Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Muzzleloader Hunting => Topic started by: E35alex on September 30, 2018, 04:45:46 PM

Title: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: E35alex on September 30, 2018, 04:45:46 PM: Hey ya’ll,

I’m just getting into muzzleloaders and been doing a ton of research on what to get. I’m just getting frustrated 🤨 too many to choose from. So I’m asking for your advice, two-cents, input, etc.

All I’ve settled on is a new style inline muzzy.

Budget is around $500-$700

Thanks

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Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: ghosthunter on September 30, 2018, 05:00:52 PM: Knight 50 cal.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: slowhand on September 30, 2018, 05:06:55 PM: I am no expert but from My experience knight and T/C are the was to go.
One factor to consider is what projectile You plan to shoot. The twist rate of the barrel makes the difference on this.
Also an often overlooked consideration is the weight of the rifle. I shoot a T/C Blackdiamond XR it comes in right around 6.5 LB. every time I put My hands on one of the brand new ones I am shocked at how much they weigh. Keep us updated on Your search. Good luck.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: E35alex on September 30, 2018, 05:14:33 PM: This is what I’m “liking” more then others so far.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Thompson-Center-Pro-Hunter-FX-Muzzleloader-Weather-Shield-Black/1170264.uts

Thoughts?

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Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: nwwanderer on September 30, 2018, 06:16:37 PM: I have a T/C grayhawk for less than half that price with a bunch of stuff but I am sure that one would be great.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Jellymon on September 30, 2018, 06:22:07 PM: Knight disk extremes are discounted $225 off right now. You wont find a better muzzy for that price. $ 499.

https://www.muzzleloaders.com/product/disc-extreme-xtra-thumbhole-muzzleloader/
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: LDennis24 on September 30, 2018, 07:20:46 PM: Thompson Center is a fail safe gun to buy. Better than Traditions, Knight, or any other garbage the big box stores usually carry. CVA is another good one.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Limhangerslayer on September 30, 2018, 07:24:35 PM: I shot a traditions and love it, I can't stand the knight safety system. Have they change it, or is it the same? I'd choose traditions strykerfire or t/c if it was me
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: slowhand on September 30, 2018, 08:14:09 PM: So far I am noticing everyone likes T/C. :tup:
I agree that the knight has a lot going on. :twocents:
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Samloffler on September 30, 2018, 08:22:45 PM: If you go traditions, get one with a hammer. I had nothing but problems with the strikerfire vortek I had. Other than that system, I really liked the rifle.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: E35alex on September 30, 2018, 08:34:34 PM: Anyone have experience with the CVA Accura V2?

I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about them.

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Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: reelamin on September 30, 2018, 08:42:39 PM: Get one that has a simple 209 or cap nipple where you just put the prime on with your finders. My Knight Bighorn (Not as accurate as I want first muzzle loader) is a royal pain in the butt using those red 209 primer holders. With a scope, bedded action, floated barrel, shoots 1.5"/100yds @ 2180fps with a 290-300gr bullet. My study so far and experience (limited) with bolt v break action style....If you asked today and you did....would be a CVA Accura...in the flavor you like.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Mfowl on September 30, 2018, 09:26:14 PM: I've owned Knight Bighorn and Traditions Vortek, both thumbhole stocks. I liked both guns and favored the Traditions over the Knight. It was lighter and the break action was more user friendly for me. That being said I will be buying a CVA Accura V2 or T/C Pro Hunter on my next ML purchase and moving to the 209 ignition system. I've spent the last couple seasons archery hunting but find myself missing ML.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Killmore on September 30, 2018, 09:37:15 PM: I shoot the cva optima, works great once I switched over to the 209 primmer setup. Very simple gun and easy to clean. If I was to buy again I would upgrade to the accura because you do get the bargera barrel
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: JakeLand on September 30, 2018, 09:42:18 PM: My cva v-2 Accura is a shooter for sure ! It’s my favorite ML and it’s super easy to break down to clean and assemble. With it having a hammer the 209’s are easy and fast to put in
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: LDennis24 on September 30, 2018, 09:58:42 PM: I know several guys who have Traditions guns and one day everyone was talking about there guns and the Traditions guys were talking about having to replace the spring in the hammer after about two or three seasons... What kind of gun is that if you have to replace the spring after three seasons of hunting. You must have cocked it maybe 30 times in three years and it's worn out... Not my kind of gun
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: slowhand on September 30, 2018, 10:22:07 PM: Quote from: LDennis24 on September 30, 2018, 09:58:42 PM
I know several guys who have Traditions guns and one day everyone was talking about there guns and the Traditions guys were talking about having to replace the spring in the hammer after about two or three seasons... What kind of gun is that if you have to replace the spring after three seasons of hunting. You must have cocked it maybe 30 times in three years and it's worn out... Not my kind of gun
If that’s true. Wow, that’s sad as hell.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: LDennis24 on September 30, 2018, 10:39:03 PM: Yep, I've never owned a Traditions but dont care to after hearing those guys stories. They had many misfires at elk before this and they told me how they were informed of the spring issue from other owners, and after that they replaced the spring and stopped having misfires... Until that spring wears out too... Maybe a company will make their own springs and you can replace yours with a reliable one that doesn't lose it's memory... :dunno:
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: E35alex on September 30, 2018, 11:38:52 PM: Thank you everyone for you input! Looks like I’ve narrowed down my selection to T/C encore pro and CVA Accura.

