Need Help!

[A11en]

I won a lottery draw for a two day hunt on a public park. The parks and rec are closing the park for two days to allow hunters to thin the herd. It is muzzleloader only. I've never used a muzzleloader and am borrowing one. The individual who owns it has never hunted with it. So I need some help

The muzzleloader is the old kit style (thompson center arms). It looks very similar to the one posted on "1st muzzleloader deer" thread. It's a 50 cal. My question is, can I shoot the pyrodex pellets with new modern ml bullets, or do I have to stick with powder and a ball?

thoughts?

[bronko22000]

Allen - from what I can gather the rifle you are borrowing is a traditional muzzleloader, either a flintlock or percussion cap. If its the latter you will need #11 percussion caps (I like the CCI magnum #11s), Loose powder. I would either get FFg black powder or Pyrodex RS. The barrel has a 1:48 twist so it will shoot either a patched round ball (.490" ball with .015" patch), or a conical like maybe a 245 gr powerbelt or 250 gr shockwave and a powder measurer. Start with 80 grs and work your way up in 10 gr increments up to about 110 grs looking for the most accurate load. The round ball will definately be the cheapest route and is deadly enough for deer. If the rifle is a flintlock you will also need some FFFFg powder for the pan.
Once you start you will get hooked.

[cayugad]

Pellets are out of the question. Get some Pyrodex RS, .490 ball, and pre lubed patch. Try a load of 80 grains and that patch and ball combination. Since you are not used to the rifle, and have not knowledge of how it works, limit your shots to only the distances you can shoot consistantly. Also you will need a short starter and some #11 caps. Also you friend probably has a powder measure, short starter, and loading./cleaning jags.

Prepare the rifle properly before you hunt. Clean the barrel with solvent and patches. Then keep running patches until the bore is dry. After that oil the bore. Before you go and shoot, use some isopropyl alcohol and swab the bore free of oil. Then a couple dry patches.. After that pop some caps through the rifle before you load it up. After that load it, limit your shots to the range you can shoot, and have some fun.

[Ridge Runner]

well the dynamit nobel (RWS) caps are without a doubt the best made.
here's the load I always shot in my hawkins style rifles (1/48 twist)

110 gr of P pyrodex behind a TC maxi-ball, use the cap of your choice

now, a few pointers
use the same pressure every time you seat a bullet
leave the gun in the truck or in an outside building, it will sweat (inside and out) from tempature change taking it inside
bust 2 caps before loading at the start of your hunt
take saran wrap with you, if it starts to rain or is really damp, cap the nipple, stretch saran wrap over the cap and pull/tear ir free, leaving the cap/nipple covered.
practice a bit and the accuracy will surprize you.
RR

[A11en]

Thanks Guys, This is very helpful. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[cayugad]

Try and at least spend the afternoon at the range before you head to the woods hunting.

[Buck Hunter 1]

How about throwing a picture of your rig up. These gys can give you more of a clue what your up against.