All too often we read reports of 120 or 150 grains of powder and shooting sabots. There is a person and his son, bothwith a Knight Bighorns that have killed a number of deer shooting 240 grain XTP's and 80 grains of Goex. In fact, He shot almost length ways (in front of the front shoulder, all the way through, coming out near the rear hip) through a deer at over 40 yards.

I hunt with 80 grains and an XTP in my Wolverine and have no doubt of what will happen should I ever get the opportunity to touch it off on one. I sure would not worry if the shots were 50 yards and less. I am ready to shoot out to 100 yards with that load should the chance happen.

A good example, 80 grains of powder, and a .530 roundball penetrated and dropped two deer at 80 yards. I know, I did it. Had the tags to cover the mistake, but it goes to show that 80 grains have lots of power. What do you figure that expanding XTP will do to a deer's insides and vital organsat that distance?

I've never handled a Rossi but have read a few posts on them, being very accurate and easy to handle. Not much more I can tell you about the rifle.

Chris, I have been using Knight "Wolverine" with the first convertion that was offered (Large Rifle Pimer) for over 15yrs.

Using the same combination as Cayugad. I shoot 80grs of Goex 2F and .240 XTP's. Have had no problems shooting pass 50yds and get excellent accuracy.

I appreciate the insight on the load, guys. I figured it would be more than enough, especially at the distances I'm starting him off shooting at. As he gets older, physically bigger, and more experienced in shooting, I'll work him up to heavier loads and longer shooting distances. Thanks

As anyone else had trouble finding the .50 caliber youth Rossi? My son has the .22/20 gauge combo but I am having trouble finding just the muzzleloader.

Picked up my son a Pursuit LT when he was 12. Nice little piece at a little price. Put a 4x scope on it. I have never had a problem with my Traditions.

I have a real nice inline called the TC Woods Rifle. It's a bit undersized but very accurate. I got it at Wal Mart for 110 dollars. If you could find one of those it would be a great starter gun.

A little bit goes along ways! For the past 5 yers I have used a Tracker 209 (traditions) and it has killed 6 deer. I use 80 grain pyrodex powder ans 245 powerbelts. I will tell you what, that combo is great for accuracy and for penitration. The closest shot has been about 60yards and it stuck in the hide on the other side. And this past season I took an 8 point @ 160 yard, it blew right through the thick part of the spine. and he dropped like a rock. Originaly when I purchaced the gun it wouldnt hold a good group with 125 grains (what I started with) . I quickly learned that more isn't alway better, After reading the manual which stated " start with a small load and work your way up". So thats what I did, I was able to hold a 1" to 1.5" inch pattern @ 100 yrds.

I just traded a AN SKS I had for a new tradition pursuit LT Compact/ youth. I am going to give it a try this season, It looks like a nice rifle, its short (24" barrel) and only weighs 6 lbs.