I have new friends entering BP sports. They have a ton of questions I never think about. Well, maybe I do. Just never posted.

1) How much do you spend in ammo, black powder and cleaning supplies to keep your shooting edge each week?

2) How many shots do you get out of Black horn 209 (10 ounce bottle)?

3) Who uses sandbags to sight in gun and how do you use them?

4) Do you shoot 200 yard targets regularly and effectively? Would you be confident taking a deer at that range with little wind?

5) Whats the best solvent for BH 209?

6) How fast can you load BP between shots hunting from a stand?

7) What kind of rest do you use when taking long shots Hunting?


Thanks in advance for answers.

D

I have new friends entering BP sports. They have a ton of questions I never think about. Well, maybe I do. Just never posted.

1) How much do you spend in ammo, black powder and cleaning supplies to keep your shooting edge each week? Depending on whether I am shooting traditional or inline rifles the cost can vary. Now remember, I shoot a lot. Normally I will shoot off at least one pound of powder a week, sometimes even more. So that is $14-20 dollars so lets average that at $15.00 and then there is the projectiles. If its traditional, I probably cast my own, but lets place a cost of $10.00 there because I shoot a lot of conceals I purchase. If I am shooting sabots and fancy bullets, that cost can run around $20.00 or even more. So on average I spend somewhere between $20-40 dollars a week. Also the time of the year makes a difference, as when it gets cooler, the shooting time on the range increases a great deal.

2) How many shots do you get out of Black horn 209 (10 ounce bottle)? That would depend on how large a charge you shoot. Some people shoot 90 grains, while others shoot 120 grains. Also if you have to figure cost to cost shot this might be too expensive a powder for you to practice with. That is on of the faults I find in this powder, for MY shooting. I shoot black powder which is much more cost effective.

3) Who uses sandbags to sight in gun and how do you use them?

I use sandbags. I also use a rest. I also use shooting sticks. To use the sand bags, I like to get at a comfortable level where there forestock of the rifle rests on the bags, and then a second bag rested under the heel of the stock in the back, while all of that lines up to my shoulder.

4) Do you shoot 200 yard targets regularly and effectively? Would you be confident taking a deer at that range with little wind?

No I do not. There just is not those kind of shots where I live so I see no reason to practice them. Would I shoot at that range.. of course not. I have not prepared myself for that kind of distance. About the max I would shoot is 150 yards and that depends on what rifle is in my hands.

5) Whats the best solvent for BH 209? Montana Xtreme Cowboy Solvent worked perfect for taking out Blackhorn 209

6) How fast can you load BP between shots hunting from a stand?

It all depends on the rifle and the projectiles. But let me put it to you this way... Make that first shot count, and the speed of the second shot becomes a mute point. But on average if I pushed myself, I would guess I could make another shot safely.. 30 seconds.

7) What kind of rest do you use when taking long shots Hunting?

I am a shooting stick person. In stands, I have shooting sticks. In one tree stand I use a rope swing. When on the ground I lean into trees. I like to get that rifle stable between more then two points. Hands are good, but a tree or stick really makes the difference for me.


Thanks in advance for answers.

Wow lots of questions.

1. I have no idea on the money its alot. I think its close to a buck a shot the last time I figured it out. W209, BH209, and XTPS or Deep Curl, Crushed Rib Sabots. I buy cleaning patches by 500. I just know its alot of money especially at first then it steadys out. Truthfully I probably don't want to know.

2. That will depend on what grains you are using. There are guys around here that can figure that out better than i can. I did it once and I thought it was between 50 or 60 but don't quote me.

3. I use sandbags. Actually just one. The caldwell tack driver. Its really nice.

4. I shoot at 200 yards its the third BDC circle for me. And yes I would take the shot. YOU just have to know YOUR gun and PRACTICE.

5. I use TC17 products. But other guys use different things.

6. I don't worry how fast. Just make the first shot count thats all. But in panic mode I did do it in 30 secs one time cause I wounded here and didn't want her to jump the fence. Didn't need the shot though, she bled out.

7. I use the VANGUARD BI-Pods. I think some other guys bought them two. Helped me get my antelope. Also if I can I try to shoot in a prone position.

I hope that helps.

1) Presently $5 a week. I shoot three outing a year, all in support of hunting. A mix of traditional and modern muzzleloading, with about 2/3 being traditional.

2) I only use blackpowder.

3) Under the forend only, between the forend and a rest.

4) No. I still hunt in thick eastern forest. The few times I see an animal across a pasture or field, I pass.

5) See question 2.

6) I only hunt on the ground. Got off three rounds, killing 2 deer with a flintlock in under 2 minutes, laying down behind a deadfall.

7) I seek some sort of rest with any shot beyond spitting distance. I will using whatever is handy, a kneeling position, tree limbs, tree trunks, rocks, to prone.

1) How much do you spend in ammo, black powder and cleaning supplies to keep your shooting edge each week?

Thats a bit hard to estimate due to large climate variations. I wont shoot when its really hot unless im just plinking before it heats up. I also shoot smokeless (in approved guns) occasionally which is far cheaper per shot than any other typical ML powder. I also buy most items in bulk, including cleaning supplies which is a huge savings..

2) How many shots do you get out of Black horn 209 (10 ounce bottle)?

No idea, i never bothered to check since the charges vary too much. Not enough would be the best answer.

