Good Muzzleloader for starting in the powder game

[520SansPeur]

I’m new to the black powder community and unfortunately know nothing about it. Ideally that would be decent at longer ranges for elk and deer in Az.
Not sure of what caliber or specs I should be looking for and any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
-Mike

 

[HighUintas]

Are you talking real black powder?

 

[520SansPeur]

No, I may of misspoke. A muzzle loader options

 

[Muley82]

Following-

- I believe the answer to your question if you haven't already found it is going to lie within your States regulations and your ability to find components.

Are you allowed to use smokeless powder, scopes, and an enclosed ignition? If so, and you can find the necessary components, the CVA Paramount line, Remington's 700 UML, Savage 10ML-2 (discontinued and rare), Knight Peregrine, are a few of the production options. According to CVA's website, they have stopped production on the Paramount due to lack of the proper powder and components to use it to its potential.

If your budget allows, there's several custom options out there. I was also reading somewhere recently (as I'm also trying to learn about this stuff) that many bolt actions can be converted to black powder (muzzle loader) with a breach plug insert and barrel job.

Smokeless muzzleloaders are touted to have mind blowing velocities and lethal ranges. Whether you're a purist, believer that muzzleloader hunting should be traditional black powder and methods is for you to decide and I'm sure, topic for some contentious debate!

As far as caliber and specs, 50cal seems to be the mainstream standard, though 45cal is legal for larger than deer with 40cal being the minimum for deer (here in Washington). Again, your mileage may vary and options depend on (YOUR states) rules. Just like any other rifle or bullet consideration, one would assume that sleeker, well designed projectiles, and more speed equates to better terminal ballistics. With that, I'd be looking for the best available bullets to put on top of as much powder as I could comfortably shoot out of the longest barrel I would care to weild in my potential hunting areas.

Personally I'm considering CVA Accura and Traditions Pursuit atm, but still exploring options. Also looking for recommendations!

Cheers!
-T

 

[520SansPeur]

It been a while since I've checked in so my apologies.
Im in Az, great info and thank you for taking the time. I've still yet to purchase anything but still intend to get a muzzle loader.
Thanks!

 

[mjspeers]

I shoot a custom smokeless muzzleloader and have helped friends/family put them together. If that's the route you want to go ASG or Hankins are two great builders. I've also seen that Fierce looks to have a production model ready to go, potentially for smokeless I read on another forum. All would be capable of using BH209.

 

[520SansPeur]

great info and I will look into those, thanks

 

[MuleyFever]

I believe AZ does not allow smokeless but has no caliber restrictions.

I would go with a 45cal for the better BC. The most popular rifles are probably CVA and Knight.

 

[520SansPeur]

stupid question but are the "caps" when refering to the charge or powder; smokless?
I probably hear CVA more than any other brand

 

[MuleyFever]

Caps are the ignition source. You can use a 209 ignition in AZ

 

[ElDiablito]

Yeah AZ has no scope, caliber or ignition restrictions. BP or bp subs only though - no smokeless during muzzy seasons. One of the most lax western states.

You “hear CVA” (and Traditions) more than any other brand because they dominate the entry-level market. CVAs frequently have quality control issues lately. There are much better made choices out there like Knight or Woodman Arms.

muzzleloaders

high performance, smokeless capable inline muzzleloaders.

woodmanarms.com