ORIGINAL: il coyote
I would assume that you would not expect the same type of accuracy/function from a lower priced muzzleloader as you would say a $700 TC or the like, But what, if any, downsides will I encounter when buying a 'budget minded' .50 cal. to hunt with for maybe 2-3 weekends a year, whitetails only, and only wanting to shoot maybe 150 yds. max?
I've hunted IL every year since I was 12 years old,and owning a muzzleloader is the last piece of the puzzle for me to hunt any game, in any season within the state boundries. Just tryin to come 'full circle', ya know?
When someone in a store or on a forum tell you that just because you paid under $200.00 for a muzzleloader, that it will not shoot as well as a $500, $600, or more muzzleloader, you know one thing for sure. That person does not know what they are talking about.
What you might find, and I say might... that the more expensive rifles will have a better fit to finish between the hardware and stock. I own both kinds of rifles, cheap ones and expensive rifles. Both of them will shoot very well once you find the right load for them.
If all you want is a two week a year rifle that will get the job done, in a break open design, I would look at the Sidekick by NEF. I have heard some very good reports of the CVA Wolf, CVA Optima, Kodiak, Apex, ... the point is, all of them will shoot good once you find what they like.
Now I have found that if you are a powder junkie.. the more expensive rifles like the Pro Hunter, Encore, Omega, Knights, will be more willing to accept and provide excellent accuracy with magnum charges. Like I said, I have a number of inexpensive rifles. Not one of them like magnum loads. But then, neither do it. 100 grains of powder is all 99% of the hunters are going to need out there for making their kills.
Long range shooting with a inexpensive rifle will take time to work the load up, and then practice. The mechanics of being a good shooter with good shooting skills is something that you have to develop.