As far as limitations, I know mine and I set a requirement for my kids before they can hunt. My requirement for them is that they can not shoot at any distance further than what they actually practice at. They also must shoot a 3 shot group where all three shots are kill shots or they are not allowed to hunt. If they get 3 kill shots in a row then I let them hunt that trip.They have to repeat the process for the next hunt.

The truth is, a traditional rifle is a huge advantage shooting open sights.

As far as long distance, dont believe everything you read. I think big game animals are shot well below 100yds in the U.S. on an average. Even i setup sometimes on a field, but the norm is in the woods 15 to 100yds max.

I didnt set any limits for my son. I just put him in spots he could not shoot very far. It worked out well for him growing up. He was/is a much better shot then me. He actually could out shoot me at 12 years old.

Well, I just got back from shooting. I just beat out the snow.

A friend had given me a fresh bottle of APP 3F. I haven't liked this powder when I tried it before, but that was always in a C&B revolver. I thought i'd give it try with my new lousy eyesight.

I also tried something else today since my eyesight got lousy. A small piece of tape with a small hole in it on my shooting glasses. It sort of like a really really cheap version of a peep sight. It does work though, and cleared up the rear and front sight, and the target some too.

So, I shot the standard Renegade barrel today. It's my hunting barrel. I like it better than the GM 32" barrel for woods work. The GM barrel is great for target work, but kind of a pain in tight quarters. The Renegade is the typical 1-48 twist shallow groove. I'm shooting a PRB from now on, and I don't want to push it too hard in the shallow grooves.

I started with APP 3F 70 gr with a .54 225 gr PRB at 25yds offhand. The first shot put the biggest smile on my face. Dead center and almost no recoil, but lots of smoke. I like smoke. Two more shot with the same load and I had a cloverleaf. All three shots fired with no delay, and loaded like I had a clean bore.

I was worried that the recoil was so light, that it couldn't have any power. I bumped it up to 90 grs., and moved the target to 50 yds. Naturally, the group got a little bigger, but was still consistent, and the recoil was still easy to take.
I shot that load the rest of the session, but went to 75yds. I also use offhand mixed with shooting off my knee which it what I use hunting. On my knee the group was pretty tight. Around 2". Offhand a little bigger, but not too much. Well within the kill zone.

I shoot primitive targets at my club shoot, and that's all offhand open sights. Otherwise I wouldn't even bother taking offhand shots. I give myself some slack when I shoot offhand, because I know I won't be shooting for a 10 ring. Just gong the target (animals) and it's good.

So, I know I made the right decision by doing everything with my sidelock. Today was just plain fun. Something I was missing when I shot an inline. I know the inline is a more accurate, longer shooting gun, and I don't blame anybody for using one. I guess at this stage in my life I try for as much fun as possible.

It's sort of the same for me with fly fishing. I use a bamboo rod, silk line, and tie all my flies with natural materials. It just feels better for me to do it that way. The traditional muzzleloaders are the same for me. It just feels better. (for me)

One thing is bothering me though. The APP powder. It goes against every traditional bone in my body. I was expecting to hate it. I pictured taking 2 shots and throwing it away. Not the case. I really like it. I never thought i'd put anything through my traditional guns except real BP. I'm not sure how i'm going to work this out.

Glad you happy now old timer. APP is a lot more consistent weighed. Ray

That's why I wondered if they changed the powder. This powder looks pretty consistent in size, and it flows from the flask I have. Even BH 209 won't flow from that flask.

I've been calling it kitty litter all this time, and i'm sure the 2F still is, but this 3F that's i've got isn't bad. I'm going to try it in my powder horn next. I will weigh it to see how it does, but i'm thinking because the way it flows it will be pretty accurate in weight. We'll see.

I still have a lot of Swiss powder left that i'm not ready to give up on, but the APP is not hard to like.

Muley Hunter ,

Would a peep sight be better for you?

Probably, but I can't use them at the shoot.

Surprisingly the tape with a hole in it on my glasses works almost as good, and it's legal in the club.

APP always shot well for me in Traditional round ball rifles. I never hunted with it though. Sounds like you had a lot of fun. That is the main thing. I have done that tape with a hole in it trick and glasses. It actually brings the sights into focus real well. Sounds like you have a good shooter.

Muley, you have any 50's at home? Gonna need one in order to shoot Thors.