Muzzleloading 101?

[deadyote]

I was thinking about buying a muzzleloader, but no nothing about it besides the bullet goes in the muzzle.  Any suggestions on who I can go meet with and learn from.  One of my buddies said there is a guy who works at the Works, Sports, and Outdoors in Orting that is pretty knowledgeable and willing to help.  I went down to the Sport Co and they said the guy who knows about Muzzleloaders was off that day, so I need to go back.  I would like to meet with someone and talk to them about the in's and out's.  If you know of anyone or are willing to meet, give me a PM.   

[whacker1]

simple version.

.45, .50, .54, and .58 are the most popular calibers, but .50 definitely above the rest.

Sidelock hammer, flintlock, and in-line are the three styles.  In-line being the most popular for new gun purchases.

WA requires and exposed nipple/cap, so not all in-lines on the market are legal. 

most common scenario is powder between 60-150 grains down the muzzle.  Bullet down the muzzle, making sure it is tight to the powder.  apply #11 cap or musket cap and sight and fire.  reload or clean as next step. 

several variations on powder available, but there are few commen ones that show up most frequently.  777, Goex, and a few others

Several different bullet combinations. saboted lead, saboted copper, round ball, maxi ball and others. 

Best way to learn more is to do what you are doing and ask questions.  Go talk to as many people as you can and maybe someone from the forum will let you shoot theres and go through the process with you.  I learned some things the hardway, seized breech plug, stuck ramrod, broken sights, lost peep, wet powder, wet cap, etc.  But that is the nature of hunting with a little bit more primitive weapon than modern firearm.  Fun thought!

[WonkyWapiti]

Talk to Nathan at the Lacey Wholesale Sports, actually several of the staff at the gun counter are muzzleloaders.  However, Nathan helped my buddy and I out with alot of info.

[deadyote]

Thanks guys.  That gets me pointed in the right direction.

[kramman]

hey deadyote your in puyallup theres a muzzleloader shop right on river road at the old bridge that goes over the puy. very knowledgable people.I got into muzzle 5 years ago and thats were I go w/my ?s and concerns.Goodluck, we do not have the greatest seasons but you will never have to deal with a sea of orange.   

[MagKarl]

First thing you need to do is get yourself educated on what your options are and decide how you want to use the gun.  Do you want to pursue the traditional route, or the modern inline route?