In line vs side lock ?

[JasonG]

Just curious what you guys think the pros and cons are to inline muzzleloaders vs side locks? Is there more accuracy? More bullet options? More reliable? Thanks Jason

[Sabotloader]

Just curious what you guys think the pros and cons are to inline muzzleloaders vs side locks? Is there more accuracy? More bullet options? More reliable? Thanks Jason

I do not think accuracy could be considered an advantage to either rifle.  Rifles made recently are really fairly accurate with most loads and bullets...

Bullet options - is a consideration ONLY because most sidehammers are going to be a 1-48 twist - not all but most.  With that twist you can not shoot the newer longer bullets and always get stabilization.  That is no to say that you can not find an effective bullet or conical for a 1-48.  I prefer the inline with the faster twist rates because it does allow many more bullet options.

Old timers and experienced user can make a sidehammer just as reliable as most in lines might be.  But the Inline, to me is easier to master and shoot.  I also believe the Inline allows or gives you the ability to use a greater number of options and is easier to make very reliable.

Were I buying a ML to hunt with today it would be an Inline.

Just my random thoughts

[MountainDevil54]

I've shot up to a 460gr conical with a 1:48 twist with excellent accuracy. If you cant kill with that, take up golf! lol

The old story is that sidelocks misfire a lot more. Very possible with new shooters. What powder is being used plays a huge part in that. Most importantly, the nipple is what will cause a misfire rather than the powder. Inline shooters learned this when blackhorn209 came out. Its the same story with a sidelock shooting #11 caps. A poorly designed nipple with a sub black powder, can cause the shooter to have a ton of misfires simply due to the nipple not provided the right amount of flash to the powder.

I shoot both, but favor the sidelock a lot more. Much better triggers than any inline out there, especially since they are adjustable into the ounces.

Here's a semi custom 58cal CVA Hawken @ 100 yards with patched round ball and open sights.