Target practice and Hunting strategies
 

I am new to the inline muzzleloading world and would like to find a knowledgeable person to assist in target practice and to collaborate with on muzzleloading tactics and hunting strategies for whitetails. I live in southwest Missouri. We could meet at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield and make a day of it.

Thanks for reading and best of luck this coming fall.


Steve

TCP as far as practice goes the first thing you need to do is find the most accurate load combo for your rifle. Muzzleloaders all have their own 'favorite' load that will be the most accurate. There are countless threads on here devoted to load development so I suggest you look through them.
As for hunting strategy - using a muzzy is the same as if you were using a medium range centerfire rifle. Although 200+ clean kills are attainable it is my opinion that shot should be kept within 125 yds. But that's me. Most of my shooting is probably <75 yds.
I hope you find a 'willing companion' to share your inline shooting. Welcome.

bronko:

Thanks for the kind reply.

Yeah, I have read countless articles and perused a mindless myriad of material on choosing the "correct" load for my ML, but haven't actually gone out and purchased any powder or pellets yet. Heck, I haven't even mounted the scope on the thing yet either. LOL!

I completely agree with you that 200 yard shots are possible with modern day MLs, but it would be extremely rare that I would decide to take a longer shot than necessary -- guess that is the throwback bowhunter in me. Just because a ML can shoot out to 200 and beyond doesn't mean it has to be done. I, mean, it is still "hunting" right? :)

I hunt to experience nature and to get up close and personal with the game animal that I am pursuing. Taking long shots does not thrill me in the least. I'd take a 50 or a 75 yarder over a 200 yarder any day of the week, and twice on the last day of the hunt!! Well, hopefully, not "twice". Ha!

Anyway, thanks again for the reply. Best of luck this year!

Steve

If you ever make it toward KC, shoot me a message. I'd be happy to spend a day at the range and show you the ropes.

I learned at the school of hard knocks. Your request is a wise move if you can find a mentor.

Josmund:

Thanks for the reply!

Sent you a private message.

Thanks again!

Steve

I can tell you this. Not too many on here use pellets. They are not as versatile as loose powder. Without getting special breech plugs and using Blackhorn 209 powder I would go with Pyrodex RS and a bullet/sabot combo in the 250 - 300 gr range. My personal starting load is 80 grs of Pyro RS and a 300 gr 44 caliber (.429") Hornady XTP with Harvester Green crush rib sabot. Shoot groups going up in 5 grain increments. You will see your groups begin to shrink then get bigger as your charge increases. That is how you will find your rifle's sweet spot.
As a bow hunter and liking to get within 75 yds. This bullet will be more than enough for a human kill on any deer or elk.

bronko:

Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it!