Boresighting a ML
 

What method do you use to boresight your ML? Are there any good devices that get the job done without costing so much?

Has anyone used a red dot for hunting?

Thanks-

RE: Boresighting a ML
 

I use a Bushnell Optica Boresighter (collimator) for all my guns, including handguns with scopes on them.

However, if you have a rifle that you can take the breechplug out of, I see no reason why you can't remove the breechplug and boreight it just like a modern bolt-action rifle. In fact, if you have an inline that has the nipple in the center of the breechplug, just take the nipple out and boresight through the nipple hole.

RE: Boresighting a ML
 

Hi KYMIKE -
I agree with ELDGUELLO's advice, however, notknowingif you're completely new to the sport, let me just add a few details that might be helpful. (This is for a gun that you can look all the way through the barrel.)
Unless you have some sort of bench vise or cleaning stand that you can clamp your gun into, here's an option. Take a cardboard box (open side up) and cut a notch in opposite sides of it to make a "cradle" for your gun. Set it up on a table so you're looking out a window and pick a small "target" about 100 yards away. (Last time I used the end of the peak of my neighbor's roof). Move the box and rifle side to side, and prop it up (front or back as needed) with magzines or whatever works so that you see the "target" right in the center of your bore. Then, being careful to not move the box, move your scope crosshairs (or iron sights) so that they line up on the "target". Recheck averything a couple of times before you remove the gun from the cradle.
This should defintely put you on paper at 25 yards, and you may be surprised at how close you are to being right on.
I know this is very basic stuff, but it may be helpful for any new guys who just started in muzzleloading. As ELDEGUELLO said, it can be used for any type of long gun.

RE: Boresighting a ML
 

I've used the cardboard box method and it will work. I only sight out to 25 yards. The whole idea is to get you on paper. Actually if its a good scope and you mount it correctly they will normally be on paper at 25 yards. They might be in a corner or something, but they are on paper.

I also use a RED DOT on two of my rifles. They are a nice sighting device, but I do not recommend them for long range shooting. 100 yards is about as far as I would trust one. 50 yards and closer, they are deadly. I like them in the woods especially at dusk or low light. The shots are close and the dot sure makes placing the shot easier. I think a peep sight with a ghost ring and a good broght fiber optic front sight would also work as well or better for you. Especially if some of the shots were long distance.

Some of the draw backs of them is the dot needs to change intensity, so make sure your RED DOT has intensity settings. My Bushnell Trophy has 11 settings. Bright sun is about a 8 dusk is about a 3. Also be careful of the size of the dot. Also under certain light conditions, the dot can grow a tail, like a half moon. You have to learn to ignore the tail and concentrate on the main part of the dot. I like a 3 MOA. This is supposed to put all your shots in a three inch circle at 100 yards, but from all my shooting, that's a pipe dream. Whether the larger groups are fliers, or you have the RED DOT moved off the edge of the bull which would then expand you POI. Who knows. For the most part I can hold them in there, but a RED DOT is not a guarantee. Another draw back is carry a spare battery with you. They tend to go out at the strangest time. The barrey does last a long time though. One of the red dots has been in for over a year and still seems to be going strong. The last thing is the viewing optics through the dot can be bad. It is almost like it makes your sight darker then normal, but then you are looking through a very small sighting tube which I am sure is the cause of that.

RED DOTS are great if your in low light, and close shots.