2nd Try at Muzzleloader Hunting give Me Yourtop 3 things I might have forgotten

[slowhand]

Looking for the "don't forget not to do this" and "remember you need to do this", all that sort of stuff that You only learn from in the field Hunting with Black powder.
I hunted Muzzy two years for Elk with My Dad and his friend. No elk were Harmed, LOL but it was a fun experience to learn all there is to learn about muzzle loaders. That's been about 5 or 6 years now so learning again.
This Year My Middle boy will be hunting (First year) with modern and I decided to take advantage of the lessor weapon rules and pick up the 50cal again this time for Deer. We both pulled Doe tags, His is the Youth tag for 505, and Mine cost Me 5 points to pull the same unit 505 regular Doe tag. I have a total of 9 days set aside for Our adventure. Special permit set from Oct 13th to 31st.

I would also appreciate any Tips of any kind.
I feel like this is a real opportunity to really set the hook in Him for a lifetime as a hunter. Open to all ideas and information.
Thanks in advance.

[bullchaser]

1) don’t wait this long next year.
2) put a simple scope on your gun as you build a load.
  (Build a load means, pick a bullet or two and try different weights of powder. 90-130 is a good place to start. 
When your confidence your guns is shooting it’s best. Take the scope back off and double check your iron sights.
3) LEAVE your gun in the inviorment you will hunt in. ? Meaning if it’s cold out keep it out on the porch, or in the truck.  Bringing  it from hot to cold promotes condensation inside and outside your bore. Condensation will cause hang fires. 

I’ll add a few more if I get time.
-Matt

[slowhand]

1) don’t wait this long next year.
2) put a simple scope on your gun as you build a load.
  (Build a load means, pick a bullet or two and try different weights of powder. 90-130 is a good place to start. 
When your confidence your guns is shooting it’s best. Take the scope back off and double check your iron sights.
3) LEAVE your gun in the inviorment you will hunt in. ? Meaning if it’s cold out keep it out on the porch, or in the truck.  Bringing  it from hot to cold promotes condensation inside and outside your bore. Condensation will cause hang fires. 

I’ll add a few more if I get time.
-Matt

Haha
Hi Matt,
#1 Don't worry I have been practicing for a few weeks now. The gun is money (can hit a pop can) at 100yards or less no problem. 100% confident in a shot 100 yards or less. Blacktail country so expecting close range shot. won't shoot unless I feel good about the distance of the shot. I was a long time Bow hunter before it became so popular. I would just try to close the distance before I make a shot.
#2 shooting open sights (fiberoptic ones that came on the gun), they work quite well. I would prefer to stick with the muzzy rules as I would like to count it as a muzzy kill even if it's during the Modern season. I have a load set and it's very accurate.
777 FFG powder 120gr, 300gr Hornaday 45cal hollow point in a T/C fancy sabot using musket cap as My primer.
I didn't like the blow back from the 209 primer and went back to the musket cap. Have never had a failure to fire with a musket cap.
#3 This is solid info. I will follow this. Thanks Matt

Next question
My Dad say you waist less meat using a muzzle loader? True or BS?
I have used black tape over the end of the barrel. Good idea or not needed?
Oh and if it helps at all I am using a T/C Blackdiamond XR 50cal In SS. I love this gun and treat it like I will never get another one. I searched High and low to find it new in the box and feel very lucky I did.

[trophyhunt]

Don't forget your shooting sticks!!

[bullchaser]

I only use the scope to prove the zero, then it comes off. It’s a much more accurate way to sight in the gun.

Tape is a must IMOP

[slowhand]

I only use the scope to prove the zero, then it comes off. It’s a much more accurate way to sight in the gun.

Tape is a must IMOP

I follow You logic. Makes sense
Thank You

[kselkhunter]

Covering the barrel end is a must.  But bring extra, as I like to replace it every day.   Whether you use electrical tape or a barrel cot/condem.

One time years ago I put electrical tape over end of one of my rifles, and left the tape on for the week.  The condensation ended up starting rust at the tip.  Now I replace the tape every day and run a dry swab through the barrel to remove condensation.

