Recoil: 12 Ga. vs. Muzzleloader
- Thread starter shellbird01
- Start date
a ML can be loaded according to what you want for volocity and recoil....1 pellet...2 pellets...or for a mag load 3 pellets of 50 grain 777 or Pyrodex. You can even go to loose powder and customize even further. This is hard to do with a 12G slug unless you go with Rem reduced recoil loads
death-junky
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Moose Jaw SK
12 ga is better if you want a fallow up shot. But muzzle loader is easy on the sholder.
Less recoil on the ML no question. Also, considering the cost of good slugs the ML option looks pretty nice if you plan to do some range shooting as well. But to restate what was already said it is a single shot so you have to make it count. Don't forget that when shooting at game you never really notice recoil.
superd222
CGN frequent flyer
Are you kidding?
I shot a big buck this year using a shotgun (first shotgun deer) - the recoil didn't even register with me - nor did the noise. ...and it was a 3" Magnum Slug Load! With focus on everything else plus a huge dose of adrenaline - didn't feel any recoil - or other effects.
I'd say go for the shotgun - no questions.
Alternatively, a 20ga is equaly effective with less punch - actually a pleasure to shoot!
Still, the shotgun rules.
I think I'll use mine in a rifle area next year.......
ps - I also use a ML - but only when the regs. dictate.
I shot a big buck this year using a shotgun (first shotgun deer) - the recoil didn't even register with me - nor did the noise. ...and it was a 3" Magnum Slug Load! With focus on everything else plus a huge dose of adrenaline - didn't feel any recoil - or other effects.
I'd say go for the shotgun - no questions.
Alternatively, a 20ga is equaly effective with less punch - actually a pleasure to shoot!
Still, the shotgun rules.
I think I'll use mine in a rifle area next year.......
ps - I also use a ML - but only when the regs. dictate.
Hunting is one shot, range work is a hundred.
It will depend on many things, including the rifle. I used to shoot a Knight Disc that loved 90 grain charges of Pyrodex RS, a Nosler 180 grain 44 caliber bullet, and Hornady sabots. I also had a Thompson Center Thunderhawk that didn't like anything. Both in .50's. I think certain areas have special regulations that relate to projectiles and sights. Some places won't allow sabots. If I could make a recomendation, choose a rifle with a removable breech plug. Also, I like the idea of the hinged, break barrel models. Everytime I stripped the Knight, I had to resight it. Not much, but it would be off. Get yourself somthing easy to clean, and that should be your priority.
Really?
Try 120 grains of Triple Seven under a 425 grain sabot if you think muzzleloaders are easier on the shoulder...
Given the formulas for calculating recoil and how charge weight, projectile weight, firearm weight, and velocity affect those, I have a hard time believing any 12 gauge slug is going to have as much recoil as a conventional big bore muzzleloader using conical bullets. My TC Hawken and those charges is more unpleasant to shoot than my .358 Norma Magnum with 250 grainers - but it does a remarkable job of plowing through alders to reach moose, and then plowing through the moose as well. Especially when it starts out as a .54 hole and then just gets bigger.
For all practical purposes, however, I don't think there's much difference between 12 gauge slugs and muzzle loader conicals. Similar bullet weights, similar velocities, and similar projectile sizes..
For anyone that is recoil sensitive, I only have one thing to say - Limbsaver. I put one on my 870 for shooting magnum turkey loads, and also on my Savage smokeless muzzleloader. As mentioned, when you shoot at game, you usually don't even notice the recoil because of the excitement, but when practicing, the anticipation can lead to flinch problems.
- Location
- The Conservative part of Ontario
Interesting thread.
I had an old converted 'Banermanized" 16 guage black powder caplock shotgun for a while. It was quite capable of delivering punishing recoil, when loaded with 100 grains of black powder, and a healthy dose of shot. I think I was using 12 OO buck. The shot was deadly too, at least on small trees. Easily penetrated 2.5" poplar never got the chance to use it on game before I traded it.
It hit the shooter about like a stout 12 guage smokeless load would, and with a much heavier gun than a modern shotgun.
You are of course talking black power RIFLE Vs Shotgun, and here I think that the black powder rifle has less felt recoil than a typical 12 guage, with slug loads. However, there are exceptions. Some autoloaders really do soak up a lot of recoil.
I had an old converted 'Banermanized" 16 guage black powder caplock shotgun for a while. It was quite capable of delivering punishing recoil, when loaded with 100 grains of black powder, and a healthy dose of shot. I think I was using 12 OO buck. The shot was deadly too, at least on small trees. Easily penetrated 2.5" poplar never got the chance to use it on game before I traded it.
It hit the shooter about like a stout 12 guage smokeless load would, and with a much heavier gun than a modern shotgun.
You are of course talking black power RIFLE Vs Shotgun, and here I think that the black powder rifle has less felt recoil than a typical 12 guage, with slug loads. However, there are exceptions. Some autoloaders really do soak up a lot of recoil.
Well... I tried shooting Slugs out of my Smooth bore Sx3 and couldn't hit a box at 30 yards??? So I put that way till Turkey Season. I looked at the muzzle loaders but ended up buying a browning semi in 20 gauge with a rifled barrel. Hope to sight it in soon.