Ill have to show it off here when I do get it! 😁

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Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: MHWASH on October 02, 2018, 07:35:18 PM: No way I would hunt with anything other than my Knight. Never let me down. Easy maintenance, accurate and reliable. TC is another good one, but I wouldn’t touch a CVA or Traditions. Too many people have asked me for help with those two brands.

No matter what brand you buy, but a peep sight on it. Knight and day difference.
Yes, I purposely spelt night wrong.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: JakeLand on October 02, 2018, 09:03:40 PM: Quote from: MHWASH on October 02, 2018, 07:35:18 PM
No way I would hunt with anything other than my Knight. Never let me down. Easy maintenance, accurate and reliable. TC is another good one, but I wouldn’t touch a CVA or Traditions. Too many people have asked me for help with those two brands.

No matter what brand you buy, but a peep sight on it. Knight and day difference.
Yes, I purposely spelt night wrong.
what issues were there with the CVA brand? Honest question just so I know if a issue comes up. I’ve not had a single issue YET but who’s to say something won’t
Thanks Jake
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: duramax on October 02, 2018, 09:18:53 PM: Knight bighorn with thumb hole and peep hole sights never had an issue with weather or firing.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: sjhgraysage on October 03, 2018, 11:46:20 AM: At one time I had a TC Black Diamond .50 and it was a decent gun. I sold it and bought a used Knight Disc Extreme in perfect condition. IMHO they both take about the same amount of fiddling around to take them apart and get them properly cleaned after firing them. I don't have any issues with the Knight double safety system but could see how someone might not care for it. I have 2 Disc Extremes now and have both set up to shoot with shotshell primers. The way I have mine, the breech area stays spotless no matter how many shots are fired.

I also have a TC Hawken with a Green Mountain fast twist barrel and a custom side lock with Green Mountain fast twist barrel and L&R lock. If prepped right both of these will fire instantly using #11 percussion caps.

Advise: Shop around and pick up as many models as possible and pick one that fits you and your needs the best and you should be happy.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: MHWASH on October 03, 2018, 06:39:51 PM: Quote from: JakeLand on October 02, 2018, 09:03:40 PM
Quote from: MHWASH on October 02, 2018, 07:35:18 PM
No way I would hunt with anything other than my Knight. Never let me down. Easy maintenance, accurate and reliable. TC is another good one, but I wouldn’t touch a CVA or Traditions. Too many people have asked me for help with those two brands.

