RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

As a hobby its a blast. You will find a lot of information
listed here. You can look at threads on different MLers,
powder/bullet combinations, likes & dislikes. What you
can find here would fill several books. And you will not
find a more dedicated bunch of powder burners anywhere.
But as already stated the owners manual, is your
bible for safely using any firearm. Read it...put it down
Read it.....put it down.....read it read it read it then
use it. Welcome to a fantastic hobby.......or should
I say way of life.:D

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

I learned everything I know to date from this site and the helpful guys here. I did alot of reading and asking questions here and then bought a rifle and went to it. Not hard at all. I have had no real problems to date, but an incredible amount of fun. Ask away!
Decide what rifle is best for you and then ask about loading, cleaning, powders, projectiles, shooting tips etc.
Once you fire that first load, you will be elated and hooked for life.
There is no question you could ask that would not get a very precise answer from one of our resident experts here.
There are a few rules for safe shooting but no reason to fear any of it.
If you are referring to the thought of igniting the chargefrom the force ofmerely seating a bullet, I know of no such occurances. Powders must be ignited by coming in contact with something of adequate temperature only, I.E. hot sparks. The pressure form your ramrod is not capable of making such temperatures.
Good luck.

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

If you have a range in your area there should be some guys out there shooting ML. ML shooters tend to be on the laid back/nice side. Ask questions and someone will answer.

Tom

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

Muzzleloading is new to me. I only shot about ten times and I AM HOOKED! I understand completely that the safety is number one. I purchased T/C Omega from Gander Mountain and asked them a lot of questions before I shot my brand new muzzleloader. I think it is easy because I asked a lot questions and prepare well. I learned a lot from this forum! Keep reading and you and I will learn more!

Enjoy!!!:)

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

Hard to learn? Not at all. :D

Example:
My sister and her kids are from California and spent this past Christmas with me here in Michigan. These kids did not know which end of the rifle was which before we started.

In a matter ofabout four hours worth of firearmsinstruction, detail dissaseembly and reassembly and training, I had my two nephews (14 & 21) and my niece (15) shooting at 50 yards targets and none of them have ever fired a ML before in their life. My niece and youngest nephew never shot anything before.

They were loading PRB'sthemselves, pulling dry balls on a couple of times and shooting up almostthree pounds of powder over two range outings.

I gave my youngest nephew a used but unfired before my buying it at a garage sale 50 caliber T/C Greyhawk with all the accessories and trimmings for this past Christmas.

My niece was shooting my T/C 50 cal New Englander and my oldest nephew was shooting my Investarms 50 cal Hawken.

My niece outshot both boys every roundand was inside of 5-6" most of the time at 50 yards. A true natural! She wants a rifle of her own. So, I have since pieced together a 50 caliber New Englander of her own. I will ship deliver the rifle and complete accessories personally to her this summer for her 16th birthday.

They had an absolute great time and the kids have been out with their "Pappa" (My stepdad) several times since the 1st of the year shooting the Greyhawk.

I also have a 50 cal T/C Hawken that I am refurbishing for my stepdad as he really enjoys taking the kids and likes muzzleloading as well.

You will get from muzzleloading what you put into it, much like any hobby or activity.

If you invest your time for practice, employ patience, follow the manual that comes with the ML and always ask questions like here on the forum.

Budget-wise you need to determine what you can afford.
For a quality used or new rig and all the accessories andtrimmings, plan on $300-500+ depending on the setup.

There are a couple of routes you could take.

I would suggest a quality used or new percussionsidelock for both targeting fun and effective hunting with PRB's or Conicals to get started with. This will be the least expensive to shoot:
[ul][*]50 or 54 caliber Thompson/Center Hawken, New Englander, GreyHawkor Renegade or[*]Lyman Great Plains or Trade Rifle.[/ul]
Another option would be a more modern inline ML if you mostly wanted to hunt. If that be your flavor then there are a wide variety of quality choices from Thompson/Center, Knight, NEF, Savage and others.

Best of luck and hope to hear of you making smoke soon!

Tahquamenon

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

If your thinking in lines look at this site.

http://mlhunter.com/muzzleloadingfaqinfo.htm

:) Al

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

Sam fadala wrote the blackpowder reloading manual for gun digest. It's a gold mine of info. After reading only that book, you'll know all the basics to staying alive with black powder. Good luck.

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

i would only buy a TC HAWKINS.50CAL FLINTLOCK.no in-lines.more of challenge and will kill deer as good as in-line.open sights are way to go if your eyes are fairly good. gun looks good, handles good,lot of fun.also gauranteed for life.great company to deal with.i guess you can tell, i like the HAWKINS,ha. take care.

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

I have learned more from this forum and other's about muzzleloading than i have from any book i have picked up. Another great forum to learn from is:
www.muzzleloaderforum.com

Good luck and enjoy!

RE: How hard is it to learn?
 

real easy.

get a breech action ML (inexpensive [<$200] easy to use & clean)
drop in 2 pyrodex pellets
drop in a bullet (sabot or powerbelt)
slide down bore with ramrod & seat load
primer in nipple
shoot
(practice safe gun habits always)

it really is that simple. the manulas that come with the guns give all the info you will need.