tell me how to start

[jason stevens]

Ok I've been modern and archery for the last twenty something years killed a lot now I want something new.can you guys give some advice on how hard or easy it is to start muzzelloader hunting.what are the dangers. Pros and cons.distances, best gun ect.thanks in advance for the info. Looking to expand my options.

[syoungs]

I just started this year. had the best time hunting in years really.

I bought myself a traditions tracker, and traditions makes a "newbie" kit, has the stuff needed to clean, shoot and maintain a muzzle-loader, as well as a DVD explaining the functions, how to load, clean etc. it was only about 35-40$

I am comfortable to 100 yds with my gun using 100g pellets with a 300g tracker bullet, ballistically I could push it further, but after 100 I cant do my part as reliably.

pros are good seasons if you want to hunt certain units, draws are horrible seasons in others. gotta worry about wet powder, though my gun always went boom. slower to reload then a cartridge type round.

Cant think of much in the way of dangers besides the fact it isnt as familiar to most people. double loading is a danger I guess, but if your carefull and take your time and treat it like a weapon, also easily avoided.

I would say its pretty easy to get started, and very addicting once your going.

[BiggLuke]

Dangers?
Well, if you act stupid, you can get hurt, bad. But for the most part, muzzy hunting is only as dangerous as modern hunting.

I would advise getting a jump start on shooting muzzle loaders. It would be a great idea to go to your local gun range/gun club and see if somebody will let you shoot theirs.

Pros: Better seasons than modern, less compitition in volume of hunters.

Cons: Distances, typically 125 yards is the most you could ever shoot an animal without optics, but realistically more like 75-100 yards. Plus if you miss, you pretty much wont get a second shot... baring some special curcumstances.

I myself shoot a Knight Bighorn rifle. They are a type of inline muzzleloader that is legal in WA. Super accurate, super easy to clean (because inline can be taken apart almost like a sinle shot shotgun), and super easy to use.
It has a safety on it similar to that of a modern rifle.
I think they are the best.

It's actually pretty easy to start muzzle loader hunting. For $400 you can be all set on everything you would need to kill a deer.
I got my cousin into it this year with a cheaper muzzleloader, but after a 15 minute tutorial, he was good to go.

[buglebuster]

My advice, dont start. You'll never stop

[jason stevens]

My advice, dont start. You'll never stop

you know me bud trying to learn so I got all three seasons for you to break my curse.

[oneshot12]

  always Remember ,1 powder ,2 patch and ball and  3 cap .OR THE GUN DONT GO BANG .  But  more the any thing  remember to be safe and have fun with it  lots of help on here for sure   

[BiggLuke]

oh hell.... Who uses patch and ball anymore?

Screw that, stick with pelletized powder and use a Powerbelt bullet.
No patches needed, accuracy increases.

[jason stevens]

Love the advice probly gonna have to have someone show me now big question I wanna buy one gun to hunt deer and elk witch one. I'm not rich but don't want a hunk of crap.

[CAMPMEAT]

Muzzleloader hunting is fun. You can get a used one pretty cheap. You don't need all these fancy named ones. I have 54 cal. Thompson Center Grey Hawk I bought 20+ years ago and it still shoots great. It's stainless/synthetic with a short barrel.

[syoungs]

yeah my 200$ tracker shoots better then I can, is light, and was cheap enough that I wasnt afraid to buy it in case I didnt hunt much with it.

of course after my first season I was pretty hooked 

[oneshot12]

  camp meat is right about that just find one that will fit the bill for you and get out there and give it a go   .loads of  fun  just take your time and have fun with it

[scottcrb]

i got into it in the last couple years and its a lot of fun. spend a bunch of time at the range mess around with different amounts of gran and bullet combinations and just get used to cleaning your gun a lot.  i have a knight DISC and it has been great . there are some very helpful and knowledgeable guys on here if you have any questions. you should be able to get out to 100-125yrds or so just fine. its a blast.

[Jingles]

Not to jack the thread but what caliber is also recommended for deer, bear and elk?

[CAMPMEAT]

Not to jack the thread but what caliber is also recommended for deer, bear and elk?

Seems like the 50 caliber is what everybody (manufacturers) has gone to. I bought the 54 cal because that's what we liked at the time.

[BiggLuke]

.50 is what you should get.

Think of it like shotgunning.....
you should buy a 12 gauge, because everyone has them, ammo is easrier to find. But can you hunt with a 10 gauge? sure.

Same with .50 muzzle vs. .54 muzzle.
Sure the .54 is bigger and will do more damage, but... do you really need it? Nah.

[oneshot12]

  50 is fine ,   as campmeat said  been shooting a 54 a long time now because its what i like to carry and shoot .you will have to make up your own mind on what works best for you when it comes right down to it.   killed may a deer with my 50 cal back east only  went to a bigger gun just because it was what i wanted   .really will come down to your powder load and type of shot you chose .

[CAMPMEAT]

I knew a guy that would only hunt with a 58 caliber big bore.............yikes ! Geeze, do they even make those any more........

[oneshot12]

  i hear that  got a good friend thats all he talks about is his 58 cal and all he can do with it    about him some times  . you can still get the barrels for them but you have to make the rest your self  special order a kit think  track of the wolf still carries them .but i do enjoy my 54 cal  sooth the others but hunt with the 54  just feels better