Muzzle loaders? Anybody recommend a good one?

In my experience, recoil is easier on optics because it's slower, like a shotgun. More of a long push, as opposed to a quick hit.

I use both pellets and loose powder, but the pellets are WAY more expensive for what you get; I probably won't buy them again. I always load my first round with powder, as it works exactly the same and is much cheaper. Once I run out of pellets, it will be loose pyrodex full time, as "quick loaders" loaded with loose powder are just as fast as ones loaded with pellets.
 
I also have a Traditions Tracker 209, because I'm cheap and it works very well for my purposes. I try to get within 100m and it is certainly accurate enough for that. I use a Weaver K2.5 scope on it.

Get something nicer if you want and can afford it, but if you must or just prefer to do it cheaply, the Tracker will do.
 
I have T/C encore, excellent ML, realatilvely inexpensive but good quality. Accurate, simple, I use Blackhorn 209 powder......not "buckhorn" :p. Its a BP substitute and works awesome, it cleans up like a centerfire rifle with regular solvent ei. Hoppes #9.
 
I too have a traditions 209 inline muzzle loader, bought cheap off Cabella's for well under $ 200.00. I run 777 pellets as propelant and it works like a charm. If you want to try black powder before you invest the farm this is a good way to start. It is why I went this way
 
skhunter said:
What is there to go wrong with a smokeless Savage that can't go wrong with any other modern inline if you don't pay attention when using either.
Click to expand...

You might not notice a double charge since smokeless takes up so little room, but it would be hard to overlook a 300 grain charge. It's definitely operator error, but the consequences of that error can be severe.

I like my smokeless muzzleloaders and if they don't want to make them anymore I'll guess have to make sure these two last me forever. For piece of mind, I have ended my experiments with "non-book loads." I'll never double charge one, by takeing the simple precaution of never haveing more than one charge out at a time.
 
Last edited:
So with pyrodex how often do you have clean the bore? Anybody have any good links on what to read to understand what to shop for in a modern ML? My experience in this stuff is limited to only antiques ive shot which dont seem to have anything in common with this new stuff.
 
Based on what you may be willing to spend - my recommendation as the first pick among in-lines would be from one of the TC models but not their least expensive model i.e. the Impact. The irons on that particular model suck. IMHO, the TCs are built nice, great designs, equipped with better irons sights and offer better ergonomics.

I have also zeroed and shot Traditions Pursuit models using both irons and optics and both grouped from 2-3in on average at 100 yards. I should also mention that I wasn't looking for precision just minute of deer vitals at that range.

Personally, I have the TC Triumph (Bone Collector) that comes equipped with Williams Firesights. The rifle is accurate out to 100yds using irons only. The iron sights also exhibit adequate build quality and should perform well in low light conditions - provided one's eyesight is reasonably healthy enough.

I also very much like the TC Encore Pro Hunter model and the sights installed on that rifle.

Needless to mention, each brand and/or individual ML rifle will show a strong preference or otherwise for a particular brand of powder/pellets + bullet combo as well as the type of 209 primer used. Consequently, a bit of range time will be required to determine the approrpiate loads.

Personally, I use Hodgdon's Triple 777 Magnum pellets (2 pellets of 50gr each) with 300gr of Hornady SST sabots or 250gr of TC Superglide Shockwaves. For primers, Remington Kleenbore 209s work very well with the 777 powder, well at least, it does in my case.

It is imperative that MLs must be cleaned ASAP due to the corrosive used. The process would usually involve something as simple as pouring boiling water down the barrel. Personally, I use bore foam for MLs (similar to the type used for cleaning the bore of a shotgun).....let the bbl sit for a while and then patch out the muck. Once clean, I run a patch lightly coated with a few drops of CLP prior to storage.....need to mention here, any trace of gun oil and/or CLP inside the bore must be completely wiped off and the bbl swabbed dry prior to taking out the ML to the range or to the field.