No matter what brand you buy, but a peep sight on it. Knight and day difference.
Yes, I purposely spelt night wrong.
what issues were there with the CVA brand? Honest question just so I know if a issue comes up. I’ve not had a single issue YET but who’s to say something won’t
Thanks Jake

I’ll admit I’ve only been around a small sample, but one had a breech plug that wouldn’t come out, honestly don’t know if it hadn’t been cleaned often. The three I’ve been around have had trouble getting them sighted in.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Magnum_Willys on October 03, 2018, 06:45:05 PM: Quote from: Samloffler on September 30, 2018, 08:22:45 PM
If you go traditions, get one with a hammer. I had nothing but problems with the strikerfire vortek I had. Other than that system, I really liked the rifle.
:yeah: Great gun, poor strike system. With right spring, well oiled, and correct length firing pin they can work but if anything is off its a crap shoot. Maybe if converted to 209 if possible ???
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Samloffler on October 04, 2018, 08:55:18 AM: I see I wasn't the only one having issues with traditions. Take note, the striker fire guns are not convert able to 209. The parts fit, I tried it. After 3 test shots with primers only, the retainer to keep the striker cocked had sheared off so it wouldn't stay cocked. Lucky the part is only about $10. Fixed it and sold it.

I ended up buying the Remington 700 UML and have been really impressed. Did a bunch of test shooting the other day trying out powder and bullet/sabot combos. Over about 30 shots, some the same combos, most different, everything was within about 2.5 inches at 100 yards. Everything from 100 grains to 120 grains of pellets and 250 gr to 300 gr bullets and different sabots.

For anyone else wondering, the harvester scorpion pt gold 260 gr and crush rib sabots load great for me, not too hard, but still enough pressure to be confident. Shot them over 100 grains and 120 grains of T7 pellets and both shot great.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: ribka on October 05, 2018, 10:47:10 AM: another CVA Accura v2 fan

It did not like the barnes and went with power belt platinums which shot very well out of it. 100 grains of ffg.

Like it better that my 2 knights. Super easy to clean, very accurate, great ergos for me. Put a williams peep and globe front sight on it.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: baldopepper on October 05, 2018, 11:27:05 AM: Guess it kind of matters what type of hunting you intend to do. I like the challenge of getting up close (50-70 yards max)so I don't need anything to fancy. I've shot a Thompson Hawken 50cal for a number of years and have taken several deer with it. Like any other gun you practice with it enough to personalize it and you're good to go. I've hunted down in Utah where basically anything goes and seems to me some of those boys are just shooting single shot high powered rifles. Takes the fun out of it for me.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: LDennis24 on October 05, 2018, 11:41:08 AM: Quote from: baldopepper on October 05, 2018, 11:27:05 AM
Guess it kind of matters what type of hunting you intend to do. I like the challenge of getting up close (50-70 yards max)so I don't need anything to fancy. I've shot a Thompson Hawken 50cal for a number of years and have taken several deer with it. Like any other gun you practice with it enough to personalize it and you're good to go. I've hunted down in Utah where basically anything goes and seems to me some of those boys are just shooting single shot high powered rifles. Takes the fun out of it for me.

That guns still better than a Traditions! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: JakeLand on October 05, 2018, 11:44:00 AM: Quote from: ribka on October 05, 2018, 10:47:10 AM
another CVA Accura v2 fan

It did not like the barnes and went with power belt platinums which shot very well out of it. 100 grains of ffg.

Like it better that my 2 knights. Super easy to clean, very accurate, great ergos for me. Put a williams peep and globe front sight on it.
exactly what I’m shooting! :tup:
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Killmore on October 05, 2018, 11:56:02 AM: Sorry for the thread jacking, For you guys that put the front globe on your cva can you post which one you have and where did you buy it from. Does it also have the changeable inserts? I already have the peep sight just looking for more improvement. Thanks
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: BeerBugler on October 05, 2018, 12:16:13 PM: Marble dovetail (low as possible), Lyman globe 17a I think, lee shaver inserts. There’s a write up on gohunt.com for it but part numbers are for a T/C. I had to shim the dovetail.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Samloffler on October 05, 2018, 04:47:17 PM: Don't buy the marbles dovetail. I've had mine and a friends not fit the Lyman globes. You could push the globes in by hand and rattle them around.

