Muzzle experts!

[KDume]

I just picked up a Knght bighorn in 50 cal, and I need the groceries to make it shoot. Any recommendations for powder, bullets, and caps for this set up. I've always hunted archery , so I don't know a lot about muzzleloader shooting. I would like to get myself familiar with this gun before I even think about hunting with it. Any information or suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

[erk444]

German musket caps,  hodgdon 777 FF powder, and Barnes TMZ or TEZ bullets....cant go wrong

[KDume]

Thank you sir!

[HntnFsh]

I prefer the German #11s over the musket caps. But that's just me. Agree on the rest.

[ctwiggs1]

@sabotloader

[andersonjk4]

German musket caps,  hodgdon 777 FF powder, and Barnes TMZ or TEZ bullets....cant go wrong

  This is what I would recommend as well. 

I prefer #11 caps over Musket Caps, but its a personal preference thing.  Definitely find the German RWS caps or the CCI magnum #11's. Hornady SST saboted bullets have worked well for me on deer and are about 1/2 the price of the Barnes bullets. 

When I was first starting, I picked up some cheap 44 and 45 cal pistol bullets (Hornady XTP) and loose sabots from Harvester and used these as cheap loads to plink around and get used to shooting a muzzleloader. These on top of reduced powder loads (60 to 80 grains) are great cheap practice loads.     

[reelamin]

Here is a thread...I just did the same thing with a bighorn.  I'm not finalized but it's Salmon Season so shooting is going to have to wait a while.  I have some more info....did  some shooting with BH209 also.  Sabotloader was a great help.   

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,212467.0.html

[elkboy]

I shoot musket caps, largely because I have poor circulation in my hands and it affects my dexterity. The musket caps are larger and easier to handle, for me at least. Might be an issue for others folks on cold days!

For powder, Triple-7 FFG, 110 grains.

For bullets, the Knight Bloodlines are disgustingly accurate out of either my Bighorn or Mountaineer. I shoot the 300 grain Bloodline, and it works fine on deer, and other folks have taken elk easily with that bullet.

Good luck to you!

[Mongo Hunter]

+1 on the musket caps, easier to use and are a little hotter than #11's.

I like the pyrodex pellets personally for the same reason as the caps. just east to use and I get good ignition. I used 150 grains in my CVA Elkhorn. make sure of what your gun can handle though.

Bullets I used Powerbelt Platinum's (270gr I think). They are made for magnum charges and were really accurate out of my gun. also easy to use, less to worry about. Took a big white tail with them in Oklahoma. I tried Sabot cause my Grandfather swore by them but I got more of a pattern than a grouping out of them. Also if you don't seat the bullet properly in the sabot you can have all sorts of issues.

Best of luck

[KDume]

Thanks guys for your information! Now I've got to go shopping and figure this out! Thanks again.

[Harleysboss]

Dont forget to get a good range/cleaning rod. Probably need a short starter with correct jag/tip to start your bullet(so you dont bugger the tip if your bullet has a pointed tip). Learn how to properly measure loose powder (adjustable powder measure). Most important for rifle long happy life. Learn how to properly clean and store. A dirty gun left dirty will become useless in a big hurry. Yes even stainless barrels. Not sure of your level of muzzy knowledge just some tips. Lots of good info out there. You got a good rifle there.  I can tell you that alot of shooters prefer a good peep sight set up, there are specific sights made for the bighorn. Have fun.

[KDume]

Thank you for the info. I appreciate it!