Whatever brand/model you may choose - ensure that it is a break action (or toggle action) type with a Breech Plug that is simply removable by hand (with no tools required in the process). Those features highly facilitate operation, troubleshooting and maintenance either at the range or in the field. Better quality set of irons will be another plus since the controlled hunts generally do not require long distance shooting.

Low powered optics such as 2-7x33mm or something a bit lower will be excellent for acquiring moving or close range targets much more rapidly.

FWIW, it is indeed a great way to extend the deer season and fun to hunt with. During the 2010 Controlled Hunt, I recall a guy (at HuntOntario site), who brought down 4 deer consecutively in the same field just pausing in between shots to reload his TC Encore.
 
I`ve got a Traditions Pursuit, nice rifle for the money. Very accurate and easy to clean. I use 777 pellets and will be trying the new White Hots this summer. Gave a few to a buddy to try last fall, he liked them.
 
Come to think of it, I am also planning to check out the White Hots behind the Hornady sabots prior to the season.

Last year, I installed and zeroed a scope on a friend's Pursuit LT. His first shot (out of a cold bbl) with a bore sighted only rifle punched the center of the bull @ 100 yards! The next few shots loaded quickly (with a single dry swab in between) ended up in groups of 3in. If memory serves, he was using 285gr of belted sabots. I tried a few 250gr of TC Superglide sabots and all shot around 9 inches high. I do need to take him to the range again since he dropped the rifle on his last trip while descending from his stand! :)
 
Ahsan Ahmed said:
Based on what you may be willing to spend - my recommendation as the first pick among in-lines would be from one of the TC models but not their least expensive model i.e. the Impact. The irons on that particular model suck. IMHO, the TCs are built nice, great designs, equipped with better irons sights and offer better ergonomics.

I have also zeroed and shot Traditions Pursuit models using both irons and optics and both grouped from 2-3in on average at 100 yards. I should also mention that I wasn't looking for precision just minute of deer vitals at that range.

Personally, I have the TC Triumph (Bone Collector) that comes equipped with Williams Firesights. The rifle is accurate out to 100yds using irons only. The iron sights also exhibit adequate build quality and should perform well in low light conditions - provided one's eyesight is reasonably healthy enough.

I also very much like the TC Encore Pro Hunter model and the sights installed on that rifle.

Needless to mention, each brand and/or individual ML rifle will show a strong preference or otherwise for a particular brand of powder/pellets + bullet combo as well as the type of 209 primer used. Consequently, a bit of range time will be required to determine the approrpiate loads.

Personally, I use Hodgdon's Triple 777 Magnum pellets (2 pellets of 50gr each) with 300gr of Hornady SST sabots or 250gr of TC Superglide Shockwaves. For primers, Remington Kleenbore 209s work very well with the 777 powder, well at least, it does in my case.

It is imperative that MLs must be cleaned ASAP due to the corrosive used. The process would usually involve something as simple as pouring boiling water down the barrel. Personally, I use bore foam for MLs (similar to the type used for cleaning the bore of a shotgun).....let the bbl sit for a while and then patch out the muck. Once clean, I run a patch lightly coated with a few drops of CLP prior to storage.....need to mention here, any trace of gun oil and/or CLP inside the bore must be completely wiped off and the bbl swabbed dry prior to taking out the ML to the range or to the field.

Whatever brand/model you may choose - ensure that it is a break action (or toggle action) type with a Breech Plug that is simply removable by hand (with no tools required in the process). Those features highly facilitate operation, troubleshooting and maintenance either at the range or in the field. Better quality set of irons will be another plus since the controlled hunts generally do not require long distance shooting.

Low powered optics such as 2-7x33mm or something a bit lower will be excellent for acquiring moving or close range targets much more rapidly.

FWIW, it is indeed a great way to extend the deer season and fun to hunt with. During the 2010 Controlled Hunt, I recall a guy (at HuntOntario site), who brought down 4 deer consecutively in the same field just pausing in between shots to reload his TC Encore.
Click to expand...

