new to muzzleloaders, need help - CVA Wolf

[Kent Dorfman]

Ok, thanks for the advice on the Kodiak, I figured maybe it wasn't that great a deal although there are plenty of people who like the gun. The CVA Wolf is very inexpensive yet most of the reviews I read were pretty possitive. I ordered the Wolf, a see through scope base/rings, and a Tasco scope from Cabelas and it set me back $227.

Next thing is I have NO muzzleloading experience or supplies. I didn't buy the kit with the gun bc there is a Bass Pro about 1/2 hour from me, I'm sure I can get what I need and I wanted to get some input here before buying. Should I buy a kit? Which one? What type of powder and bullets should I get? Any other advice? I've never shot a muzzleloader.

Thanks.

[dalberg]

bh 209, 80-90 grains by volume. 250 SST with supplied red low drag sabot or same SST with Harvester Short black. very good results for me with both.
Doug

[BigDaddy12t]

I have the Wolf also, and love it. I dont have a scope on mine, but that really dont matter. I shoot 80 grains of 777 powder, with a 295 grain PB. I hunted with the 295 hollow point this year, just because it seemed to group a little better then the Aerotip, but the Aerotip grouped well too, so I think I will try that next season. The main thing with the Powerbelts, is dont use too much powder, 80 grains is just right. Oh and by the way, congrats on your ne gun!

[hometheaterman]

I like Pyrodex pellets just for the simplicity of them. It's all I've used as far as powder but I have some Tripple 7 pellets to try in my new Remington Genesis. I've also been using 295 grain Powerbelt hollow points. The Marlin shot this combo great at 100 yards. I killed a 8 pointer at 123 yards with it this year. It went maybe 15 yards and fell and couldn't get back up. The bullet didn't pass through though. It poked the skin out on the other side but didn't come through it. I plan to try this setup in my new Genesis only with Tripple 7 pellets instead as I had trouble finding Pyrodex. I may see which one shoots better.

As for other stuff you need for the Marlin I liked using a capper as the #11 caps were hard to get on. However, on the new Genesis which uses 209 primers they are fairly easy to get on by hand. I haven't needed a ball starter or anything else for either of the guns I've had. Really the capper and a cleaning kits is all I've had to buy besides bullets and powder well pellets in my case. I bought a ball starter but learned I didn't need it so since I hadn't opened it I took it back.

Here is a target I shot with the Marlin with that setup at 100 yards. It shot to the left. Not sure if the scope got knocked off or what. This was after I killed the buck. So I adjusted it and then shot 3 times and the middle shots are what I got.

[hunting junkie]

Congrats on the new gun and welcome