Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Muzzleloader Hunting => Topic started by: canyelk48 on October 16, 2010, 06:09:40 AM

Title: New to muzzleloading
Post by: canyelk48 on October 16, 2010, 06:09:40 AM: Just got my first muzzleloader, a CVA Elkhorn Pro rifle from Cabelas this week and was wondering:
1) what you experienced muzzleloaders carry with you when hunting in the field and,
2) what you use to carry it in (i.e., cleaning equipment, primers/caps, bullets, etc., etc.)?
3) Also, (and this probably seems like a stupid question) since the ramrod is barely the length of the barrel, what attachments should I buy for it (T-handle attachment, sabot bullet starter tip, etc.?). Seems like it would take a long time to reload for a quick followup shot if I needed to dig through my pockets for caps/bullets/powder and also screw attachments on to the ramrod.
4) As for bullets, I initially bought Hornady HS, Low-drag sabots, but the owners manual recommends using Powerbelts - is this just a CVA's sales pitch to buy their product?
The owners manual that came with the rifle doesn't begin to cover any of the above questions. This is all "greek to me". Thanks in advance for your advice.
Title: Re: New to muzzleloading
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on October 16, 2010, 06:41:47 AM: Personally i carry speed loaders in one pocket and primers in the other. I also have the T-handle power rod. If i was just starting out i wouldn't buy to many of one type of bullet i would by a few bullets of many different types.
I have shot the 310 grain knight bullets for 8 years now, and eventhough we can use copper jacketed bullets i never felt the need to change. This year i bought some nosler partition ML bullets to try. Have fun and expierement.,..
Oh yeah i usually just cary my gear in my pocket. I leave the cleaning stuff in the truck.
Title: Re: New to muzzleloading
Post by: dawhunt on October 16, 2010, 05:58:55 PM: Get yourself a tacklebox,put everything you need to break your gun down and clean it ,put spare powder in it,spare bullets,spare nipples,spare breech plug(never know ) and extra caps and cleaning material.Take it where ever you go leave it in camp if anything happens you can go back to camp and do what needs to be done !!!!!!!!
I'd also get a spare ramrod they WILL fall out when you need it the most no ramrod your done !!!!!!!!!

I use a rubber band around my barrel and ramrod so it won't fall out but I do have a spare in camp.

None of this stuff is expenseive. I carry 4 speed loaders with me T/C the red ones are for 50 cal. I put them in a sandwich bag to keep'em dry and carry in my shirt pocket,I also carry a capper that holds at least 10 caps traditions makes one put a leather shoestring on it and carry it around my neck. this is all you need for quick reload remember your not fighting anybody so you have time to reload.

NEVER walk up on a down animal with an empty gun !!!!!!!!!!!! always reload just in case.

Good luck.
Bob
Title: Re: New to muzzleloading
Post by: canyelk48 on October 17, 2010, 08:09:53 AM: Good ideas, thanks! I'd have never thought about having an extra ram rod or putting a rubber band on to prevent it from falling out. I bought a small accessories pack that fits on my belt from Wally World last night and now have a place to keep my accessories on hand while in the field.
Title: Re: New to muzzleloading
Post by: Blsum on October 17, 2010, 09:09:04 AM: Just more crap you have to carry. I only carry 4 speed loads and a caper. I have everything else I need back in camp. If I can't get it done in 5 shots then I need to go back to camp anyways. As far as having to take the gun apart in the field. I've never had to do it. I do know a guy who did but that was his own fault. Just make sure your gun is clean before you leave the truck. :twocents:
Title: Re: New to muzzleloading
Post by: dawhunt on October 17, 2010, 07:42:25 PM: Thats all I carry the box stays back in camp JUST IN CASE !!
Bob :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: New to muzzleloading
Post by: js99 on October 30, 2010, 06:46:22 AM: I also have the elkhorn. I concur with carrying speedloaders and a capper in your pockets or a belt pouch, and the rest in a box at camp or in the truck is how to go. I just put a jag on the end of my ramrod that was designed for aerotip bullets. I prefer to use CVAs round bullet starter. The long end pushes the bullet down the tube through the speedloader and then do it again without the speedloader. Gets the bullet a few inches in the barrel and the ramrod does the rest. The bullet starter has a ramrod sized hole in it that fits over the end of the ramrod and lets you push with your palm to seat the bullet. Save the T Handle for cleaning.
Title: Re: New to muzzleloading
Post by: carpsniperg2 on October 30, 2010, 04:08:34 PM: i always have my muzzle box at camp or in the rig. just incase i needed somthing out of it, if somthing went wrong. i carry my speed loaders,capper,a few extra caps in a plastic bag, and a short starter.i have a wood palm saver i use to seat my bullets i also carry. everything else in back in my box.
Title: Re: New to muzzleloading
Post by: teanawayslayer on October 30, 2010, 04:26:48 PM: :yeah:
Title: Re: New to muzzleloading
Post by: teanawayslayer on October 30, 2010, 04:30:52 PM: Me personally I love the powerbelts. One shot one kill. they shoot a really nice grouping every time. It's up to you find what works and stick with it.