im seriously thinking about buying a smokepole.....a flintlock because of our season laws here in PA......i was thinking a nice new one like a traditions deer hunter or something of the sort.....not an old hawken or anything....i plan on shooting powerbelts or a sabot or conical or something of the sort.....would buying one of the kits that come with the whole 9yds except powder be a good way to start or buy the tools of the trade seperatly?? what all will i need to muzzleloader hunt?? i have nothing of the sort....my dad has and knows nothing about it....he told me his friend does and the guy is a good guy...he took me hunting the day i got my first deer...hes always willing to help and loves to get out with people...so he will probally teach me what i need to know and get me shooting safely.....i want ot buy it soon and have the money....only my gun dealer will have to order it more then likely...i want to get it now so i can practice my heart out.....anything i should know about hunting with a smokepole before i jump into it?? any help is appriciated....i know nothing and know nothing about what i need...also anyone want to recomend a few flintlocks to look at? should i get a kit or no?? thanx alot

Hi mauser06 ,
prepare yourself for a lifelong addiction ! Muzzleloaders of all types have a way of hooking you that no other gun can match . By the way , Pa. does allow modern ml' s including inlines in some seasons , but nearly any sidelock would qualify . I don' t own flintys personally , but I have a friend who does , and they are a ball to shoot . I' d get a starter pack like you mentioned , this can save you some money over buying separately . Your Dad' s buddy will be in a better position to advise you about accessories , and how to operate your new addiction . Before using Powerbelts or other sabots make sure your gun has the proper rate of twist for them . A rate of 1 in 48" would be minimum for those and conicals . Most of the flintys I' ve seen are set up for round ball , and have twist rates as high as 1 in 72" . Also , nearly all flintys can' t use Pyrodex pellets because of their method of ignition . Traditons makes a rifle called the PA Pellet that can , and it should be legal in Pa. , but check it out before buying one . I wouldn' t be too quick to discount the Hawken , it is a superb design and the originals were flintys . Very reliable and accurate . The Lyman Great Plains is also an excellent smokepole . I' m partial to Traditions since I own 3 of them , and their prices and quality are good . the Sportsmans Guide website has several smokepoles listed right now , some of which are flintys , and they always have good prices . Enjoy your new addiction .

mauser06 - I' m not completely up to date on PA restrictions, I do know they have openned up their regulations a bit, but double check them to make sure which projectiles are legal.
As for what to buy - I' ve got two articles on my site, one covers the guns themselves, the second all the extras. To answer your question it usually is cheaper to buy the " Kit" , if you priced out all the items you' ll get find the kit is normally priced better.
Defineately, hook up with your Dad' s friend and have him walk you through the loading, shooting, and cleaning of you new gun.
Welcome to the sport

thanx guys.....i looked at the great plains hunter but its just out of my price range......id like to keep it kinda cheap becuase i am going t obe buying a truck in a little over 2 months so i should be saving my money....but dad doesnt seem to mind if i spend some and i want to start hunting with a smokepole.....i have been told a flintlock doesnt ignite pellets very well...and our regs say we can use anything in a early doe season and i can use an inline in rifle season but the long after christmas season is flintlock only still....thats the season im interested in hunting mainly...they also say any solid projectile may be used....i think im going to have my dealer order me a traditions deer hunter.....are the accessories in the kit good quality tools or are they cheap and will work but not the best?? thanx guys.....ill let you know what i end up buying......

Traditions tools are good , that' s what would be in your kit if you buy their guns . For the projectile check the rate of twist , make sure it' s appropriate to the bullet you plan to use . As I posted earlier most flintys can' t use pellets , although the Traditions Pa Pellet is designed for them . It' s about as high as the Lyman in price from my recollection . The Deer Hunter is a good choice , I think it has a 1 in 48" twist to accomodate all bullets .

thanx kevin.....it is a 1:48 twist...i heard they will shoot either PB or conicals and sabots with pretty good accuracy...my friend has one and really likes it and he shoots powerbelts...i guess i will go with the deerhunter kit...he said he got his for 180 or so..powder and bullets and im good to go.....thanx alot.....ill have to get down the gun shop one day very soon....heck....if the weathers good i may have my flintlock in my hands on opening day of rifle season! i know i will have it with me on my hunting trip...that is if i feel confident with it.....thanx alot...i cant wait......this should be fun!

You' re welcome mauser06 ,
you' ll find the Deer Hunter an easy weapon to grow confident with once you find the load and bullet it likes best . I' d start with a target load of about 60-70 grains pushing the bullet of your choice , then scale the load up from there in increments of 5 grains on 3-5 round groups . Don' t try pellets in it though , most sidelocks can' t ignite them properly . Loose powder will be your best bet to determine what load it likes , and gives you adjustability that pellets can' t match . A hunting load for that model would probably be around 80-100 grains , and I think that model maxes out at about 100 . Don' t be tempted to exceed 100 , it won' t improve it' s performance and will only waste powder . Choice of powder is up to you , some like traditional BP , others like substitutes . I usually shoot Pyrodex in mine , and get excellent performance . Triple 7 is not reccomended for sidelocks , and might generate too much pressure anyway unless you reduce the load slightly . The ratio I' ve seen was 60 gr. 777 = 70 gr. Pyrodex . Patched round ball would be good for both experimentation as well as hunting , and will keep cost down at the range . Two of my smokepoles are 1 in 48" twist , and both shoot PRB with accuracy comparable to sabots at ranges up to 100 yds . Have fun .

Just my own .02 worth ' 06... I just purchased a Black Diamond XR... gun only and have never owned one before. GET the kit!!! Also be sure to get with anyone you know that can help you out with what to buy. I don' t have anyone that I know here that can help me so I' m doing the read the BB' s, listen to what everyone says and then trial and error!!! It can get very costly this way.[:-] Best of luck and have fun!!!

Hi paul w ,
trying to learn about a muzzleloader by trial & error usually results in error , and can be dangerous . Go to the BB at the NAHC website where fellow members like me can steer you to another member in your area who' ll show you the ropes . I don' t know where you live , but if it' s anywhere near Louisville , Ky. I' ll be happy to help you learn . I' ve seen the Black Diamond XR in an all-in-one pack for a reasonable price , how come you didn' t buy yours that way ?