If it's going to be really wet, putting your powder tubes and firing caps/primers in a vacuum sealed bag can help if it's going to be wet enough to soak through clothing/backpack.

[usmc74]

Practice FAST reloading.  You may need a second shot if you miss the first time (I know, it never happens)

Or if you need a follow up shot.

[Snakeriver]

Carry a small pic to run through your nipple to clear it, I learned that the hard way.

[slowhand]

Practice FAST reloading.  You may need a second shot if you miss the first time (I know, it never happens)

Or if you need a follow up shot.

This is the one thing that I have not done Yet (slacking). Next practice session is this weekend and I plan to make it a priority.

[slowhand]

Carry a small pic to run through your nipple to clear it, I learned that the hard way.

What happened to cause this?

[Snakeriver]

A small little flake from the primer blocked the hole.

[slowhand]

A small little flake from the primer blocked the hole.

Added to My pack list. Good call
Thank You

[CedarPants]

Don't forget your actual muzzleloader when you race out of the house at 3am after getting a call from your excited buddy letting you know he's into the elk and there are multiple bulls bugling.  I've heard that can be a real downer 

[slowhand]

Don't forget your actual muzzleloader when you race out of the house at 3am after getting a call from your excited buddy letting you know he's into the elk and there are multiple bulls bugling.  I've heard that can be a real downer 

I've never done that one. LOL
But I have ran out the door and forgot My fishing license and punch card. That sucked bad.
it was a long drive to stand there and watch My son fish all morning.

[andersonjk4]

Carry a small pic to run through your nipple to clear it, I learned that the hard way.

  I use a small drill bit that is the same size as the inside diameter of your flash hole.  Twist it with your fingers while you run it through and it cleans out any debris and also any soot or crud that has built up on the walls. 

[usmc74]

Carry a small pic to run through your nipple to clear it, I learned that the hard way.

  I use a small drill bit that is the same size as the inside diameter of your flash hole.  Twist it with your fingers while you run it through and it cleans out any debris and also any soot or crud that has built up on the walls.

Amazon, or local welder supplies, sells a welder tip pick set.  Multiple sizes, works good.  https://www.amazon.com/Fontic-Spiral-Knurling-Carburetor-Cleaner/dp/B01N4EJ1V1/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1537629791&sr=8-11-spons&keywords=welder+tip+cleaning+tool&psc=1

[Westside88]

The main thing we’ve forgotten was a sling, which is a real problem when you bike into your area. Swapping between rifles and muzzleloaders was a bad plan to try and remember. Quarter inch rope is a substitute....not a good one

[Sabotloader]

Carry a small pic to run through your nipple to clear it, I learned that the hard way.

  I use a small drill bit that is the same size as the inside diameter of your flash hole.  Twist it with your fingers while you run it through and it cleans out any debris and also any soot or crud that has built up on the walls.

Amazon, or local welder supplies, sells a welder tip pick set.  Multiple sizes, works good.  https://www.amazon.com/Fontic-Spiral-Knurling-Carburetor-Cleaner/dp/B01N4EJ1V1/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1537629791&sr=8-11-spons&keywords=welder+tip+cleaning+tool&psc=1

I very rarely ever stick anything into the nipple or breech flash hole to clear it. They take enough abuse as it is but there are times you may need to clear...

Normally when the need occurs I use a Nipple Pick to clear the obstruction from the flash hole...  This the one that prefer to use...



https://www.muzzle-loaders.com/cva-nipple-pick-ac1582.html

[dwils233]

Make sure you bring the right size caps for your rifle 

Went out for a final shoot this weekend....three wasted hours later I'm back home after having driven out, set everything up, loaded a round and reached in to pull out my #10 caps I accidentally packed.

[slowhand]

Make sure you bring the right size caps for your rifle 

Went out for a final shoot this weekend....three wasted hours later I'm back home after having driven out, set everything up, loaded a round and reached in to pull out my #10 caps I accidentally packed.

Good call 
With Me being the only one in the group shooting Muzzle loader during Rifle season that would be a real problem.