Which Muzzleloader?

[oneshot]

Going on a Management Hunt with Muzzleloaders.

Got a 50 I like but only have 8 bullets that I like have about a hundred I’ve never killed anything with but same weight. 240Gr.

Problem with 50Cal. It’s harder to put in fresh load and clean.

Got a 45Cal. Killed couple Deer and Hogs with it using 180Gr. Bullets and it is easier to put a fresh load in and clean. Got a bunch of 200Gr. Bullets that I have never used.

Just don’t have faith in the 45Cal.

Im really thinking I should use the 45 and get over it. But then there is the 50.

Oh which one?

oneshot

[tjm]

I like my .54 riffle, but have given some thought to a .62 smooth bore that could double as a fowler.  The .44 is a great revolver ball, but  even pistols were usually larger caliber.

[oneshot]

  On 8/22/2020 at 3:49 PM, tjm said:

I like my .54 riffle, but have given some thought to a .62 smooth bore that could double as a fowler.  The .44 is a great revolver ball, but  even pistols were usually larger caliber.

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Sidelocks  got a 54Cal. and like it. Was just looking the 45Cal. It has a Nikon Scope on it.

I’ve killed a lot of Deer with my 54Cal. But got some crap in the breach I had to take the Clean Out Screw out to clean it up. Might not ever give me a problem again.
I have always used Hot Water cleaning. Had a guy tell me to use warm because Hot will cause Flash Rust.

Like my Sidelocks got a Double Barrel 12Ga. good Shotgun 

Might add in my Inlines I have XTP Bullets. That is what has me not sure I’ve always used just Lead.

oneshot

[oneshot]

Went to a hunt once guy was at the range, first off drunk. He had a Sidelock with a Scope. Couldn’t get it to fire. Looked like it had never been cleaned. He was saying fired last year just fine.

I know I can’t but see stuff like this want to smack them take whatever and give it a good home.

oneshot

[nomolites]

  On 8/22/2020 at 5:07 PM, oneshot said:

Sidelocks  got a 54Cal. and like it. Was just looking the 45Cal. It has a Nikon Scope on it.

I’ve killed a lot of Deer with my 54Cal. But got some crap in the breach I had to take the Clean Out Screw out to clean it up. Might not ever give me a problem again.
I have always used Hot Water cleaning. Had a guy tell me to use warm because Hot will cause Flash Rust.

Like my Sidelocks got a Double Barrel 12Ga. good Shotgun 

Might add in my Inlines I have XTP Bullets. That is what has me not sure I’ve always used just Lead.

oneshot

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240gr XTPs out of a .50 is what I use.  Puts them down NOW.  Super accurate from a sabot ..and that smoke.....ahhhh.

Mike

[oneshot 1]

  On 8/22/2020 at 5:24 PM, nomolites said:

240gr XTPs out of a .50 is what I use.  Puts them down NOW.  Super accurate from a sabot ..and that smoke.....ahhhh.

Mike

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Been using 240Gr. Cheap Shot Sabots. Which are pure Lead, was just never sure on the Jacketed Bullets.

Was told 180Gr. wasn't big enough for Deer then killed a 450 pound Hog. I'm thinking maybe a fluke. ????

oneshot

[tjm]

oh. modern smokeless powder stuff, I ain't qualified- if I shoot smokeless it's usually silvertip or corelokt. I forget that muzzle loader and black powder no longer mean the same thing.

[nomolites]

  On 8/22/2020 at 6:44 PM, oneshot 1 said:

Been using 240Gr. Cheap Shot Sabots. Which are pure Lead, was just never sure on the Jacketed Bullets.

Was told 180Gr. wasn't big enough for Deer then killed a 450 pound Hog. I'm thinking maybe a fluke. ????

oneshot

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I practice w/the cheap shots...they hit exactly where the xtps do at 100 yds.

Mike

[oneshot]

  On 8/22/2020 at 7:20 PM, tjm said:

oh. modern smokeless powder stuff, I ain't qualified- if I shoot smokeless it's usually silvertip or corelokt. I forget that muzzle loader and black powder no longer mean the same thing.

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Better not be using Smokeless. I use Pyrodex RS because it is easier to find but have used Real Black. Flint Locks don’t work as well.

Back in ‘60’s when I first used Muzzleloaders Black was easy to find.

oneshot

[oneshot]

  On 8/22/2020 at 7:47 PM, nomolites said:

I practice w/the cheap shots...they hit exactly where the xtps do at 100 yds.

Mike

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Ok I have an old Staghorn 50Cal. Elevated Scope. Now you know why it is harder to clean.

The 45Cal. Is a Apex, Stainless Steel Barrel. Heavier Rifle, easier to clean. I have killed couple Deer with it and Hogs. Just don’t drop them like my 50Cal. I need to remember not to get in a hurry following Blood and let the Bullet do its work.

Killed Deer with much smaller caliber so I know it will work.

oneshot