Best LR Muzzleloader

[paddlehead]

Getting back into the muzzy game after a 15 years break. So many options and opinions out there I'm not sure where to start.... Aside form the Ultimate Muzzleloader, what are some of the options out there for a good LR setup? Turret or Holdover Dots? Good loads?

Starting fresh with a reasonable budget. I would love a Ultimate, but just not in the cards.

Thanks!

 

[blackpowderhunter]

where/what will you be hunting?
and what is your definition of LR for a muzzy?

 

[paddlehead]

Beyond 200. Western states. Primarily open country where longer shots are required.

 

[bradb]

Sabotless 45 a bunch can be shot with smokeless or balck powder subs. They are single shot tack driving rifles put together correct. Loaded down the muzz of course
Read on Dougs message board under saveage smokeless

any questions pm me

Can't go wrong with Ryan
http://www.piercisionrifles.com/smokeless-muzzleloaders/

 

[elkguide]

Depending on which western state you are headed to, some like Idaho require an open nipple and some don't allow sabots.

 

[bradb]

And my 45 idea would not work for elk in CO. I am sure there are many more. So many variables for sure

 

[GotDraw?]

Not sure how much energy you expect to need for your critter of choice at "beyond 200", but that is also something that figures prominently into the mix. What is your reasonable expectation? Just curious...

 

[robby denning]

If you're hunting deer, 45 cal Knight Mountaineer. I've shot mine to 250 with peep sights/conical. I was getting 1" 2-shot groups. Could do better on range if I was shooting sabots but they're not legal in Colorado where I was headed.

 

[Bar]

For the record in Colorado. The majority of elk are taken at under 150 yds for all weapons. I believe long shots are more the choice of the hunter than a necessity.

 

[robby denning]

I believe long shots are more the choice of the hunter than a necessity.

I'd pretty much agree with that one

 

[sabotloader]

where/what will you be hunting?
and what is your definition of LR for a muzzy?

I still think we are lacking information to really help you... You suggest long range shots in the western states - but the regulations differ a lot in the western states, not only in what you can use or not use but also the type of animal that you may be hunting can cause the regulations to be different.

If you are trying to duplicate the ranges that can be shot by a center fire rifle to the same ranges, or near the same ranges, - there are ML rifles that you can get close to duplicating the center fire - but then again in some of the western states they would probably not be legal during ML season.

Examples might be the Pacific Northwest States... during ML season you can not use a 209 primer, in Idaho you can only shoot full bore lead conicals - 50 cal and above for elk, and open sights. In Oregon same basic rules except you can use either a full bore lead or a full bore all copper bullet. Washington, is more progressive than the other two states so again the same basic rules but you also can shoot full bore or sabots - bullets of your choice.

Other states other rules!

In most of the States during rifle season you can use a modern scoped- 209 muzzleloader with the assortment of projectiles. Which would be your best opportunity to use a modern long range ML.

 

[paddlehead]

Mostly Utah, Idaho, Colorado and maybe New mexico. I know there are a lot of regulations out there from state to state. I know that may change some of the options. Just wanting to see what was out there after a bit of time out of the game. I used to shoot a Whites .50. Shot reasonably well, but there were a few things I did not like.

I'm not expecting to kill an elk at 500. I just want some confidence that if I need to take a shot over 200 I have sufficient energy and accuracy (minus a shot of adrenaline) to do the job.

 

[Bar]

If you don't know already. If you hunt the Colorado muzzy season it's open sights and no sabots/pellets.