Muzzleloaders

Can anyone tell me about a good quality 50 cal Muzzleloader that is modern, in-line, shoots far (200 yards if it had to), and is accurate, that falls under the allowed regs in Washinton state? I see many of these very hot, high muzzle-velocity guns that look to me to be illegal in our state because the cap is covered inside the breech of the gun. Any info would be great. Also, can anyone describe the ballistics for me of an old fashion 50 cal, shooting 80-100 grains of black powder and a round ball on a typical blacktail or whitetail? Do the round balls penetrate all the way through typically? Do they open up very fast and cut a nice swath? Are they powerful enough to take shoulder and neck shots or should a guy using round ball go for the double lungs and let the deer run a little and then track em' like a bowhunter? Thanks in advance for any advice.

The round balls aren't very aerodynamic,and lose velocity and energy far faster than a conical. They don't weigh as much either,so they won't "thump" an animal as a conical will. I don't think I'd ever take a 200yd shot unless I was shooting a sabot. Finding an in-line that will meet our requirements is easy. Cabelas has more than a few that will work fine. I have a CVA .54cal. that I've had for a few years. I haven't killed anything with it yet,but I have no doubt it would punch thru an animal. With 110gr. of Pyrodex and a 425gr. conical,it will punch over 12" into a round of Ponderosa Pine.

Amen to what HBP said. Round balls are STRICTLY for close range shots. They simply don't pack enough energy down range (that comment ought to get some remarks, but I'll stick with it).

I personally like the T/C Black Diamond ER. It will shoot 200 yards - although I can't say that from personal experience. I'm just not good enough with iron sights at 200 yards to take a shot no metter what. But my T/C has done very well for me. I've also heard good things about Knights. Just make sure that what ever you get uses original stye percussion caps and that they are exposed to the elements. Then don't put a scope on (but fiber optics are legal). (HINT: I love musket caps. They burn wayyyyyyy hotter than standard percussion caps.

Then, most important of all, PRACTICE. I hate to lecture, but I've done a lot of muzzleloading, and I don't know but one or two guys who should consider a 200 yard shot with an open sighted muzzleloader.

BTW, I also like this bullet: It's called a Harvester, and I've whacked lots of elk with it. Never had a problem with them. You can order at : WWW.claybusterwads.com

Good luck!!!

So much info, so little time. All I can suggest is start reading...here are a few websites I found helpful.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/index.php

http://www.huntamerica.com/

If I were to buy a new muzzelloaer, I would get teh T/C black diamond extended range. Cabela's carries them. They come with thre ignition systems so it will comply with WA laws. I am not sure about making 200 yard shots, with iron sights?? But also remember that you have to use a non jacketed bullet. Those harvester bullets are jacketed so won't work in Wa. Just my .02.
Buck

I have a knight bighorn. It is of the magnum variety, 26 inch stainless barrell, it is very accurate and at the range on a bench i will shoot 200 yards but my max that i will shoot is 150 in the field. I took a nice bull this year at 140 yards with a neck shot. I use the sabboted bullets and pyrodex pellets witht he german musket caps (they burn hotter and that are also water proof, we tried it. we let them sit in water for 5 minutes submerged and then fired just the cap and they work...) But my choice would be the Knight.

Hey Buck,

I probably wasn't clear about which Harvester bullet I use. I understand they have a jacketed bullet. I use the solid lead (hard cast, no jacket) 400 grain bullet. It does great work on elk .

Shoot straight!

D

Hey fisher dan

I just did a quick look at the web page you posted. All I saw was the jacketd bullets. I just thought I wold throw that out as a reminder is all. Although if somone wants to use a muzzleloader during firame season then they can put a scope on it and use any typ of bullet you want. That is what I did during deer season this year. Although I wound up using my 7mm in the end But it was worth it. Any w that sounds like a good load you use for elk.
Buck

Hey Buck,

I just checked the www.claybusterwads.com website and they totally re-did it. It really highlights their jacketed bullets now. Kind of scared me. The hard cast lead bullets I use used to be their primary bullet. Now thy're buried 3/4 down their web page. scared me for a minute. I don't know what I'd do without my favorite M/L bullet!! Those things give me such great performance on elk it's unreal.

Anyway, good exchanging info with you.

It's got to be time to go bonk some steelhead somewhere....

Fisher dan,

Yeah that can be a real pisser when a company quits making what you like to use. Luckily for you they didn't. I use Precision Rifle X-tended range sabot. in 300gr. I like the way they shoot. They are maybe a littel light for elk, but I am sure they will do great on deer. That is the main thing I use my muzzleloader for. Any how yes it's time to bonk some steelies. I have already gotten a few this winter. I just hope the brat runs aren't over yet?? Good talking with you. and good luck.
Buck

I use a 310 grain sabboted knight bullet... It is deffinatly not to light for elk...

Just got the winter cabelas sale catelog and they have the t/c black diamond xr stainless/ synthetic for $259. Thats a darn good price for a good quality gun.