Wanting to give it a go

[Shooter Mike]

My first few deer seasons were with a shotgun back in the 80's. Since then up until a few years ago, bowhunting is all I've done. A unique opportunity presented itself and I started gun firearms deer hunting. I've always enjoyed shooting. Spent 20 years in the Corps, so have been around firearms plenty. Except for my handguns I've killed deer with my lever actions, shotguns and bolt guns. What I don't have is a Muzzleloader, and I think I'd like to take advantage of that special season at the beginning of November. I don't travel to hunt, but if I did it would be back to Ohio or maybe Maryland, otherwise strictly Virginia.

For simplicity, ease of use, and ease of cleaning I've been considering either a Traditions or T/C with a Firestick, or (and if my understanding is correct) something inline with a removable breech plug that can accommodate emptying the barrel for long term storage after the 2-week muzzleloader season ends.

If I don't go the Firestick route, what would be my best option? The new T/C Encore is appealing with consideration to swapping barrels. I would prefer a threaded barrel.

 

[ElDiablito]

TC is a good choice. Also check out Woodman Arms if you want a rifle that is superbly designed and manufactured.

Essentially all inline muzzleloader breech plugs are easily removable. Some are QR and the rest take a socket and wrench. Easy either way. But, the easiest way to empty the rifle at the end of the season is to shoot it. If you remove the plug and push the loose powder and bullet out you will get powder in the plug threads if you don’t use a cleaning tube. Pelletized powder solves that issue but has its own set of disadvantages.

The Firestick does make that unloading process very simple if you’re not shooting out the load. The issue is they are relatively very expensive and only come in a few charge weights so you cannot really do fine load development. If you’re only planning to shoot very short distances, say sub-75 yards, maybe that doesn’t matter to you. Most of us serious muzzy hunters use loose powder so that we can tweak performance to get the most out of a load.

 

[Shooter Mike]

TC is a good choice. Also check out Woodman Arms if you want a rifle that is superbly designed and manufactured.

Essentially all inline muzzleloader breech plugs are easily removable. Some are QR and the rest take a socket and wrench. Easy either way. But, the easiest way to empty the rifle at the end of the season is to shoot it. If you remove the plug and push the loose powder and bullet out you will get powder in the plug threads if you don’t use a cleaning tube. Pelletized powder solves that issue but has its own set of disadvantages.

The Firestick does make that unloading process very simple if you’re not shooting out the load. The issue is they are relatively very expensive and only come in a few charge weights so you cannot really do fine load development. If you’re only planning to shoot very short distances, say sub-75 yards, maybe that doesn’t matter to you. Most of us serious muzzy hunters use loose powder so that we can tweak performance to get the most out of a load.

Thank you. Yeah, the area in Virginia that I hunt does not present many opportunities beyond 100-150 yards, and I'm unlikely to take a shot beyond 100 yards from my hunting positions.

 

[ElDiablito]

Thank you. Yeah, the area in Virginia that I hunt does not present many opportunities beyond 100-150 yards, and I'm unlikely to take a shot beyond 100 yards from my hunting positions.

The wisest choice, IMO, then would be a standard rifle (not Firestick) that you could shoot pellets or loose powder in.

 

[Shooter Mike]

Thank you. Given my hunting scenario is there any reason that a 20" Katahdin barrel would be a bad idea?

 

[ElDiablito]

Thank you. Given my hunting scenario is there any reason that a 20" Katahdin barrel would be a bad idea?

Nope. Although you have to realize that in a muzzy, that’s probably 16” or less of effective barrel, once you subtract the plug and powder column. I have a 22” WA G3 (that I love) - the bullet sits about 17.5” from the muzzle when loaded.

 

[Shooter Mike]

Nope. Although you have to realize that in a muzzy, that’s probably 16” or less of effective barrel, once you subtract the plug and powder column. I have a 22” WA G3 (that I love) - the bullet sits about 17.5” from the muzzle when loaded.

Any sabots you're aware of that might be problematic with shorter barrel/lower velocities? If I go the T/C route, I think they're a 1:24

 

[ElDiablito]

Any sabots you're aware of that might be problematic with shorter barrel/lower velocities? If I go the T/C route, I think they're a 1:24

A 24 twist in .50 will shoot just about any saboted bullet you want to use. Certainly any common 250-300 ish .45 bullet. You won’t notice a substantial velocity loss with 777 or Bh209.

I’d consider a .45 if I were just going to shoot whitetails. No reason to use a .50. You could shoot a saboted .40 195-225 gr bullet.