muzzleloader

DOUGS · 06-30-2003, 04:45 PM

Sal I have a remington 50 cal w/ peep sight and she is easy to clean and shoots good. As you will find out a clean gun is an accurate one. My friend has the Ruger 50 Cal and it shoots very well but we had to do some machine work to the bolt because I didnt think it was legal do to the way the bolt covered the cap.
Good luck and have a good hunt.

Big TULE · 06-30-2003, 06:37 PM

Knight bighorn, it is legal in oregon, all that you have to change is the sights. I would recomend the 26 inch magnum stainless barrel. You can shoot 150 grains of powder and get great accuracy with it. I have one as do all in my hunting party and we all love them. They are tack drivers at 150 yards. And accurate to 200.

MarlinMark · 06-30-2003, 07:31 PM

There was a previous thread on this topic and I remember that one front stuffer that was highly recommended was a Lyman great plains rifle. New less than $300. Do a search for muzzleloaders in this forum. I think the thread was back in Feb.

Mark

Lured In · 06-30-2003, 08:51 PM

Look at Cabelas Hawken, Traditions Hawken, CVA Hawken and T/C Hawkens. All have 28" barrels with 1:48 twist and can be ordered in side lock (percussion) or flint lock. All are legal in OR.

Depending on how much muzzleloader hunting you are going to do, start out with an affordable "smoke pole" that you can learn on.

FYI the faster the twist the better the gun will be for shooting conical lead (1:28"). The slower the twist (1:60") the better it will be with round ball. The Hawken with its 1:48" was intended to shoot both round ball and conicals well, but neither excellent. With some practice, just like center fire rifles, you will figure out what your muzzleloader likes to eat.

Good luck. Feel free to PM me if you want more info.

salmurai · 06-30-2003, 11:45 PM

I got drawn for a muzzle loader hunt. Now what muzzleloader do all you "experts" out there recommend. I looked at the regs and there seems to be a limited few that are legal here in Oregon. Appreciate your input. Thanks....

Applegate · 07-03-2003, 06:45 PM

You might not know it yet, but you just aquired a new hobby. Blackpowder is a kick to shoot and the seasons are uncrowded. I have a T/C hawken and recently purchased a Lyman great plains. Figure if Jeremia Johnson can run throught the woods with 2 of em' so can I.

Have fun!

Bait Bucket · 07-06-2003, 08:17 AM

I'm the new guy from Virginia. Shooting deer with the muzzle loader is a blast. Unfortunately, I will not be able to use my scoped Encore in Oregon. Back home I could shoot 5 deer, either sex and usually within a five minute walk from my house. I haven't shot a deer with a center fire rifle for over 12 years.

(Here's a freezer animal from last fall.)

[ 07-06-2003, 11:57 AM: Message edited by: Bait Bucket ]

bllelk · 07-29-2003, 10:13 AM

Sal
No matter what gun you choose, be extra careful in keeping your powder dry as well as your caps. Both my Son and I have missed out on good elk due to mis fires. His was because he had year old caps, mine because I had the same load in the gun all day. Out in the cold and snow, back in the pickup, out in the cold and snow...pop! #@!&%* Bang! Ear notched a cow elk.
Black powder draws moisture like you can't believe. Masking tape or a balloon over the muzzle will help.
Also fire a cap before you put in your first load. Burns out the oil residue.
Best elk hunt I ever went on, all newbies, everybody got a shot and nobody touched a hair. Great story every night and no work.

salmurai · 07-31-2003, 09:41 PM

Thanks for the info. I needed that....sal