ORIGINAL: muzzlenut
First off, I want to say that I have read posts on this board pretty extensively as a guest for the past month and I am very impressed by the knowledge and hospitality by those of you who participate in the discussions.
Now for my story. Up until this Christmas I have been somewhat intrigued by muzzleloading but have never taken the initiative to buy a muzzleloader. Well, thanks to an awesome wife, I now have not one but two of these beauties. First one is the Rem. Genesis that I couldn't pass up on from Cabelas. I bought that one for myself. The second one is a "not new, but never fired" Winchester Apex that the wife bought for me. Another deal that couldn't be passed up. Both are 50 Cal. Because of travel during Christmas I have not had a chance to fire either gun but plan on it tomorrow if the wind cooperates.
Since I'm new to this I have a few questions. First off, I have Hornady XTP (240 &300 gr.), TC Shockwaves, Knight hollow points, and Hornady SSTs to experiment with. To start out with I will push the bullets with pyrodex pellets to find the most accurate round and then maybe get loose powder to adjust the charge to fit the bullet. I will not shoot more than 110 gr of pellets, at least to start with. Is this a good method for finding the right load or am I going about it all wrong?
Which of these two guns would you guys consider the "best"? I understand that they are not Knights or TC's but I was just wondering what you opinions are. Are there any quirks or issues with either of these two guns that any of you know of?
Is it feasible/smart to mount a scope with see-thru mounts and have the Iron Sights sighted in @ 50 yds and the scope sighted in around 125 to 150?
Any specific loads that I should definitely try? I would like to try buffalo sabots but have not been able to locate them yet. I have heard mixed reviews on powerbelts.
Have any of you used your ML to shoot prarie dogs or similar rodents? This is something I would like to do to keep in practice once I get it dialed in.
Finally, With a 2-7 power scope, what is a REALISTIC range that I should feel comfortable shooting a whitetail or mule deer at? My shots will normally be 150 yds or less. Is this unreasonable?
Thank you guys tremendously for sharing your expertise. I believe in listening to experience and I am a novice so please don't feel like you are insulting or offending me if you have information that you consider valuable.
See thru mounts no. 2-7 scope yes, to 150 yardsno problem, sight in 3" high at 100 and your shooting thru 6" pipe form 0 to 170 or so with 300g bullets. I like 300g they shoot thru. Of the bullets you have the SW/SST (same bullet) is the best. Consistency is the name of the game, if you swab between shots, swab at range and in the field. If you shoot pellets no problem but most get better accuracy with loose and ability to adjust load to 90g of 110. Both guns are different, I would shoot one open sights and one with a scope. Realist yardage is 170 yards, you can get to 200 with SW/SST, but a lot of practice and a solid rest. Shoot a lot, experiment a lot, have fun.
Chap