There are plenty of other brands, take your pick.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on October 10, 2018, 08:59:30 AM: Knight Bighorn 50 cal.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Buck86 on October 11, 2018, 10:22:48 AM: This is a very difficult decision, and one I just made myself. For me I wanted something that I could hunt if need be with #11 caps, or convert to 209 primers. I hate Musket caps and feel I get better performance from my #11 caps and I have never had one not ignite my powder unless I messed up in the cleaning process, and I have hunted in some very very wet nasty weather in western WA. So with that said I currently have a knight bighorn that I have had for close to 15 years. I wanted something better than the red plastic jackets for the 209 primers. So I was looking very hard at the CVA Accura as two of my buddies both have those with the nitride finish. Then I saw on Knights Web site that the Disc Extreme was on sale for 499.99. about the same as the Accura but with more options for ignition systems, so that is the way I just went was the Knight Disc Extreme, they are on sale now and that is one heck of a price for them. I ordered the western, and I plan on buying the bare 209 primer system for it. So it comes down to a matter of choice and what you think you prefer. I like the fact that Knight is 100% American made, and now that I have received the new Disc it is a nice rifle. I have shot the CVA's and they are nice also. For the same price, or maybe a few $$ less I went with the Disc Extreme. Good luck deciding it is a tough decision but at least you can see the way I went. On a side note after hunting 3 days straight had to come home early, I shot my bighorn to unload it after being rained on pretty good for two of those days. then my buddy shot his Accura and he had a hang fire.? I used #11 caps and he used the 209 primers with the blackhorn breech plug. Kind of surprised me, and him also? during all the range time never had an issue and his rifle seem basically water tight in the primer area once closed? Oh I always tape the end of my barrel also to alleviate water seeping in from down the top, and his barrel was taped also. Wow this kind of went on for a while so sorry, but I personally would go with the Knight Dic Extreme, but don't think you would be disappointed with the CVA Accura either.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Sabotloader on October 11, 2018, 12:07:32 PM: for those that might be looking for a new rifle...

https://www.muzzleloaders.com/

Knight DISC set for Western hunting

(https://i.postimg.cc/Zq7YQ740/Western-DISC-Extreme.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/3RGMZnws/LP-Shoot.jpg)

Really nice setup plus it works it is reliable and it is versatile...
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: bkaech on October 13, 2018, 06:30:47 AM: I Love my CVA and know several guys who hunt with a traditions that wishes they had a CVA. I've got the Optima. With that said, I think everyone should have to hunt with and I wish I would have gotten a REAL muzzleloader, such as a Hawkins. My Dad packs a Hawkins and has the least amount of issues about getting powder wet as the rest of us with inlines.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: WSU on October 14, 2018, 07:16:42 AM: I’m done with my cva accurra. It is easy to clean and accurate. But the damn thing has cost me two bulls in the last 2 years. Last year it didn’t fire because the musket cap didn’t go off. Went off on the second try but it was too late. This year the cap went off but powder didn’t. Took it apart to reload and powder cane out totally dry. I reload each day, so it should have worked.

I found this thread as part of my research for a new gun. Thinking disc extreme.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Tenkara on October 14, 2018, 08:28:29 AM: Quote from: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on October 10, 2018, 08:59:30 AM
Knight Bighorn 50 cal.

:yeah:
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Sabotloader on October 14, 2018, 08:51:59 AM: Quote from: WSU on October 14, 2018, 07:16:42 AM
I’m done with my cva accurra. It is easy to clean and accurate. But the damn thing has cost me two bulls in the last 2 years. Last year it didn’t fire because the musket cap didn’t go off. Went off on the second try but it was too late. This year the cap went off but powder didn’t. Took it apart to reload and powder cane out totally dry. I reload each day, so it should have worked.

I found this thread as part of my research for a new gun. Thinking disc extreme.

Since Washington now allows 209 ignition and Oregon is moving that direction for 2019 - If you were to go with the Knight DISC, I would suggest you order it with a 'Bare Primer' (NFPJ) ignition versus the 'Red Plastic Jacket' (FPJ) ignition.

You can see the spent primers in this picture.

(https://i.postimg.cc/JhDTyH2n/Misc_Pics.jpg)
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Buck86 on October 14, 2018, 03:42:30 PM: I agree with Sabotlaoder, however the only 2 options for the deal for 499.99(at least when I ordered mine) is either western ignition, or red plastic jacket. I ordered the western ignition and plan to upgrade to the bare 209 primer in the near future. I don't think you can go wrong with the Disc. I posted in my previous post that my buddies CVA had a hang fire when we shot after hunting 3 days straight (just to unload), my bighorn went off like it was supposed to, and I use #11 caps on my bighorn. So I am still not completely sold on the 209 primers. I have not yet (except for improper cleaning) not had my bighorn fire or my Marlin (yes marlin manufactured a muzzy) with #11 caps. I did and would still recommend the Knight Disc, especially for the price they are right now.

