I'm not really a big fan of smokeless, but I have a chance to buy one of these Bad Bulls for a good price. Does anyone have experience with this firearm? I have been told that it will only shoot smokeless powders is that correct?

Jim - See if you can download a manual for it. i would believe that any muzzleloader would be able to shoot black powder if it can use smokeless powder.

You may want to check this out.

http://www.badbullmuzzleloaders.com/faq.htm

They recommend huge amounts of 4350. 100gr minimum Thats WAY more than any of my SML loads with other powders including BH209. Other powders might be safe but 4350 is a very slow burning powder. Bad Bull says no other smokeless or sub powder may be used. Pellets are ok though.

They are made mainly for sabotless use and have a muzzle brake which isnt usually good for sabot accuracy. It might be removable if you want to shoot sabots but do they have any other load data besides 100gr or more of 4350?

It falls under the same regulations as a CF unlike more commonly sold SMLs.

LRM primers are press fit into a breach plug?

The only one that i like is the FB model based on a Ruger #1 because you can build a similar bolt gun on a Savage or Rem ML action for well under $1300. Ruger #1s can be pretty pricey unless you get lucky. Right now a guy is making a custom bolt nose for CF conversions that only requires a 209 for ignition.

$4000 for a ML?

They do offer one for about $2700. :P

Its a Stevens 200 action, it is very similar to the Savage which could be built for $630 for the rifle and $300-500 for the McGowen or Pacnor barrel of your choice. That still leaves a ton of cash leftover for a top of the line McMillian stock, bedding, nice trigger and either a Farrel or Murphy Precision picatinny one piece base.

I cant say you will get 3100fps but 2600fps is possible. One of MM members gets the Parker moving that fast in his Ruger #1/SMI 45cal conversion.

I dont really have any problems with a high priced custom IF it does exactly what YOU want. I know i would gladly pay the $1800 Melvin wants for a NULA if he would still build one in 45cal. My Pacnor 45 would go up for sale the same day.

Even if I could afford it. Which I could have before I retired, but no way now. I'm not sure I would want a gun like that.

I understand the appeal of trying to max the limit of a muzzleloader. I have a different outlook. I find the normal restrictions of BP muzzleloaders an attraction. Sort of like why hunters like to use a bow. It's the reason I sold the scope on my ML, and put a peep on it. I like being forced to hunt close, and believe me. With a peep, I need to be in bow range.

If my interest was long shots. I'd use a scoped CF gun. Much cheaper than trying to do it with a ML.

Just my .02

I dont know if i would want one either for what and where i normally hunt. Even with a CF i cant remember a shot over 200 yards. A BadBull really would not offer any advantage over the two main rifles i prefer to use. It might be nice to play with for a year if the price is low enough.

My Pacnor isnt my first or even my second choice for hunting but lots of guys use 45cal SMLs and love them. Mine is mainly just for fun and practice.

Form follows function and preference if your wallet can back it up.

A nice toy if I won the lottery.