Author Topic: Getting started with ML (Read 4608 times)

Hyde · « **on:** July 10, 2011, 09:14:55 AM »

For years now I have thought about getting started with muzzle loaders. Can anyone offer suggestions on where to start? I would be hunting strictly in Wa with one. Are there any shooting ranges in the area that cater more towards ML's?

3dsheetmetal · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2011, 09:19:42 AM »

There's some good information on this site that should help you out.http://www.hpmuzzleloading.com/NAMHAhome.html

rock · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2011, 12:07:50 PM »

Price range? Did you want a more traditional sidelock or newer inline?

Hyde · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2011, 09:42:27 PM »

I would be interested in using the more modern type. I'm not up on all the limitations that Washington has on ML's. Even if I could read that somewhere, I'm not sure I would understand the lingo, since I know absolutely zero about them. Is there a "Muzzle loaders for Dummies?"

Jburke · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2011, 12:47:42 AM »

Quote from: Hyde on July 10, 2011, 09:42:27 PM

I would be interested in using the more modern type. I'm not up on all the limitations that Washington has on ML's. Even if I could read that somewhere, I'm not sure I would understand the lingo, since I know absolutely zero about them. Is there a "Muzzle loaders for Dummies?"

The biggest thing that you need to look at for a muzzle loader to use here in Washington is that the cap has to be exposed, and it has to be open sights. It also can't use the 209 primers. I would recomend browsing through the different threads on here for some of the guns that others use and that kind of gives you somewhat of a starting point. After finding a gun that's legal it's kind of a trial and error as far as loads go. I personally am shooting a T/C black diamond and know of a few others that are as well.

JColony · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2011, 10:54:42 AM »

Welcome to the world of Muzzleloading! I shoot a T/C Black Diamond XR also and absolutely love it. Best advice I can give you would be to shoot, once you think you've shot enough, shoot a little more. If you're anything like me, that won't be a problem. one of the biggest things you're going to want to work on is dialing in your load. Smokepoles have a tendancy to be a bit picky about what the shoot. Personally, I should a 300gr Hornady SST pushed by 90gr of 777FFG and I can hit pop cans at 75 yds. Oh, one other thing, be meticulous with your cleaning, black powder and its substitutes are highly corosive and can ruin your barrel very quickly. Have fun with it!

teanawayslayer · « **Reply #6 on:** July 12, 2011, 06:47:56 PM »

Check out the knight disc extreme with the western kit. It is a bad arse muzzy. But really you don't want to muzzle load there are way to many people in the woods.

Hyde · « **Reply #7 on:** July 12, 2011, 10:32:07 PM »

I was in Wholesale Sports today in Fed Way and ogled their inventory. I saw a couple of Knights, a Bighorn (something), a T/C NW Special, and a few others. I don't think the bolt action type would work for me since I'm a lefty and it seems that getting a cap installed would be a pain. What style do you all prefer and why? (break open style, etc). I can only assume that a ML kicks like a mule...? The ones I saw were fairly light. What about caliber? 50 or 54? (elk and deer, but probably mainly elk)

Jburke · « **Reply #8 on:** July 12, 2011, 11:18:27 PM »

Quote from: Hyde on July 12, 2011, 10:32:07 PM

I was in Wholesale Sports today in Fed Way and ogled their inventory. I saw a couple of Knights, a Bighorn (something), a T/C NW Special, and a few others. I don't think the bolt action type would work for me since I'm a lefty and it seems that getting a cap installed would be a pain. What style do you all prefer and why? (break open style, etc). I can only assume that a ML kicks like a mule...? The ones I saw were fairly light. What about caliber? 50 or 54? (elk and deer, but probably mainly elk)

ML don't kick bad but it will vary a little depending on the gun/load you shoot. It's a slightly different recoil than a modern rifle though as well. I may be wrong but I believe that most of the break open guns are not legal. There are some that are, but most do not leave the cap exposed. As far as what caliber it's kind of a personal choice. It's just like asking 30-06 or .308. I shoot a .50

Hyde · « **Reply #9 on:** July 14, 2011, 10:38:27 PM »

The T/C NW edition has a 1/48 twist barrel. Is that ok for shooting the modern projectiles? I like the feel of that ML, and it is lefty friendly.

Jburke · « **Reply #10 on:** July 14, 2011, 11:29:23 PM »

Quote from: Hyde on July 14, 2011, 10:38:27 PM

The T/C NW edition has a 1/48 twist barrel. Is that ok for shooting the modern projectiles? I like the feel of that ML, and it is lefty friendly.

I would think it should be just fine.

JColony · « **Reply #11 on:** July 15, 2011, 09:56:29 AM »

Now, I'm going to start by saying I have no personal experience with this. But, I've heard bad things about the TC Northwest Explorer. The 1:48 twist rate seems to have accuracy issues. Honestly, if you're looking to go TC, track down a Black Diamond XR. They have the 1:28 twist rate, 26" barrel, and should be just fine shooting lefty. Like I previously said, I love mine. I know it can shoot better than I can shoot it. Just my

spookgus · « **Reply #12 on:** July 15, 2011, 10:27:51 AM »

1:48 should shoot good with Maxi-balls, but might not like sabots.

JColony · « **Reply #13 on:** July 15, 2011, 11:09:03 AM »

I think you're right spookgus.

Armadillo · « **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2011, 11:19:48 AM »

yeah my TC Grey Hawk is 1:48 twist and shoots great with maxi balls

rock · « **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2011, 12:10:58 PM »

It would be great for conicals, but you would be hard prssed to get accuracy with sabots

Hyde · « **Reply #16 on:** July 21, 2011, 09:51:00 PM »

Thanks all for the input. Next time I'm at the range, I'll look for someone shooting a ML and ask for some "orientation".

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Author Topic: Getting started with ML (Read 4608 times)

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