muzzleloader?
12-07-2008 | 05:26 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2008
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muzzleloader?
OK guys I live in Illinois and have been given rights to hunt a new spot. Of course in Illinois you have a choice of shotgun or muzzle loader. I've never had a muzzleloader. But with this new ground Ineed one. because there are virtually no options on treestands (I must hunt on the ground) And I have very long shooting distances from most brush. Its mainly a grassy 300 acre field better suited for rabbit hunting. But there are some reall hogs using it asa travel fare to and fro from bedding to crops. I want to buy a muzzleloader to reach further than my remington 1187 will reach effectively. I am not rich so the really expensive models are out. What are some of the best buys (not cheapest,but best value) I can get in muzzleloaders. I would like models that are simple and most dummy proof /any help appreciated.
12-07-2008 | 05:37 PM
#3
Fork Horn
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 289
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From: Sydney, AUS / Miami, OK
12-07-2008 | 05:56 PM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,246
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From:
RE: muzzleloader?
ORIGINAL: powerpak
OK guys I live in Illinois and have been given rights to hunt a new spot. Of course in Illinois you have a choice of shotgun or muzzle loader. I've never had a muzzleloader. But with this new ground Ineed one. because there are virtually no options on treestands (I must hunt on the ground) And I have very long shooting distances from most brush. Its mainly a grassy 300 acre field better suited for rabbit hunting. But there are some reall hogs using it asa travel fare to and fro from bedding to crops. I want to buy a muzzleloader to reach further than my remington 1187 will reach effectively. I am not rich so the really expensive models are out. What are some of the best buys (not cheapest,but best value) I can get in muzzleloaders. I would like models that are simple and most dummy proof /any help appreciated.
OK guys I live in Illinois and have been given rights to hunt a new spot. Of course in Illinois you have a choice of shotgun or muzzle loader. I've never had a muzzleloader. But with this new ground Ineed one. because there are virtually no options on treestands (I must hunt on the ground) And I have very long shooting distances from most brush. Its mainly a grassy 300 acre field better suited for rabbit hunting. But there are some reall hogs using it asa travel fare to and fro from bedding to crops. I want to buy a muzzleloader to reach further than my remington 1187 will reach effectively. I am not rich so the really expensive models are out. What are some of the best buys (not cheapest,but best value) I can get in muzzleloaders. I would like models that are simple and most dummy proof /any help appreciated.
Chap
12-07-2008 | 08:32 PM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Jan 2008
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From:
RE: muzzleloader?
The only thing I'll add to Chap and lemoyne is to consider an Omega as well. They covered the best bullet choices, the Precision Dead Centers are good too but IMHO harder to get a good load developed in many guns.
I'm not the biggest fan of the Nikon Omega BDC scope due to the particular reticle design, anything with a mil-dot reticle will give you multiple better aiming points -- you'll still need to do your homework on the range to know which dot is which range with your load though.
If you really want to get accurate, get a tactical style scope so you can dial in exactly for the deer's range. My Omega wears a cheap Barska Tactical currently -- a bit of a gamble but it's working for me the last 2 years.
One thing you have to do, if you don't have one, is factor in the cost of a good rangefinder. A bushnell 400 will range reliably to 300 yards. This is an ABSOLUTE MUST for long range shooting.
I'm not the biggest fan of the Nikon Omega BDC scope due to the particular reticle design, anything with a mil-dot reticle will give you multiple better aiming points -- you'll still need to do your homework on the range to know which dot is which range with your load though.
If you really want to get accurate, get a tactical style scope so you can dial in exactly for the deer's range. My Omega wears a cheap Barska Tactical currently -- a bit of a gamble but it's working for me the last 2 years.
One thing you have to do, if you don't have one, is factor in the cost of a good rangefinder. A bushnell 400 will range reliably to 300 yards. This is an ABSOLUTE MUST for long range shooting.
12-08-2008 | 05:24 AM
#9
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,445
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RE: muzzleloader?
Cheap is a relative term, but I can recommend the Remington Genesis, and that deal at Cabelas for the camo/blue version gets you the gun for less than $100 after the $35 MFR rebate and Cabelas $20 off.
Put a decent scope on it and you'll have less than 300 in the gun, including powder and projectiles to get rolling.
I shoot the Hornady FPB and even though it is a relatively heavy bullet at 350 gr., with 120 gr Pyrodex, sighted 2.75" high at 75 it is a 150 yard load (3.5" low). If that's the kind of range you need, I can't see how you'd go wrong with that setup.
Put a decent scope on it and you'll have less than 300 in the gun, including powder and projectiles to get rolling.
I shoot the Hornady FPB and even though it is a relatively heavy bullet at 350 gr., with 120 gr Pyrodex, sighted 2.75" high at 75 it is a 150 yard load (3.5" low). If that's the kind of range you need, I can't see how you'd go wrong with that setup.
12-08-2008 | 05:34 AM
#10
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,246
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From:
RE: muzzleloader?
ORIGINAL: spaniel
The only thing I'll add to Chap and lemoyne is to consider an Omega as well. They covered the best bullet choices, the Precision Dead Centers are good too but IMHO harder to get a good load developed in many guns.
I'm not the biggest fan of the Nikon Omega BDC scope due to the particular reticle design, anything with a mil-dot reticle will give you multiple better aiming points -- you'll still need to do your homework on the range to know which dot is which range with your load though.
If you really want to get accurate, get a tactical style scope so you can dial in exactly for the deer's range. My Omega wears a cheap Barska Tactical currently -- a bit of a gamble but it's working for me the last 2 years.
One thing you have to do, if you don't have one, is factor in the cost of a good rangefinder. A bushnell 400 will range reliably to 300 yards. This is an ABSOLUTE MUST for long range shooting.
The only thing I'll add to Chap and lemoyne is to consider an Omega as well. They covered the best bullet choices, the Precision Dead Centers are good too but IMHO harder to get a good load developed in many guns.
I'm not the biggest fan of the Nikon Omega BDC scope due to the particular reticle design, anything with a mil-dot reticle will give you multiple better aiming points -- you'll still need to do your homework on the range to know which dot is which range with your load though.
If you really want to get accurate, get a tactical style scope so you can dial in exactly for the deer's range. My Omega wears a cheap Barska Tactical currently -- a bit of a gamble but it's working for me the last 2 years.
One thing you have to do, if you don't have one, is factor in the cost of a good rangefinder. A bushnell 400 will range reliably to 300 yards. This is an ABSOLUTE MUST for long range shooting.