My dad and I are thinking of doing muzzle loading for deer next year. I've been looking through the hunting pamphlet and I'm a little confused. The hunting pamphlet for Washington states that "Ignition is to be wheellock, match-lock, flintlock, or percussion using original style percussion caps that fit on the nipple and are exposed to the elements." What does this mean and what ml rifles are allowed? Are 209 caps allowed? I assume that rifles like the TC Omega are not allowed, since they are 'sealed' from the elements.

Thanks,
Matt

I would say call your State Fish and Game and ask if all they are asking for with the percussion ignition is an exposed breech. There are even some inlines that fall into that catagory. For instance my Thompson Center Black Diamond XR comes with an exposed breech and you can shoot percussion caps out of it. So does my Knight Wolverine II.

You might also want to check and make sure there are no projectile requirements. Such as, are sabots allowed? If conicals are allowed are there size requirements? What are the caliber requirements if any?

Then you could make an informed decision as to the type of rifle that might best suit you..... And your right, the T/C Omega, CVA Optima, Knight Revolution, CVA Kodiak, Traditons Persuit, H&R Huntsman, Sidekick, etc... are all closed breech as are most bolt action type rifles.

If your looking for an excellent rifle that will fit the requirements without question look at a Thompson Center Hawkins and then get it in as big a caliber as you can... It will do the job and be all the hunting rifle you need. Also Lyman Great Plains rifle in .54 would fit in there for you...

My son-in-law hunts out of Kennewick - a 209 is not considered a percussion cap it is a primer - no go in Washington + you can only use lead bullets...no copper.

Go to Huntamerica.com the ML forum and poat this question and Jason will probably answer... If I remember correctly... scopes are not allowed, lead bullets (not sure about lead in sabot), #11 or musket caps exposed to the elements. But Jason will be able to tell you, he hunts in WA.