pellets down the barrel (the correct way if using pyrodex) and then put a 245 gr powerbelt on that.

Other projectiles to try would be some 300 gr XTP's, 250 grain Shockwaves, or some of the other powerbelt weights out there. They should shoot well out of most any rifle you want to try them in.

If you want to save money and shoot a lot, get some loose powder and a powder measure. Put 100 grains of loose powder down the barrel and try some of those suggested loads. They should shoot well.

Understand that a bore sighted rifle is not the same as a tuned rifle, but I am sure you knew that. You need to take some trips to the range. I'd start my shooting at 25 yards and work back from there.

As far as sport or hunt, I plan to hunt early muzzle season, probably use it throughout the general firearms season as well, and enjoy it at the the range in the off season.

Yea, I definately know the bore sighting will just get me on the paper at 100yds. and I'll fine tune from there.

What's the recoil like? I've only shot shotgun's and small cal. rifles soo far..