Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

Im in the process of thinking about a couple different caliber rifles for deer and bear hunting. couple calibers i had in mind where 7mm, .270, .300 and a 30-06. i was wondering the advantages of eacha nd disadvantages. also im looking for a good muzzelloader any suggestions?

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

Without knowing what kind of terrain and ranges you are looking to hunt deer and bear, I would suggest the .30-06 or .300 win mag (if that is what you meant by .300?).
As far as a ML, what kind of money are you looking to spend? I would suggest a Savage 10ML-II if cost is not a huge issue, around $400-550 for one. They are fantastic, and can shoot smokeless in addition to BP substitutes. I would check you regs, where every you live regarding ML's first though.
If money is an issue, you could look into something like a Traditions Pursuit, which I think is around $250ish or so.
Good luck.

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

For rifle im hunting in Upstate NY in the Androndack's on Paul Smith College land and land around saranac lake, for muzzelloader ill be hunting in upstate ny and just south of rochester.

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

The sight below is a good one to visit if you have any interest in the Savage 10ML-II.

http://dougva.proboards34.com/index.cgi?

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

I have the T/C Firestorm and it works great. I don't know if you want an inline or flintlock though.

Plus it looks pretty awesome too. :D

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

Soggy has a good point, in-line or traditional ML? I would also make sure to know what regulations/limitations that NY may have regarding them as well, as what is the point in getting set-up and finding out that your set-up is some how not legal.

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

Yeah, just be safe and go with flintlock. They're much more fun anyway.:D

I've actually never shot an inline, but still think I'd prefer flintlock.

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

Spoken like a true hardcore traditionalist! ;):D

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

Haha, I just don't see the fun in inlines. It seems like it's basically the same as rifle hunting, but you're limited to one shot. We can't use them around here anyway, so I'm fine with that. I've only muzzleloader hunted for 1 year but it was definently more fun that rifle hunting.

But I only need one shot anyway. :D

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

Thats cool, doing your own thing. I use my ML during rifle season anyways, as it forces me to focus on the one shot.

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

Yeah, that's the only time you're allowed to use inlines here, with the exception of an early muzzleloader season which is like 3 days long.

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

Soggy, unless your in a special regs zone the inline is legal for the early doe season and the rifle season. the early doe is like 2 wks long. As far as your rifle question there is so little difference in all the cartridges you mentioned it's a wash.

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

buy a T/C Encore, this way you can interchange barrels from rifle to muzzle loader. IF i was going to only buy 1 gun/barrel for hunting deer and bear....it would have to be a .300

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

I must agree with red lion on the 30-06 it is the most versitle rifle out there you can hunt just about any animal out there with it. Between the light loads and the heavy there is nothing in North America it won't handel.

As for muzzle loader I would keep away from a flint lock for a first gun as these can be tough to use in a hunting situation. Your best bet starting out would be an inline and If I may suggest a T.C. Omega. I have been shooting muzzle loaders for over 30 years and I have never found a more reliable and accurate muzzle loader. There are a lot of muzzle loaders on the market today but you will never find one with the warrenty that T.C gives a life time warrenty parts and labor to every owner of their guns you don't have to have bought it new something wrong ever its covered. Now there has to be a reason they can do that.

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

For deer and black bears any of those listed will work just fine, coupled with the proper bullet elk/mooseGTG. Boils down to what you really want/need, shootability, range and ammo availability(if not a reloaded). If recoil is a factorfrom least to most(never said what 7mm or 300 so I'll includesome of the various versions to the list)7mm 08, 270 win/wsm, 280 rem, 3006, 7mm Rem Mag/WSM, 7mm STW,300wm/wsm, 7MM RUM & 300 Wby/RUM.

ML I'd agree with redlion if you can use smokeless powder then look at the savage 10II. If not TC Truimph or Encore would be my suggestions. Cheaper ML Omega Z5, CVA or NEF.

Best of Luck

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

Maybe you didn't notice that we don't live in the same state.

Our early doe season is somewhere between 3-5 days long, and I'm not even in the state during it because I'm in Colorado for a Mule Deer/Elk hunt. And I figured that you were allowed to use an inline in all states for rifle.

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

Duh... I live in the PRNJ and hunt PA.

RE: Rifle and Muzzelloader review
 

Actually I checked earlier today, the early doe season is 1 week long. But still, it's 1 week that I won't be there.