Muzzleloading Tips and Tricks

[Bookworm007]

Sorry I'm sure this has been gone over before but if your like me you are trying to pass the time until the season starts up! 

So this will be my first year muzzleloader hunting period. Pretty excited to shoot a deer with one. Going out with my father, brother and myself. Figured I would see if you guys have any tips or tricks that every muzzleloader hunter should know?

[buglebuster]

Dont neglect cleaning them, even if its just 1 shot. Nothing will ruin a muzzleloader quicker, even stainless 

[Karl Blanchard]

Dont neglect cleaning them, even if its just 1 shot. Nothing will ruin a muzzleloader quicker, even stainless 

  on the other hand though, don't go into battle with a completely clean bore.  Every muzzleloader I have ever owned has hit several inches off from zero with a clean bore.

[buglebuster]

  i like to shoot 1 pyrodex pellet and 1 sabot with no bullet in it before i head into the field to foul the barrel.

[Karl Blanchard]

or stuff a patch down the barrel.  I always just pop off 5-6 musket caps and that has always done the trick.

[kerrdog]

This seems obvious, but time at the range has been important for me.  It seems like "Murphy's Law" really applies.  I've had cleaning jags break off in the barrel while trying to swab the bore, and loaded bullets without powder under them. Also learned that "easy load" sabots are over-rated, and range rods are under-rated. I've learned that pyrodex stinks and is dirty (I like 777), and that clean bore shots are always off a little bit, and sometimes off a lot. (Harvester Crush Rib Sabots seem to make the first shot more accurate....still working on proving that one ). Learned that after 5-6 shots in a row, the barrel warms up, and won't stabilize a bullet; they tumble through the air....so I take two rifles and alternate shots.


Learned that any water down the barrel while hunting (like off ferns and brush when bushwhacking, even when it's not raining) will get the powder wet (duh. ..) and that a tight fitting #11 cap works fine in the rain. Traditions barrel covers work really good.  That other brand of "barrel cots" don't work at all....they are too small and they break too easy.

Mainly I learned that Muzzleloading is alot of fun. And whatever can go wrong....will...

[Bookworm007]

Yeah I already learned on my gun (Tradtions Tracker) you can put the bolt in backwards and then you will not be able to reassemble the gun......   

Barrel covers? might have to try that, we have always used electrical tape over the end, but I guess a muzzleloader has a much bigger hole than my 7mm.

Next question do you fellas reload you gun each day or just remove the firing cap and reuse the same load?

We are very excited to be out in the woods with less people and experience all the joys and frustrations of muzzleloaders.

And that is interesting about fouling the barrel. So the best method is just to fire one load of just powder to foul the barrel?

[mtman]

I would reload your gun everyday and if it is really wet every time you come out of the field. I never foul my rifle and it shoots right were i want it to. But when i sight my gun in I clean it before every shot. Good luck

[TommyGun496]

I have a buddy who doesnt unload his gun unless he is shooting at an elk or a target.  I on the other hand, reload mine everymorning.  We both have had misfires...pick your poison!

[kerrdog]

OK, I've got a good trick for you. If your cap fails to ignite when shooting at an elk, quickly re-cock your rifle and try it again.  It will usually go off the second time, and maybe your elk wont get away while you're fumbling for a new cap.

[MountainDevil54]

Take a look at the cleaner you are using, ive tried some that threw my first shot on a clean bore, 3 to 4 inches from the center. Switched back to 2 in 1 bore cleaner and dead on no matter what.

[Kowsrule30]

I've never had a problem with a clean bore... It's usually my truest shot....     

[Rooster1981]

I've never had a problem with a clean bore... It's usually my truest shot....   

Yes I think this could be rifle specific brand,caliber,round. with my rifle I shoot unlubed Maxi balls. I try to keep my barrel as dry as possible, no lube.

Back to the OP. Always load all your speed loader the same. Make sure the slugs are all pointed in the same direction. I once reloaded a slug upside down into the barrel after I missed on the first shot. The buck didn't know where the shot came from and ran in my direction right up to me within 25 yards.     I went to seat the slug and noticed what I had done    I didn't have time to pull the slug and watched the buck walk off as I was fumbling for my slug puller  .

[Bookworm007]

So sounds like I should experiment with my rifle to see whether it is effected by having a clean bore.

What tools do you take with you in the field? Do you take a whole cleaning kit? It seems natural to take a few charges in speedloaders, but what else? Bullet starter, slug remover? Or do you use the CO2 type? Cleaning supplies? Ect?

Thanks for all the tips so far, sounds like some of these were hard earned lessons!

[TommyGun496]

OK, I've got a good trick for you. If your cap fails to ignite when shooting at an elk, quickly re-cock your rifle and try it again.  It will usually go off the second time, and maybe your elk wont get away while you're fumbling for a new cap.

Great advice!!!  I had to do that last season!!!

[mtman]

A nipple pick is a good thing to have along. I also like the speed loader in every pocket. Some times you can waste time reaching in the wrong pocket, that problems solved.

[Dan-o]

When you load your hunting load, tape over the barrel.  (no water in from the muzzle end)

Then, I always protect the nipple end.
   *  When leaving on a hunt, I "paint" the cap on with clear nail polish.
   *  When not capped, I push a round toothpick down there nice and snug.
       (Again, it's all about keeping the powder dry.)

you can hunt in any kind of weather if you keep your powder dry......   You can also screw up the best opportunities if you don't......

[Labs07]

I reload my powder everyday so I know it is not damp or wet.  I also put a piece of duck tape over the end of the barrel each day before the hunt so no water or debris gets in the barrel.  Learned that one the hard way when it was pouring rain in the morning and in the afternoon when I tried shooting at a cow the cap went off but nothing happened.  Water got down the barrel and power was wet. 

[Bookworm007]

That would be very frustrating! I hoping not have to learn these lessons the hard way. Nothing worse than watching an animal walk away and not being able to do anything about it. By the way, only 19 more days till the season opens!!!

[OnHoPr]

If you load your gun for the evening hunt and plan to hunt the next day, leave your gun in the cold, trunk, or garage so it doesn't collect sweat indoors. That is if you elect to leave it loaded without cap.