3) Who uses sandbags to sight in gun and how do you use them?

Not at first. First i use a sled or a sled with weight added if its a heavy kicker. Then i move to sand bags then to only my support to verify POI.

4) Do you shoot 200 yard targets regularly and effectively? Would you be confident taking a deer at that range with little wind?

Not regularly now since my main 200 yard range closed but i have steel gongs set near my main stand to simulate those shots and ringing the steel is fun. The longest one is about 225yards. Im confident using my favorite guns and loads but i wont take long shots at big game in heavy wind.

5) Whats the best solvent for BH 209?

I dont think ive seen a best yet. Most good centerfire powder and cowboy action cleaners work pretty much the same but i prefer bulk MILSPEC CLPS from the gun shows because they are much cheaper. Hoppes or the Montana X products are good options if your choices are limited.

6) How fast can you load BP between shots hunting from a stand?

Fast enough to take two out of a group of three last year in the same field. A very comfy and well equipped tree "house" helped a lot.

7) What kind of rest do you use when taking long shots Hunting?

The walls on my main "stand" have several spots for solid rests unless the wind is really heavy and in those conditions i seldom hunt.

1) How much do you spend in ammo, black powder and cleaning supplies to keep your shooting edge each week?
I've got it down to between 50 and 60 cents a shot using lead conicals or lead balls and Goex. Some weeks I don't get a chance to shoot. Some weeks I shoot a bunch.
2) How many shots do you get out of Black horn 209 (10 ounce bottle)?
Don't use the stuff but it should be easy to calculate how many 100 grain shots a jug holds.

3) Who uses sandbags to sight in gun and how do you use them?
I probably should use the sandbags but almost all of my shooting is off a picnic table using my arms as a rest or off a sawhorse with a little blanket over it and me kneeling down, or sometimes freehand or shooting sticks. Close to hunting conditions I suppose.

4) Do you shoot 200 yard targets regularly and effectively? Would you be confident taking a deer at that range with little wind?
No and No.

5) Whats the best solvent for BH 209?
From what I understand any good smokeless powder solvent should work.

6) How fast can you load BP between shots hunting from a stand?

Using lead I can shoot again without swabbing but I am not the fastest I suppose. Maybe 30 seconds.
7) What kind of rest do you use when taking long shots Hunting?
I really haven't shot anything further than 90 or 100 yards and just a decent ledge on a treestand or shooting sticks seem to work.
Art

Bottom line is shooting muzzleloaders is no more expensive than shooting a center fire.muzzle loaders are absolutely capable of 200 yd kills with practice and a good quality bullet.if you using bh 209 any quality center fire cleaner will work, hoppes,bore scrubber ETC. they can be reloaded plenty fast in the field with practice.bench work just use whatever you did with a center fire.you shot 40 rds of BH yesterday, how much is left in the bottle lol? another thing muzzle loaders a just plain fun to shoot and very challenging especially at longer distances..it's a very addictive shooting sport, enjoy it and have fun.. Ray

My turn:
1) How much do you spend in ammo, black powder and cleaning supplies to keep your shooting edge each week?
I shoot mostly black powder and my costs are not too high as I don't have the time to shoot as often as I'd like. For my Pyrodex RS and P, I usually wait until it goes on sale at Walmart and clear the shelf. This question has way to many variables to answer accurately.

2) How many shots do you get out of Black horn 209 (10 ounce bottle)?
Can't answer this. Never used it and probably never will. I get good results with BP and Pyrodex.
3) Who uses sandbags to sight in gun and how do you use them?
I use 5 sandbags and an adjustable front rest from Tipton. One bag on the rest and the other 4 near the butt. This gives me absolutely zero movement when I am locked into the rifle.
4) Do you shoot 200 yard targets regularly and effectively? Would you be confident taking a deer at that range with little wind?
I would never take a 200 yd shot because I have never practiced that far. I am sure my Knight could do it but I consider my MLs to be short range weapons. Not that they are not capable but it is just what I prefer. And I mostly hunt with sidelocks anyway and 100 yds is pretty far with iron sights and a ML.

5) Whats the best solvent for BH 209?

6) How fast can you load BP between shots hunting from a stand?
Again, this depends on the rifle and ammo being used. Normally though easily in under a minute. About 30 seconds or so with a speed loader. But then again, what's the rush. Your game is probably gone or about to be when they see you fiddling around. That's the fun of MLing. Make that first shot count.

7) What kind of rest do you use when taking long shots Hunting?

I think a good question is....are you and your friends enthusiasts or just trying to extend your season? The reason i ask is cost isn't an issue IMO if you are mainly just hunting and not spending many hours just shooting for enjoyment. I couldn't answer this question myself until i found a ML i absolutely loved and shot awesome with a variety of loads. So it might be too early to ask.

I hunt with a ML only by choice in all of my big game seasons and CFs even became boring at the 200 yard range. So cost reductions to ME might have a bigger motivation to find cheaper options than it does for you and your friends.

I see you have a nice Omega and a good scope. Have you ever tried shooting big conicals? Some T/Cs wont shoot them well but its a great way to reduce costs if it will.

Doesn't matter what you spend. Once you feel the hurt, you put it to the side until you can restock on supplies. If you're a weekend warrior that fires a handful of rounds on the range during the weekend, it won't be bad.

The real question is, How much are YOU willing to spend on this addicting hobby?