Depends on the gun and type of recoil pad of course, but I would put the recoil of that load somewhat equivalent to a 30-30 - but still, it's a "different" kind of recoil.

muzzleloaders to me are more of a push then a kick. I always consider them like shooting off a 20 gauge shotgun. The only thing you need to be careful of is the scope and the amount of eye relief you decide on. As when they push back, if the eye relief is short, you can get smacked by the scope. For that reason I like at least 3.5 inches of eye relief with my scopes.

The recoil really depends on a lot of things- gun design, weight, weight of powder charge, weight of bullet, etc. I have a .45 CVA that is lighter than the Kodiak, so the recoil is worse. With a 200 grain bullet and 100 grains of loose 777 FFFG (about 2000 fps) I would say the level of recoil is close to a .30-06, but with more of a "push" than a sharp kick. Like Cauygad said, make sure you get a scope with plenty of eye relief- I learned that one the hard way.

If the recoil's a bit much, you can always back off the powder charge a bit. With 80 grains of 777 I consider the recoil to be very tolerable- on the level of a 20 gauge shotgun or so. No muzzleloader I've ever shot had recoil anywhere near that of a 12 gauge slug.

With the .45 you're going to have less bullet selection than with the .50, so you have to be creative. Lane Nebraska probably has the most experience with .45's of anyone I know on this forum- he may impart his wisdom. A good place to start is to get some .40 cal XTP's - either the 200 or 180 grainers. The .40 cal 200 grain SST's/Shockwaves are a good bet too. Get some loose 777 or BH209 and start off at 80 grains and work your way up in 5 grain increments until you find what your rifle likes. For example, my rifle loves 95 grains of 777 - anything less or more, and the groups open up. But each rifle is different...

Welcome. Love your avitar and your .sig. As for bullets, you've selected the 45cal and the best200 yard bullet is the 200g .40 SW with a 45cal sabot, the best 150-175 yard bullet iswithout a doubt the .40 BarnesMZ, signted in 3" high at 100, you would begood to go out to 150 to 175.
Best Wishes on your new rifle, they are a lot of fun to shoot and hunt with.
In Christ, the author and perfector of our faith,
Chap Gleason

Thank you all for your insight.

I let you know if I have a shooter when I take it to the range.

Soli Deo Gloria!!

I think you made the right decision although I also understand the better selection of bullets for a .50 over a .45. If deer is the only game not elk the .45 is just fine. As for recoil; I am fairly recoil sensitive also and have added Limbsaver recoil pads to all the muzzleloaders that I shoot with anything over 80gr. of powder and 300gr. bullets. The bullet weight is definately one of the main causes of recoil. Dave (Cayugad) gave you all the right information. This likely will not be the last muzzleloader you buy but I think at the price it is a very good start. Look for a Limbsaver pad!!! You may have to go with the grind to fit but there may be one that fits close if they do not have one specifically for the rifle.

My gun is supposed to be delivered tomorrow

I went shopping this weekend and purchased some 155gr XTP's on sale ($10 for 20 w/sabots). I plan on (at least to begin with, and since ML season starts Saturday) shooting 777 pellets (45/50). A couple of questions.

Will these bullets be effective on whitetail and wild hog? If not, what is the min. bullet weight that will be?

The stand I'll be hunting at on Saturday will not offer a shot over 80 - 100 yds. What would be a good load to try (with these bullets and the 777 pellets) for this application?

Thanks again. I can't wait until tomorrow!!!

when you're having fun, you really don't notice the recoil!

I shoot a lot of CF rifles, and never even think about it (even on the range - but especially not in the woods). My favorite CF rifle is my 300 Win Mag - pretty light recoil compared to some I've shot, but it is heavier than my 270 and 30-06 - but that's a fun rifle to shoot.

we can't have scopes on our MZ here - but I think the scope issue mentioned is far more important. You don't want to be tagged by your scope, no matter how light the recoil.

good luck and enjoy your new shooter

100 grains of most powders with a bullet of 200 grains MIGHT kick as much as a typical .243

Upping the bullet weight will of course up the recoil (provided all bullets fit the bore equally well). 100 grains of powder beneath a 400 or 500 grain bullet can be quite dramatic.

You will probably wind up shooting a load of 90-110 grains volumetricof powderbeneath a bullet weighing 250 to 300 grains and I don't think you will find recoil to be a major issue. The 300 grain bullet would probably be close to the recoil of an 06.