I am looking at the TC site, what is the major difference here in these various MLs? Also what is the best calibre? They all sort of look similar here.
 
USP said:
I am looking at the TC site, what is the major difference here in these various MLs? Also what is the best calibre? They all sort of look similar here.
Click to expand...

As far as in-lines are concerned, you are essentially looking at Cal .50 - the differences among the various TC (in-line) models are mainly in the overall design i.e.....

- Different type of barrels and stocks
- Not all models are equipped with the same type of iron sights
- Not all models are equipped with the (finger removable) XT Breech Plug
- Not all models are equipped with the same type of break action feature/mechanism and will vary from model to model as to what extent the "breech" may be opened.
- Not all models are equipped with the same type of ramrod

You may also wish to check out the Traditions "Vortek" ......
http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/muzzleloaders-category.php?osCsid=e499731428956f35f219b961a3fdc9d2

or the

CVA brand of MLs - I haven't personally handled one. However they claim that their breech plug is superior to that on the TC model. I believe the CVAs come with a clean barrel.
http://www.cva.com/index.php
 
Ok so I narrowed it down to

TC Triumph Bone Collector

Traditions Vortek

Out of the two any preferences? Whats the best place to buy these in Canada?
 
Ahsan Ahmed said:
but not their least expensive model i.e. the Impact. The irons on that particular model suck. IMHO,.
Click to expand...

Interesting, I have an Impact sitting in the safe but have yet had a chance to fire it, but all the reviews I read on this ML were all positive, including the fiber optic sights. For only $250 tax in, I do know that the fit and finish is much better than the older Traditions I have been using. Hopefully I can try her out soon.
 
hb,

Statements, when not worded properly, tend to become misleading and/or may be interpreted differently......I suppose I'm at fault here with mine.

While I do not doubt that the Impact will perform well in the accuracy department - it is the quality of the rear sight assembly that I felt did not meet the minimum quality of standard. :) In this day, the majority of the buyers do not care much for that particular component on a rifle but for those few who really do or consider that an essential feature on their rifles then build quality certainly becomes an issue.
 
USP said:
Ok so I narrowed it down to

TC Triumph Bone Collector

Traditions Vortek

Out of the two any preferences? Whats the best place to buy these in Canada?
Click to expand...

The Traditions' Vortek (not the Vortek Ultralight) is an upgrade from the Pursuit XLT model.

Basis my observation on performance of Pursuit LT and XLT models....I believe that both Vortek and the TC Triumph models will deliver similar type of accuracy.

Personally speaking, I consider the overall build quality of the Bone Collector as superior and the TC "dimensions" and balance feels better in my grip (read from a perspective of handling/shooting in field conditions). Admittedly, I did acquire the TC before the Vortek appeared on the market. However, I also checked out the Vortek early this year and still prefer the TC. :)

Needless to say that individual preferences will vary in terms of selection.

In terms of availability, I do not see any in the GTA and vicinity. Williams Arms dot biz (Port Perry, ON) still has a few of the other version of TC Triumph. For the last little while, both Le Baron and GagnonSports dot com had a few TC B/C at good prices, however, I notice that those are all gone.

Le Baron usually has competitive prices when they happen to have those in stock. :D

Suggest check pricing and then order one from Epps. There are plenty of gunshops around me, however, I do buy my firearms almost exclusively from that establishment - main reason being customer service even if their prices may not always be competitive!
 
Yeah I was thinking EPPs as well. Thanks Ahsan always appreciate your help with picking out new stuff.
 
At Cabelas the Impact can be purchased as a package with a scope for $299.
I was watching a while back a video on CVA's web site, and the two guys who were featured in these video's were saying that they liked to use .45cal because of the faster speed (= flatter trajectory), does anyone here think its worth getting a .45?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom