Getting started with ML

[Hyde]

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]

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

[rock]

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

[Hyde]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[JColony]

I think you're right spookgus.

[Armadillo]

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