what muzzleloader to buy

bigtim6656 · 12-19-2007, 09:18 AM

i am looking at buying a muzzleloader for the 08 season

i hunt indiana southwest and never had or shot a muzzlelaoder

i do not wont a cheap piece of crap but do not wont to spend alot on my first muzzleloader

what do you recommend sabot use is not a issue nor scope or primer there pretty open on what ml i can use here

12-19-2007, 09:49 AM

I suggest going to the Muzzleloading forum. What is it about posting the guns forum with you?

bigtim6656 · 12-19-2007, 09:51 AM

hey since when is a muzzleloader not agun

jtb1967 · 12-19-2007, 09:58 AM

Take a look at the Savage. You can shoot smokeless as well as blackpowder or other substitues in it.

oldelkhunter · 12-19-2007, 10:26 AM

Quote:

hey since when is a muzzleloader not agun

No questioning that but there is a muzzleloading forum here and it is chock full of experts

bronko22000 · 12-19-2007, 10:54 AM

Ahhh bigtime - don't worry too much about Bigcountry. He's a good guy and knowledgable but he sometimes gets up on the wrong side of the bed.

But I would post this on the ML forum. The T/Cs Omega and Encore are good rifles but a bit pricey. I owned a CVA Optima Pro and didn't have any complaints with it. Cost was reasonable but I decided that in-lines just wasn't my cup of tea.

oldsmellhound · 12-19-2007, 10:55 AM

Check the muzzleloading forums - there is lots of good advice there.
But in my opinion, you have lots of good options out there:

CVA makes several good types - they are not top of the line, but they will get the job done. I have a CVA bolt-action and have been very happy with it.

Traditions muzzleloaders are another good choice - all my hunting buddies use traditions and swear by them.

You should be able to pick up a CVA or Traditions muzzleloader with a scope for somewhere in the $175 - $250 range.

With either one, I would recommend getting a .50 cal that uses 209 ignition. Pick up a couple different kinds of bullets and see which one shoots best in your gun. A couple recommended ones are Hornady XTP & SST sabots, Barnes Expander MZ sabots, TC Shockwave sabots. If you want to go the conical route, Powerbelts are easiest to find most places and generally shoot well. Be warned with them however, use at least a 295 grain or heavier, and don't shoot them with more than 100 grains of powder.

Carpmaster · 12-19-2007, 11:01 AM

To me the Optima line is probably the best out there for the money. Traditions makes good guns from what I have read but I do not have any experience with them....