The #209 is a shotgun primer, and no gun that I am aware of uses a shotshell for ignition, but I could be wrong. Some of the rifles that are sold out there conceal the cap. The cap must be exposed to the elements. My interpretation of this is that you must be able to see at least some of the copper of the cap.

I really don't understand Washington's stand on the "209 primer", "the exposed to the elements", and "all lead bullet" issues. By allowing the 209 primers and protecting them from the rain it increases reliability, reduces the possibility of water getting to the powder, and possibly reduces the amount of deer wounded because of hangfires. A hangfire occurs when the cap is struck, but there is a delay before the powder goes off. Sometimes this is minimal, but other times it is very apparent.

I would like to be able to use some of the copper jacketed bullets in a sabot. I currently use a 390 grain bullet in a SWCHP formation that performs well, 340 grains retained weight and expansion from .535" to .865", but I think I could get better performance and cleaner kills from a 240 grain .429" bullet out of a sabot.

The main issue is that you still have a limited range, and you only get one shot. I could give or take the scope issue with a ML (can't have one currently) as I have shot 15 deer on my life, and only used a scope on three while hunting modern. I just wish they would open it up to all ML weapons that are single shot to make it simple. Then I'd buy one of those cool new T/C rifles.

I also like the Lyman rifles. Straight forward simplicity, but solid.