Gun people: Muzzleloaders

[Lohman446]

I am trying to pick out a muzzleloader. I am tempted to go modern on this one, though I am considering going the traditional route. I am not thinking of going as far as the Savage smokeless one.

The TC Omega has caught my eye. I know it is far from a traditional muzzleloader. Am I overlooking another one just as good? I can buy these in the $300 range which seems a good price for a "modern" muzzleloader. Is there a massive advantage to the bolt action muzzleloaders over these?


If I go traditional is there a massive difference between brands? Tolerances being what they are and all.

[Army]

If you go traditional....and you will be a sorry sack of crap if you don't....disregard CVA or Traditions rifles. Junk.

Links:
Log Cabin Sport Shop
The Possible Shop
October Country
Dixie Gun Works
Mid-South Shooting Supply
Track of the Wolf

...just for starters

[Lohman446]

Haha, my girlfriend owns one

Did not know that

Thompson Center Hawken - 45 caliber complete with set trigger and all the brass hardware Pretty fancy job

Plenty for deer I'm sure.

45 caliber 70 grains of power Gee, that sounds familiar :P

[Dend78]

i cant complain about the CVA's they are cheap but seem to shoot very well, just like any firearm find the right load and youve got something very nice for a small price, granted though the TC are very nice, and honestly if you are hunting with it get the 209 package its worth not having to carry around the lil bitty caps and having to mess with it for 10min when it gets stuck to the nipple after a shot

[jolt00]

you have to go traditional! there are rules about this kind of thing.....

go traditional or stay home

[Army]

Bad thing about TC's, is that are not twisted correctly for ball or bullet. Too fast for ball, too slow for bullet/Maxi. Accuracy will always be "less than average".

If you want a Hawken style, go with a Lyman Great Plains (flint or percussion). Outside of a custom gun, it's as close as you'll get to authentic. My .54 and 100gr of FFg will kill anything in North America, and most anywhere else.

Mid-South Shooter Supply has them the cheapest.

'Course, going traditional means you have to dress up funny, and talk strangely...............

.......much like paintball

[Big'n slo]

If your planning on hunting with it I'd go with a modern 209 style.
I used to hunt with my Hawkin 50 traditional, a challenge to say the least especially in bad weather. Trying to keep the power and cap dry was the biggest problem.

I picked up a Winchester Apex (CVA) for my first 209 muzzle. Not a bad rifle for the price but very temperamental when dirty. Had to run a damp patch between every shot and carried a paper clip to keep the breech plug open.

Now I use a TC Encore, just plain awesome. Very easy to field clean if needed. Plus with the (expensive) ability to switch out the barrel to just about any caliber center fire makes it that much better.

300gr Powerbelts in front of 150 gr triple seven knocks real hard

[Lohman446]

I think if I go modern I will go all the way and pick up the Savage 10ML? The one that uses smokeless powder I can match the 375 in performance out to about 100 yards with it. That should be plenty for deer .

The TC is cheap As in I can use it for free. Thinking about getting one of the Lyman kits and putting it together over the winter though.

[PyRo]

I have three muzzle loaders. An 1863 Springfield that can't be fired due to a buldged barrel, a reproduction 1842 Springfield and an original 1842 Springfield both of which I shoot. The smooth bores are more accurate they they are often made out to be you just have to take the time to learn to shoot them. I took the repo hunting once hauling around and handling a big musket just sucked.
I just picked this up for hunting:

http://www.auctionarms.com/Closed/DisplayItem.cfm?ItemNum=8901674.0

For the price you aren't going to beat it.