Good Luck

Buck :tup:
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Magnum_Willys on October 14, 2018, 06:07:55 PM: Maybe its on here - isnt there a remington 700 muzzy or something similar?
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Sabotloader on October 14, 2018, 06:32:53 PM: Quote from: Magnum_Willys on October 14, 2018, 06:07:55 PM
Maybe its on here - isnt there a remington 700 muzzy or something similar?

There are actually 2 Remingtons…. the original Remington 700ML and the new Remington Ultra Mag (Rum). The original Remington came with cap ignition then later a 209 adapter was added. The current RUM does not use a 209 primer but a shell casing with a rifle primer installed and then the cartridge is installed into the BP.

Follow this link to see the RUM

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=remington+700+muzzleloader&view=detail&mid=63F9F5E577994A3AD41663F9F5E577994A3AD416&FORM=VIRE
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Samloffler on October 15, 2018, 10:19:25 AM: I've got the new Remington ultimate muzzleloader. I really like it. The priming system works great. My only complaint is that its a little heavy compared to the break action CVA and traditions I've had.

Zero problems with the Remington thus far. havent hunted with it yet, but I've run about 75 shots through. Its super easy to clean.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: rgcopk9 on October 15, 2018, 07:27:47 PM: What’s the advantage or reason for the added cost of the mountaineer and ultralight? I’m assuming it’s the same action, barrel and trigger? Why spend $1K on one of those as opposed to the disc?
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: WSU on October 17, 2018, 02:21:47 PM: I just ordered the disc extreme on sale. After 2 years of the CVA costing me bulls, I sure hope I have better luck with this gun. Late season is often rain for days on end. I couldn't even get the CVA to go off when it was dry!
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: BigVinn on October 17, 2018, 03:34:16 PM: I love my knight disc extreme. I have had it three years and three elk with zero issues(other then me missing a bull last year lol). My buddy has a cva and it always seems to have problems firing. I am sticking with knight.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: slowhand on October 17, 2018, 03:57:44 PM: Quote from: BigVinn on October 17, 2018, 03:34:16 PM
I am sticking with knight.
Or T/C 8)
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: E35alex on November 14, 2018, 12:30:03 PM: Well, pulled the trigger on a CVA Accura V2 with Nitrite finish. Now it time to hit the range and try a few shots. Thank you to everyone who gave their 2cents and advice!

348gr bullet (Powerbelt)
Triple7 pellets (100gr)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181114/236bb468f80fdfaad2ba3e9c9c6afd94.jpg)

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Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Damnimissed on November 14, 2018, 04:16:24 PM: Quote from: E35alex on November 14, 2018, 12:30:03 PM
Well, pulled the trigger on a CVA Accura V2 with Nitrite finish. Now it time to hit the range and try a few shots. Thank you to everyone who gave their 2cents and advice!

348gr bullet (Powerbelt)
Triple7 pellets (100gr)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181114/236bb468f80fdfaad2ba3e9c9c6afd94.jpg)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice musket. I do highly recommend you ditch the power belts though. I got horrible performance with the 348gr on a bull (3 shots).
I’ve also killed elk with bloodlines and Barnes T-EZs. I would highly recommend choosing one of these for elk.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: JakeLand on November 14, 2018, 06:30:19 PM: I used a 300 grain platinum powerbelt with triple 7 pellets (100 grain ) and dropped my 5x5 Roosevelt bull in at 120 yards one shot with my cva accura
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: E35alex on November 14, 2018, 07:28:48 PM: Quote from: Damnimissed on November 14, 2018, 04:16:24 PM
Quote from: E35alex on November 14, 2018, 12:30:03 PM
Well, pulled the trigger on a CVA Accura V2 with Nitrite finish. Now it time to hit the range and try a few shots. Thank you to everyone who gave their 2cents and advice!

