Most of us who spend a lot of time on the blackpowder forums are the ones who usually like to experiment and find the best and most accurate load for our guns. But not everybody does that. I have talked to everyone i could find in my little area and it seems that the majority of muzzleloader shooters buy a gun, take whatever powder or bullets someone suggests. Sight it in and that is the end of it.
So I got to thinking what kind of accuracy can we get doing something like that. No variables , no experimenting. Just normal off the shelf bullets and powder and a couple suggestions.
Here's how my experiment went.:
I was arranging the Whites and Knights in the gun safe so I decided to take a Old Knight 50 cal Elite that i hadnt shot in 3 years.
Since pellets seem to be the way to go for most I took triple 7 pellets,I decided on 100 gr ( 2 pellets) The local store has mostly powerbelts, and shockwaves . I chose the 250 gr shockwave. and triple 7 primer.
The elite is scoped with a leopould ultimate slam .
I headed out with that combo and set up at 50 yards for the first shot. wasnt sure where it would hit but knew it was sighted in at 100 3 years ago when I last saw it.
here was the first shot, off the 4 wheeler seat as a rest.


needless to say I was very happy.

here was 2 shots from 50 yards . Standard 2 pellets 777 and 250 shockwave



now I was excited

so i figure I will go to 100 yards and try that.
heres the first shot


Now the real test, a group.



that looks like 2 shots but it is 3 shots at 100 yards .

So i come to the conclusion that the average Joe could , for hunting purposes, pick up a good used Knight , grab some common accessories, a box of pellets and shockwaves and head out to get a deer
Not a big investment yet more than sufficient.
the down side :
well the 777 left quite a buildup in breechplug



and the blowback was obviously there


but cleanup was quick and easy.

So a person doesnt have to settle for a cheap import to enter the world of muzleloading
There are other options, such as a good used Knight , easily obtained , some basic accessories, get it sighted in and you are good to go.
Now me, well I prefer to do things differently, but most people I talked to here in my area just aren't into blackpowder like I am.
This experiment was for them.
and for little red riding hood.