Idaho legal Muzzleloader

[nn76858]

Ok guys i apologize to bringing up something thats been discussed. Ive looked through the old threads and pieced together some info. As far as a muzzleloader thats legal for idaho elk. I know its .50 cal. I have a hankins 45 70 conversion( i know its out). I have a tc encore and omega in .50 cal. (I assume their ignition systems would be accepptable please correct me if im wrong) Ive tinkered a fair amount deer hunting in North Carolina with these guns as our muz season coincides with the best few weeks to hunt in november. Ive been shooting blackhorn for years in the tcs w .290 grain barnes with good results and accuracy. Or would i need to go another route( ive read some stuff about northwest legal muzzleloaders but am not farmiliar as i live in the southeast)....Ive ONLY had experience with 209 primers. Is there a powder/primer combination acceptable with these guns that you guys have had success with? This would be new territory for me but i like a challenge......love to bowhunt and rifle hunt as well but try to apply for all sorts of tags. I think with open sights 100 to 120 yds would be max for me........any and all insight is greatly appreicated. Thank you guys.

 

[Caseknife]

Equipment for Muzzleloader-ONLY Hunts

idfg.idaho.gov

 

[nn76858]

Ive read this. Thank you maybe im missing something larger but was hoping for some insight on powder and primer combinations basef on experience.......

 

[OXN939]

I think with open sights 100 to 120 yds would be max for me........any and all insight is greatly appreicated.

Wise words. Like other kinds of hunting, there has been a trend for the last decade or so of trying to turn primitive weapons seasons into something they're not, i.e. dudes shooting muzzleloaders to 4 or 500 yards with no ability for the following up shot they run a strong risk of needing. It's a lot like watching one of those kids that thinks creating a Frankenstein 800 horsepower Honda civic in their garage will end up being really cool.

BH 209 requires 209 primers, which are illegal in ID, for reliable ignition. So, you're looking at #11 ignition or musket caps. 777 is a good propellant option for these. Also, you need full bore projectiles- Thors will provide the same excellent terminal performance as the Barnes you've been using but with a gas skirt instead of the sabot.

 

[Matt5266]

@ElDiablito is one of the most knowledgeable guys ive listened to on here regarding MZs

 

[Chad E]

I've had good success in an idaho legal muzzloader with the cci #11 magnum caps and 777 powder.
Blackhorn 209 is not going to reliably be ignited with a cap vs a primer unless your doing some black magic with duplexing some other powder in there.

 

[wowzers]

Ive read this. Thank you maybe im missing something larger but was hoping for some insight on powder and primer combinations basef on experience.......

You can’t use 209 primers here. I used musket caps and Triple 7 for years. Switched to No.11 primers last year and had nothing but problems.

 

[mtnbound]

Ok guys i apologize to bringing up something thats been discussed. Ive looked through the old threads and pieced together some info. As far as a muzzleloader thats legal for idaho elk. I know its .50 cal. I have a hankins 45 70 conversion( i know its out). I have a tc encore and omega in .50 cal. (I assume their ignition systems would be accepptable please correct me if im wrong) Ive tinkered a fair amount deer hunting in North Carolina with these guns as our muz season coincides with the best few weeks to hunt in november. Ive been shooting blackhorn for years in the tcs w .290 grain barnes with good results and accuracy. Or would i need to go another route( ive read some stuff about northwest legal muzzleloaders but am not farmiliar as i live in the southeast)....Ive ONLY had experience with 209 primers. Is there a powder/primer combination acceptable with these guns that you guys have had success with? This would be new territory for me but i like a challenge......love to bowhunt and rifle hunt as well but try to apply for all sorts of tags. I think with open sights 100 to 120 yds would be max for me........any and all insight is greatly appreicated. Thank you guys.

You cannot use 209 primers, it needs to be either #11 percussion caps or musket caps. Powder must be loose; pellets are not allowed. I use Swiss powder in mine.

 

[nn76858]

I did a poor job in my post. Ive only used 209 primers with my muz. I understand you cant use them in Idaho. Looking for powder and cap combinations that have been succesful. Also what kimd of groups are realistically attainable.....

 

[nn76858]

"..Ive ONLY had experience with 209 primers. Is there a powder/primer combination acceptable with these guns that you guys have had success with?"

 

[Macegl]

Knight has had multiple options that can be used with percussion caps. CVA and traditions both have the northwest legal options you mentioned.

There is a guy who used to post on a few forums including this one (I think) who went by the handle Idahoron, who also has some YouTube videos that have a lot of good information regarding Idaho legal muzzleloaders.

Sabotloader who used to post a lot on here has a lot of great information as well.

 

[mtnbound]

"..Ive ONLY had experience with 209 primers. Is there a powder/primer combination acceptable with these guns that you guys have had success with?"

I already mentioned that I use Swiss powder, I use the RWS #11 percussion caps 1075 plus.

 

[Exterra]

I did a poor job in my post. Ive only used 209 primers with my muz. I understand you cant use them in Idaho. Looking for powder and cap combinations that have been succesful. Also what kimd of groups are realistically attainable.....

#11 caps 777 powder and No Excuses bullets has been a good combination for me.

 

[Exterra]

..... Also, you need full bore projectiles- .....

As of July 1, 2025, you can use sabots in Idaho muzzleloader-only seasons

 

[nn76858]

Knight has had multiple options that can be used with percussion caps. CVA and traditions both have the northwest legal options you mentioned.

There is a guy who used to post on a few forums including this one (I think) who went by the handle Idahoron, who also has some YouTube videos that have a lot of good information regarding Idaho legal muzzleloaders.

Sabotloader who used to post a lot on here has a lot of great information as well.

Thank you!