348gr bullet (Powerbelt)
Triple7 pellets (100gr)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181114/236bb468f80fdfaad2ba3e9c9c6afd94.jpg)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice musket. I do highly recommend you ditch the power belts though. I got horrible performance with the 348gr on a bull (3 shots).
I’ve also killed elk with bloodlines and Barnes T-EZs. I would highly recommend choosing one of these for elk.

What happened to the shots?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Damnimissed on November 17, 2018, 08:52:34 PM: Quote from: JakeLand on November 14, 2018, 06:30:19 PM
I used a 300 grain platinum powerbelt with triple 7 pellets (100 grain ) and dropped my 5x5 Roosevelt bull in at 120 yards one shot with my cva accura

Those platinums are better than the regular Powerbelts but I’ll take Barnes or Bloodlines any day of the week.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: Damnimissed on November 17, 2018, 09:00:37 PM: Quote from: E35alex on November 14, 2018, 07:28:48 PM
Quote from: Damnimissed on November 14, 2018, 04:16:24 PM
Quote from: E35alex on November 14, 2018, 12:30:03 PM
Well, pulled the trigger on a CVA Accura V2 with Nitrite finish. Now it time to hit the range and try a few shots. Thank you to everyone who gave their 2cents and advice!

348gr bullet (Powerbelt)
Triple7 pellets (100gr)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181114/236bb468f80fdfaad2ba3e9c9c6afd94.jpg)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice musket. I do highly recommend you ditch the power belts though. I got horrible performance with the 348gr on a bull (3 shots).
I’ve also killed elk with bloodlines and Barnes T-EZs. I would highly recommend choosing one of these for elk.

What happened to the shots?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They didn’t hold together. Even a 15yd finishing neck shot didn’t exit or kill him. Go with Barnes T-EZ. You literally get 100% weight retention even after blowing through shoulders or other bone. You don’t want to hit any bone with a power belt.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: 7mmlong on November 22, 2018, 01:33:07 AM: I have a T/C encore endeavor and I love it...It is a tack driver.
Title: Re: Looking for advice - what muzzleloader?
Post by: fishnfur on November 22, 2018, 07:05:50 AM: Quote from: Damnimissed on November 17, 2018, 08:52:34 PM
Quote from: JakeLand on November 14, 2018, 06:30:19 PM
I used a 300 grain platinum powerbelt with triple 7 pellets (100 grain ) and dropped my 5x5 Roosevelt bull in at 120 yards one shot with my cva accura

Those platinums are better than the regular Powerbelts but I’ll take Barnes or Bloodlines any day of the week.

I've got an CVA Accura V2. I've been loading Pyrodex 50/50 for a couple years with several different bullets. I have yet to gain any real accuracy with that powder. The gun does best if I swab the barrel every round (pain in the butt and not practical while hunting.) I'd try with Triple 7 powder or Whitehot to start with, and stay away from the Pyrodex altogether.

I found that Hornady SST bullets seemed to outperform Powerbelt Aerolites. I shot my deer in the neck this year with a Powerbelt and it didn't kill him. He just dropped and flailed on the ground till I climbed down from my blind and walked out and put a second round in him. The bullet fragmented in his neck, which is apparently a frequent problem with this load.

I tried the Barnes TMZs pre-season this year. I couldn't get them down the muzzle with less than half my body weight leaning on the rod. They are super hard to seat. I'd stay away from these duds.

Once you've put some shots downrange with your new gun, you might want to consider changing out the sights. I was unhappy with the large front fiber optic sight and I like a rear ghost ring for open sights. With the original setup, I couldn't accurately hold on the target when the front sight was larger than the target at 100 yards. If shooting at a distance requiring hold-over with those fiber optic sights, you loose sight of the target completely. Here's a couple articles on changing sight out for a more effective setup (IMHO). I used a Pedersoli globe sight (instead of the Lyman), which comes with a better set of inserts. The gohunt article has a good Q&A section at the bottom addressing problems in getting it set up.

https://www.gohunt.com/read/skills/increased-accuracy-from-an-open-sight-muzzleloader#gs.lsbh_sA

https://gundigest.com/more/how-to/gunsmithing/upgrading-muzzleloader-open-sights

Enjoy your new gun!