Muzzleloader

[gabenzeke]

I'm thinking I want to get a muzzleloader. I should probably get a middle of the road model and splurge when I outgrow it, but part of me really wants a cva accura lrx or mrx. Fairly certain at this point I want a 45 caliber. My research seems to imply it's better for longer ranges and if I'm going to do this, I know I'll eventually want to start shooting as far as I can (for fun, but also to eventually be able to hunt at longer ranges). What models should I be looking at? What should I stay away from? Any real compelling reason to not go with 45 caliber? I see for 500 bucks ish I can get a traditions model that doesn't seem too terrible, is that a reasonable route? Will be used mostly for whitetails here in Iowa, but may decide down the road to take it west to chase something else...

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[ElDiablito]

I wouldn’t consider anything Traditions or CVA makes. The CVA long range models are no more capable of “long range” than other options. And, I wouldn’t call an Accura “splurging.” Lots of quality control and other issues. Traditions are all considered garbage by most serious muzzy guys.

I own over 30 muzzys from side locks to smokeless rifles and hunt exclusively with muzzys. I regularly hunt with .45 and .50.

For hunting, saboted bullets are the best choice for a number of reasons, IMO.

A .50 is more versatile than a .45. There are dozens of .45 cal bullet options that can be used with a sabot in a .50. The options are much more limited in .45 (not may .40 bullet options.) And some states have caliber restrictions (.50 min for elk in CO).

I’d look for a used TC Omega. You should be able to find one for about $300 and you will have a great well built rifle that will shoot as well or better than any CVA.

Another choice would be a new TC Triumph (they are now back on the market), or a new or used TC Encore (although you’re talking closer to $1000.).

 

[Wrench]

Don't overlook a used knight either. Light weight, accurate and cone with a timney trigger.

There's more potential in a simple hawken than most guys are capable of harnessing.

I suggest buying plenty of components and getting lots of practice.

 

[gabenzeke]

I wouldn’t consider anything Traditions or CVA makes. The CVA long range models are no more capable of “long range” than other options. And, I wouldn’t call an Accura “splurging.” Lots of quality control and other issues. Traditions are all considered garbage by most serious muzzy guys.

I own over 30 muzzys from side locks to smokeless rifles and hunt exclusively with muzzys. I regularly hunt with .45 and .50.

For hunting, saboted bullets are the best choice for a number of reasons, IMO.

A .50 is more versatile than a .45. There are dozens of .45 cal bullet options that can be used with a sabot in a .50. The options are much more limited in .45 (not may .40 bullet options.) And some states have caliber restrictions (.50 min for elk in CO).

I’d look for a used TC Omega. You should be able to find one for about $300 and you will have a great well built rifle that will shoot as well or better than any CVA.

Another choice would be a new TC Triumph (they are now back on the market), or a new or used TC Encore (although you’re talking closer to $1000.).

Why are saboted bullets better? The ones I'm seeing don't look nearly as aerodynamic as the hornady eldx for example.

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[ElDiablito]

The ELDX is a lot of plastic.




A few advantages of sabots:
Sabots seal the bore better, as a rule, than conicals.(If you want to shoot Bh209 powder - which is by far the best black powder substitute - you really need a tight fitting sabot for reliable ignition - sabots are recommended by the manufacturer of Bh209).
A tight fitting sabot does not inadvertently pull (while loading) or come off the powder charge when hunting.
They allow you to shoot a lighter bullet (less recoil) and in most cases better BC.
A lighter bullet with a better BC traveling faster is much flatter shooting.
You can choose from dozens of different proven .40, .44 and .45 bullets.
You don’t get copper or load fouling in your bore.

 

[Wrench]

My videos of shooting clays at 300 and Idaho lewis shooting the 1200 yard gong are lead cast bullets. I have unbelievable accuracy feom them and they're cheap enough to shoot often.