MuzzleLoaders

[Terror]

I'm looking at purchasing my first MuzzleLoader to be used in the upcoming 2006 Deer Season.  I was wondering if any of the firearm enthusiasts here would share their recommendations/experiences. I have been looking at a Thompson Center Omega specifically this Model.  

I appreciate the help!

Terror

PS.  Please don't hold my Glock addiction against me.  

[Reschke]

Not a bad gun but I prefer these type when I am hunting with my black powder rifle.

LYMAN Deerstalker Percussion Rifle .50 & .54 cal 742 743
Item 66-742 66-743    $296.95

[RTSigma]

1854 Einfield.

I own one for Civil War Re-enaction purposes but it can do live fire and word around camp is that is great for hunting as it is quite accurate. .58 caliber slug has power to it.

[Blooz]

Whitworth

[Hangtime]

I saw an Enfield #8 not so long ago.. the damn thing was amazingly accurate. Seems to be a modification on the old tried and true No 1 Mk III. In retrospect, I'm not even sure if it was black powder/ball.. musta been some kinda black powder/cartridge setup.

I know next ta nothin about black powder weapons.. when I get bored with the old bolties that I'm havin so much fun with now I'll prolly head down that path... chuckin 50 cal + sized slugs intrigues me.

[Hawklore]

I own an 1861 Springfield reproduction..

I've live fired an enfield, I'm unsure of what year, but for my first time shooting .50cal,let alone anything larger then a .22, I actually scored several hits.

[Maverick]

Terror,

I hunted with  the traditional black powder rifles. I had decent luck with them. That rifle should be OK as long as it meets with the state hunting regs where you plan on hunting. Check the stock fit for you to see if you can use the iron sights or if you need to modify it. I have a non traditional stocked rifle now and the comb of the stock is set for a scope so the iron sights are all but useless to me. Make sure the one you get fits you or shooting it can be uncomfortable. A 120 grain charge behind a large conical bullet will definately get your attention.

[Golfer]

I use a T/C Hawk in .50 caliber.  I shoot power-rim rounds behind 100gr of black powder using open sights.

You don't miss inside of 150yds.

Father uses a .54 caliber Hawkin and shoots 120gr and the same bullets with a 4x14 scope.  He's killed deer out to 200yds.

[StarOfAfrica2]

If you want something inexpensive (entry level) that is still a rugged and accurate rifle, check out the New England Firearms model called the Sidekick.  I think Cabela's carries them.  It looks like a modern break-action single shot rifle, but its a muzzleloader with a modern primer ignition system.  I have one.  Very accurate out to 150 yards with just the iron sights.  .50 cal.  One of these will run less than 200 bucks, whereas the Thompsons can run 300 - 400.

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

I use a Knight Wolverine. Walmart had some of the nice Thompson center Black Diamond rifles real cheap. My Wolverine was under $200 from Gander Mountain 12 years or so ago. Still shoots very well, as well as I can or better.

Once you get into the modern style closed ignition inline black powder rifles, any good name brand is a decent piece.  By the way, my hunting buddy has an Omega and two stocks have cracked on it. Both replaced under warranty, but still, they cracked. I suggest that entry level black powder shooters buy an inexpensive model to start with. You might decide that black powder isn't your thing. Used top end black powder rifles generally don't tend to hold their value too well.

[Reschke]

I can't stand the new fangled "black powder" rifles. Any of those new fangled "black powder" rifles can do exactly what my .30-06 Model 700 Remington can do and to me that is not why I am shooting black powder rifles. To me a black powder for hunting is just like bow hunting. Get in close and make it count. I try to get inside of 50 yards now with my black powder. Anything else and I am taking my .30-06 or .30-30.

[Pooh21]

aside from the initial investment in the gun, on average howmuch more is needed in supplies? I am thinking of picking up a replica RN sea service pistol,and Musket.

Do you have to cast your own balls, or any of that? Or do they sell them loose in common calibers?

I never liked those modern black powder guns either. The old ones look better, not so gay.

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

Originally posted by Pooh21
aside from the initial investment in the gun, on average howmuch more is needed in supplies? I am thinking of picking up a replica RN sea service pistol,and Musket.

Do you have to cast your own balls, or any of that? Or do they sell them loose in common calibers?

I never liked those modern black powder guns either. The old ones look better, not so gay.

You can buy most anything for black powder at a good sporting goods store or gun shop. That includes the cast lead balls. Yo can also get the stuff at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's.

You'll need caps, powder, a measure, balls, patches for the balls, and cleaning supplies. I usually use very hot water and dishwashing detergent, and regular cleaning patches. Followed by good oil. Shouldn't cost you too much, usually under $75.

[Pooh21]

oh and modern powder still gives off all the smoke? that I think is one of the coolest things about those old guns.

thanks

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

Originally posted by Pooh21
oh and modern powder still gives off all the smoke? that I think is one of the coolest things about those old guns.

thanks

Yes, Pyrodex smokes almost as much as genuine Goex black powder. The new Triple 7 doesn't. Few places carry real black powder, like Goex. You need a special license to keep and sell it, for commercial sales. The hardcore black powder people use the real stuff. I use Pyrodex, because it is easier to get, and more convenient. I might switch to Triple 7 when I use up my Pyrodex.