What's Next?
 

Just looking For conversation I guess, but as I was looking around and thinking, I started to wonder what the next big thing in muzzleloaders will be? There hasn't been a new design lately. Rather companies are reworking old designs trying to improve them. Is there even anywhere else to go with design? The break action or bolt action seem to be what's selling right now. If you were going to tell a company what you wanted to see, what would it be? Something totally new? Different ways to rework a current design? Perhaps not a new design but some sort of improved shooting component?

My guess: powder. Given the advantages and disadvantages of BH209, I think some company will try to improve on it. Maybe Alliant will be that company.

I would like to see different cals for inlines. I understand that the 50 is the all around one, But it would be nice if TC would make a .45 or .52. Just something different then a 50. Its really hard to justify to buy another inline when they are all 50. Yes knight makes the .52 but it would be nice if some other company would step up. If TC would make a .52/.54 Triumph I would buy it in a heart beat.

I also believe powder will be the big one a powder that has the advantages of Blackhorn and the capability of being ignited in any muzzleloader even with #11 caps and a bit longer burning period with more potential energy but not any higher pressure.
It is with in the capabilities of present technology to do this in a none corrosive non residue powder.
There will probably also be a sabot that will handle the .457-8 400 grain bullets to make very large game practical with a muzzleloader.

I do believe that powders will be a new market. We are seeing it all the time as a new powder pops up claiming to be better. You might also see smokeless muzzleloaders start playing an important role. With the barrel advancement, I think more of them will start to appear. The other thing we are seeing and will get even more competitive is the design of bullets. Brass is a new market, Copper is getting too expensive to shoot, and one must consider the leaps we have made in the use of plastics.

I would prefer to see more variation in twists.I prefer 1:24 1:20or even 1:18 for my inlines and 1:70 or so for round ball .more 45 cal options would be nice also

I like you thinking Chetmarks.

I would like to see a reasonably priced underhammer model with fast twist, slow twist, and shotgun barrel options.

I would like to see more .45 cal rifles myself, along with more bullet choices for them. i am hoping Knight offers this next year, if there still in the rifle making business then.i really don't see T/C making a move to the .45,.52 or the .54 cal anytime soon.the demand just isn't there.i also agree the big changes will come in the powder end of it and not any new rifle designs. the break actions IMHO will continue to dominate the market for a lot of obvious reasons.. Ray

We will be testing a fast twist 45 before fall (At least i hope). 1/20 or 1/22 will be the goal. We hope to have it shooting both sabotless and saboted bullets.

I agree with Cayugad on this one. I think smokeless powder rifles are the next big thing. Guys are so hung up on saving 60 seconds and not wanting to clean their rifles. So any improvements to shorten the cleaning time are going to prosper. And this is also related to powder.

Personally I would like to see the states go back to traditional MZ's and do away with all the modernizations. After all the initial MZ season were called "primitive weapons" season. And I promise you my Knight LRH is anything but a "primitive weapon". Tom.