loads for new apex
 

I just bought a new winchester apex 50 Cal. and I am brand new to muzzleloaders. I have hunted with shotgun and bow for years so as with any new firearm, I know there will be some range time and experimentation to find the proper load. That's OK with me. I was given some supplies as well and I'm just wondering about the ammunition. I have some 250gr. sabots and some 270gr aerotip powerbelts. I also have some pyrodex and 209 primers. Thisseems like a good place to start but I'm wondering if some of the more knowledgeable here can suggest a good starting combination. I don't mind spending some more on supplies if I need to I just don't want to waste time and money as a beginner if I don't have to. I guess I should mention that I'll be hunting white-tails in SE Ohio. Average shots are typically 50-150 yards. So what powder/ammo combination would be best tostart with?

RE: loads for new apex
 

Sure just rub it in.. I missed the deal on the apex [:@].

Stick with pyrodex. start out with 80 grains pyrodex RS and the powerbelt, fire one shot at 25 yards to see where its at, adjust sights. winchester says u need to be atleast 2" high at 40 yards to be close to dead on at 100 yards. Once you work out to 100 yards, up your charge to 100 grains RS and see how it does.
This is my load:
Winchester x-150, 120 grains pyrodex RS, 245 grain hollow point powerbelt, sighted 2" high at 100 and dead on at 150 yards. And also, use loose powder so you can make small powder adjustments for tuning.

RE: loads for new apex
 

I actually didn't get the cabelas deal either. I ordered from Cheaperthandirt.com. same price.

RE: loads for new apex
 

Good advice from other responders. As for bullets, the 250g Sabot if it is a Horady is better than a PowerBelt (PB). The PB fragments on bone hits on large deer, so don't use those, is what I would recommend. They are easier loading, but if you field clean your barrel with 2 bore butter swabs, (place a cleaning jag at the end of your ram rod), you will be able to reload to "finish off a deer" (my experience is that you never have to do this with the right bullet) Most people take only good shots with a muzzie, therefore placing a good shot on a deer. Best wishes for your new Apex, ML is a lot of fun. A lot like archery, just a bit different.
Chap Gleason VA

RE: loads for new apex
 

Thanks for the advice guys. I do have hogs in the same woods so a bullet that fragments on tough bone hits may not be the best choice.

RE: loads for new apex
 

If you find the right load let me know. I'm picking up some bullets and powder today or tomorrow so I'm hoping to get my Apex sighted in as well. I'm gonna try 300 grain TC XTP Mag Sabots with Pyrodex and see how it does. that was my normal load with my other muzzleloader. Good luck and congrats on the gun. Keep us posted.

RE: loads for new apex
 

By the way guys, there are still plenty of stainless/black Apex's left. Unless you were looking for a camo one, you can still get in on the deal. I don't know why you think they're gone. Just order one off of cabelas.com. The black one isthe only one you can get without a scope or kit though. There are some camo/stainless ones with a scope and kit left still. Just thought I'd let you know.

RE: loads for new apex
 

Sorry for the hijack- Cabelas must have found more stock, they were out as of Thursday last week, but I see today they do have several listings for the black/ss guns online.

I'm tempted to return my Kodiak and get the Apex but there are only minor differences between them. I looked at the Apex manual online and it is a "find and replace" of the Kodiak manual. I'm still wondering if the ss fluted barrell and better stock make the Apex that much better?

I'll be interested to see how your 300 gr. load performs, I'm thinking of trying that same one. Best of luck...

RE: loads for new apex
 

I don't think the Apex is much better than the Kodiak but I do think it's a better deal. If you could return the Kodiak and get a cheaper Apex I would. One thing I can tell you is that the ss barrel is awesome. It's way easier to clean and load than the normal one on my other gun.

RE: loads for new apex
 

I'll get a chance to shoot it Friday or Saturday. I'll let you know how it goes.