Help me get into Muzzleloading

Spotswood

Spotswood

Member
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
Location
Manitoba
Well I'm ready to take the plunge into muzzleloaders.
I don't know much about them, and frankly the main reason I want one is just to extend my deer hunting season.
I don't want to spend a whole lot, and I don't need or expect it to be able to shoot accurately to 300yds.
I've been looking at a CVA Wolf at $260-$350 or Optima at $400-$500, or a Knight Vision at $300. Would love to hear any other options, or which of these would be the best choice and why.
Feel free to share any great deals you've found that I should check out! I'd prefer to buy new.
Thanks!
 
You’re on the right track for entry level muzzloaders for deer hunting. After a few years you’ll want to upgrade to something a little better like a CVA Accura so save yourself some aggravation and get the Accura right off the bat. You won’t be disappointed.

The Accura is CVA’s top on the line. I have the Traditions Vortex and it’s their top on the line. Six of one and half a dozen of the other. If I had to pick between the two, I’d probably go with the Accura but there both great guns.
 
Last edited:
bush1 said:
You’re on the right track for entry level muzzloaders for deer hunting. After a few years you’ll want to upgrade to something a little better like a CVA Accura so save yourself some aggravation and get the Accura right off the bat. You won’t be disappointed.

The Accura is CVA’s top on the line. I have the Traditions Vortex and it’s their top on the line. Six of one and half a dozen of the other. If I had to pick between the two, I’d probably go with the Accura but there both great guns.
Click to expand...

So what does a person gain with the Accura over something like the Optima?
 
I really like my CVA wolf. It likes IMR white hot pellets (2x50g equivalent) and both 45 cal sabots or Powerbelts. While i haven't shot a deer with it yet, i would have no hesitation shooting at one at 100 yards. To me, it's a single shot rifle. If my range was 150 yards I'd want to try 3x50 pellets with 45 cal sabots.

Plus with the pellets it's easy to unload at night when finished hunting (unscrew the breach plug and take out powder and projectile)
 
I can't really contribute much, but a few years ago I bought a used Thompson Omega off the EE for the same reason. It has turned out to be a fantastic rifle and is a ton of fun to shoot. I've been fortunate enough to harvest a deer every year with it. Blackhorn powder substitute is very clean burning, accurate and reliable. I buy pistol bullets in 100 PC pkgs and buy sabots separately to save money.
 
wasa said:
I really like my CVA wolf. It likes IMR white hot pellets
Plus with the pellets it's easy to unload at night when finished hunting (unscrew the breach plug and take out powder and projectile)
Click to expand...

Yes, the pellets, either White Hots or Tripple7 make it super easy to load and unload your muzzleloader when you’re finished hunting but you don’t have to remove the projectile or powder to comply with the hunting regs. Just removing the primer makes it totally legal to transport your muzzleloader in a vehicle or hang it on the wall in the hunt camp for the night.

The only time I’ll remove the powder is if I think some rain or snow might have gotten into the barrel. Some Glad wrap and an elastic band over the muzzle works well in the rain and snow. Some use small condoms.
 
Interesting. From https://oodmag.com/must-knows-muzzleloader-hunters/ it claims that there are different federal laws vs provincial laws. "... muzzleloading hunters could be held to either federal Firearms Act or the provincial Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act at the discretion of the Conservation Officer. Similarly, hunters dealing with provincial police forces might be subject to either standard. Therefore, the most prudent course of action is to unload projectile and powder from muzzleloader when storing them after hunts or during transport."


bush1 said:
Yes, the pellets, either White Hots or Tripple7 make it super easy to load and unload your muzzleloader when you’re finished hunting but you don’t have to remove the projectile or powder to comply with the hunting regs. Just removing the primer makes it totally legal to transport your muzzleloader in a vehicle or hang it on the wall in the hunt camp for the night.

The only time I’ll remove the powder is if I think some rain or snow might have gotten into the barrel. Some Glad wrap and an elastic band over the muzzle works well in the rain and snow. Some use small condoms.
Click to expand...
 
wasa said:
Interesting. From https://oodmag.com/must-knows-muzzleloader-hunters/ it claims that there are different federal laws vs provincial laws. "... muzzleloading hunters could be held to either federal Firearms Act or the provincial Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act at the discretion of the Conservation Officer. Similarly, hunters dealing with provincial police forces might be subject to either standard. Therefore, the most prudent course of action is to unload projectile and powder from muzzleloader when storing them after hunts or during transport."
Click to expand...

In NB. Muzzle loaders can be transported in a hunting season with powder and ball loaded provided that they are not capped or the flint is removed in the case of a Flintlock. Outside of a hunting season they must be unloaded.
 
I would handle them all and get what fits the best. I am now using a Traditions Vortek, but over the years shot flinders and sidelocks, and filled my tag for the past 30 years. I went with the modern front stuffer, because my eyes are old and need a scope now. I use pistol bullets and sabots, or the pre packaged SST’s and sabots when they are on sale. For powder I use Triple 7 3f, I tried Blackhorn, didn’t like it, besides it’s blood pricey. Just make sure you clean the rifle up after every use.
 
Thanks for the replies all, I ordered a CVA Wolf and picked up some white hots and primers. Haven't decided on a bullet yet. Any recommendations?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom