Question from a want-a-be muzzleloader hunter
 

I have never fired a muzzleloader. I do not even know all the proper steps to correctly loading a muzzleloader.
I am wondering how long it takes a normal person that is a good shot with a centerfire rifle to switch over to a modern muzzleloader and be accurate?
What are some do' s & dont' s that a first timer needs to know? Do you think if I bought a " modern muzzleloader" (T/C Omega) and shot it from August until the middle of October could I be ready to hunt with it this year?

I plan on buying a Hawkin style muzzleloader kit from Cabelas as a winter project. I then plan on useing it to hunt whitetails with. I will give the T/C Omega to my dad to hunt with.

RE: Question from a want-a-be muzzleloader hunter
 

I' d say if you are buying an " inline" ML that it should take very little time to become a good shot. I' m not saying shot once and you are ready. With the primers and ignition - there isn' t much difference. Pull the trigger - and immediately boom.

Now a flintlock will take a little getting used to.

RE: Question from a want-a-be muzzleloader hunter
 

The shooting of a muzzleloader is no different than a centerfire rifle other than the loading and cleaning.If you buy now there is no reason I can think that you won' t be ready by hunting season.Good luck.

RE: Question from a want-a-be muzzleloader hunter
 

Thanks for the help guys.

RE: Question from a want-a-be muzzleloader hunter
 

I recommend you read Bluelk' s chapters at http://www.realtree.com/bluelk/index.tpl Bluelk (Rich Dunkirk) recently lost his battle with cancer but leaves behind a legacy of trying to help new folks gain a safe start in muzzleloading.

Another great site for beginner' s help is found at http://mamaflinter.tripod.com/beginn...ers/index.html . Donna is quite knowledgable and has made available a lot of good info.

And don' t forget the manufacturer of your rifle/shotgun is usually a good source for additonal info and tips. Sometimes a toll-free number is provided to ask questions that might go beyond the web resources or your owner' s manual. Owner' s manuals are of varying quality and worth but no one should skip reading through those pages to learn what you can about the use and care of your gun.

Seems every year there are more and more folks taking up the sport and the same set of questions start popping up on the forums about this time. Intent here is to give you quick access to some enlightening info and speed up your learning curve.

Finally, don' t discount the worth of this and the several other good forums available to you, where many experienced shooters are willing to take the time and help you learn the ropes.

Be safe and enjoy!

RE: Question from a want-a-be muzzleloader hunter
 

Thank you very much for the reply Underclocked.

RE: Question from a want-a-be muzzleloader hunter
 

I' d second what underclocked said. Both Bluelk and Mamaflinter are excellent resources.

RE: Question from a want-a-be muzzleloader hunter
 

If you are serious about it you should have no problem being ready by season. The only problem I see with your plan is that once you start shooting the Omega, you won' t want to give it up. I am super pleased with mine, it has been a great gun so far, with easy clean up.

RE: Question from a want-a-be muzzleloader hunter
 

you could easily be ready to go after one day of shooting. by the time you have it sighted in, you will be ready. i borrowed a buddy knight a couple years ago and shot in once, and killed a couple does with it that same morning. went right out and bought my own.

RE: Question from a want-a-be muzzleloader hunter
 

Get a side-lock traditional round ball rifle and have fun shooting year round for what it would cost to shoot a few boxes of sabots, or conicals, and become a great shot as a result. You cann' t go wrong with the Lyman Great Plains Rifle in 54 Cal. .535 Rb, Walmart pillow ticking for patches and 85 gr 3F powder works in everyone I' ve been around. Wipe with lightly damp cleaning patch between shots, make sure cleaning jag/cleaning patch combo is not very tight going down.
David/Mo