First Time Muzzle Loader

I'm thinking strongly of getting a muzzle loader for hunting during muzzle loader season. I like the inline designs I've seen.

Anybody got any suggestions about what kind of muzzle loader would be good for hunting in Florida?

I'm thinking inline with a stainless barrel.

In-lines are nice, no doubt about it. I really like my Thompson / Center System One in .50 caliber. Very accurate with sabots and .429 diameter bullets.

I would suggest the first thing you do is check up on local laws to make sure you are buying a muzzle loader that's legal in your state. For instance, here in Illinois, a ML rifle that uses shotgun primers such as the T/C Encore is illegal. The rifle can only be primed with caps, flash pan or matchlock. It also must have a bore diameter no smaller then .45.

Other states like Wisconsin (I think) doesn't allow the use of in-lines in the ML season. It's limited to the more 'traditional' style rifle. In-lines can be used in Wisconsin, but only in the regular rifle season.

Mike Corey NRA ~ USA Shooting Appointed Pistol Coach

May I suggest if you are going to go muzzleloading, then go muzzleloading... I think the inlines detract from the muzzleloading sport.

Consider a Pedersoli flintlock or percussion cap like your g-g-g-grandfather used to hunt for survival with...

THAT is what muzzleloading is all about. Inlines are basically modern rifles with a twist...

Best of luck on whatever you decide - and be safe!!!

i am looking at the encore 209 x 50, so are you saying it is illegal to use in IL? i have been checking the prices at local sporting goods stores and they never mentioned it.

Nick,

What you DON'T want to do is believe all information on a hunting newsgroup about state fish and game regulations. That could get you into some deep hot water. I'm sure everyone on here is well meaning, but they can be mistaken. Check it out for yourself at -
http://dnr.state.il.us/

Muzzleloading is muzzleloading whether you use a flintlock or the new Savage with smokeless powder.

I have a T/C Renegade, a MK Knight, and a Savage 10 ML-II. Under Real hunting conditions 150 yards is about max for me. On the range I'll take the Savage hands down.

If you want to run around the woods looking like Daniel Boone then go ahead, but don't say inlines aren't legit. INLINES predate the the caplock! Cleaning is THE major advantage to an inline, with scope mounting a close second.

AS FOR STAINLESS, my Knight is stainless and I would NOT get another one. You MUST clean stainless just as often as blued steel. This is a 400 series stainless which RUSTS. If they made one with a 300 series that would be another story. If you go stainless you will need to camo the barrel or get a gun sock for it (it reflects and sticks out like a sore thumb).

The .50 cal. is BY FAR the most popular, and every store that sells muzzleloader components carries the .50 .

It takes time to work up your loads so start practicing earl.

Good Luck.

to which Mark responded;

It is interesting that those who want to 'run around the woods looking like Daniel Boone' have so much influence on hunting regulations. It wasn't until last year that Maryland relented and allowed muzzleloaders with scopes without a special permit. Our neighbors in PA, at the other extreme, are limited to flintlocks. When I hunt, I want to take (kill) a deer, not wound it. An inline with a scope makes the shot more accurate and reliable.

That was my thought as well.

Down here in Florida most shots are less than 100 yards.

Do they now. If you have a reference on that then it'd be some ammunition for those people in areas where inlines are illegal because the Pols don't consider them 'authentic.'

I can understand that. Seems to me that with an inline if you just remove the breech plug then cleaning it is much like cleaning a cartridge rifle.

I think that falls into the category 'why bother'.

That's what I've always thought of the stainless in the white guns also. I suppose if you're hunting up north where there's snow on the ground the stainless wouldn't stick out quite as badly. Down here in The Sunshine State it practically glows in the dark. A stainless barrel that is _actually_ stainless would be a boon to those of us who hunt in hot, humid environments.

I've noticed that. .50 in a muzzle loader seems to strike the best balance between velocity and bore size.

I'll start as soon as I get a frontloading rifle. (sigh) It's only a matter of money.

Mark, Sounds interesting. To which particular pre-percussion cap era firearm are you referring? Good hunting! Michael

I regret that I can't ( at this time ) cite the name of the First inline made. (They were an attempt to protect the powder from moisture.)

The percussion cap was patented in 1805.

The first Patent for an inline Caplock goes to Pauley in 1808.

When I locate the prior historical refereces I will pass them on.