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Marksman
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I really don't know much about black powder guns, but I am very interested in learning. I figure I'll get one to practice with by next summer so I can use it in the '08 season.
It seems .50 cal is pretty much the nom these days. Fellas seem to run 100 grains but are able to run up to 150 grains of powder.
What kind of range do these have? I guess if you stay inside of 100 yards you can go with open sites if you like?
I s one brand typically perfoming as well or better than another? Is a "feel" sort of thing like bows?
So lets hear it fellas, what do you all know about black powder guns?
"Evidently Mr. Ringo's an educated man. Now I really hate him."
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Trophy Buck
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The new blackpowder guns have come a long way in the last few years. I would say to definitely go with a 50cal. Most of them on the market are inline models which seems to be the way to go for reliable firing and ease of cleaning.I use 2 50gr pellets and a 245-300gr bullet which there are tons of options for rounds, and the 209 primer which is actually a shotgun primer that's really reliable. A 200yrd shot is no problem with the setup I mentioned. I have a Thompson Center Omega (scoped) that is a deadly shooting gun, But CVA has alot of nice ones that are quite a bit less money and are just as accurate....Some Walmarts carry them for around $200 for the complete setup scope and all.
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Marksman
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If I were to buy a front-stuffer today, it would be a Savage smokeless. If it had to be a blackpowder, it would be a TC Omega topped with a Nikon Omega scope.
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Gameskeeper
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Muzzleloading is the way to go. Down here, it's one of the best weeks of the whole season.
I've been shooting black powder rifles, traditional and in-lines for about 13 years now and have shot a lot with all the civil war reenacting, living histories, and competitions I've shot in.
Some things I would recommend for a front-stuffer for a noob....
*Get a break open action.
*Get one with the 209 shotgun primers.
*Use 777, one hundred grains is more than sufficient for distances out to 150 yards. Pellets are accurate and consistent, using grains is even better as you can customize your loads for max effectiveness.
As far as brand names, if you are really gonna do it up and have the $$$, get a Thomson Center Encore. That is the Premier Muzzleloader, plus you can buy other barrels and what not to switch up the caliber and turn it into a centerfire rifle...
If you're looking for a relatively cheap set up and wanna spend like $200 to get everything you need and get a reliable setup that will last you for years...
Go to walmart and buy one of the Traditions kits. I got the Tracker kit last year, it came with a scope, bullets, lube, everything but powder for $200. I took it out of the box and shot three shots at 50 yards in a 1 inch group without making any adjustments to the scope. They sell a different kit that is a break open gun, and I really would recommend that as it will make life a lot easier.
Feel free to PM me or post up if you have any specific questions...
That's good enough for government work.... 
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Smoke EM if you got EM...
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Button Buck
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There's a lot of decent blackpowder guns out there nowadays, things have changed dramatically since Tony Knight's first inline. I have shot a Knight .50 for years. Killed a truck load of deer and hogs with it and have never lost one. It will still shoot two inch groups at 100 yards. My 16 year old son shoots a .45 CVA and has killed about a dozen deer with it as well. It is just as accurate as my Knight with the right bullet-powder combination, but is definitely more picky in that area. The .45 will shoot flatter, but not enough to make a difference in most hunting situations. If you go with a .45, shoot bullets of at least 200 grains or you will not get an exit on most deer. The smaller bullets kill just fine, but with no exit, blood trails are skimpy at best. I shoot every hog in the head. No trailing and no bloodshot meat is nice. The Barnes copper solid bullets do nasty things to a hog's noggin. My Knight is topped with a Leupold 2x7 vari-x 2. Leupold scopes are hard to beat. Buy the best optics you can afford and you won't be dissappointed. Leupold also has an unbeatable lifetime guarantee.
I've had several friends who were dissapointed with the TC Omega's poor accuracy. I know all the T.V. boys shoot 'em, but my buddies have all sold theirs. Also be careful shooting smokeless powder in a muzzleloader, it's not legal in every state, neither are the electrically fired rifles.
209 primered guns are the norm nowadays with good reason. Before buying a particular gun, read all the reviews you can. God bless and good hunting
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Gameskeeper
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I don't know man...the Thompson Omega is a solid gun. If I could've afforded one when I got my inline, I would've gotten an Omega or an Encore. I've shot them with iron sights and was getting impressive groups. I think most inlines are pretty accurate, as with any black powder or centerfire gun you have to experiment with the proper bullet and grainage combination.
And smokeless powder can't be used in ANY muzzleloader. It has to be sealed in a cartridge. Pyrodex and 777 aren't smokeless powder. They are acceptable black powder substitutes in pretty much every state nowadays...
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Marksman
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[quote]FL_Cracker (11/26/2007)
And smokeless powder can't be used in ANY muzzleloader. It has to be sealed in a cartridge. Pyrodex and 777 aren't smokeless powder. They are acceptable black powder substitutes in pretty much every state nowadays...
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Check out the Savage MLII, as well as a few other smokeless muzzleloaders on the market. Savage has a forum with a ton of info for their ML shooters.
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As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
1 cross + 3 nails = 4given
Mossy Oak Pro Staff
Visit me at Camospace.com
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Trophy Buck
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Thompson Omega not consistent shooter? Huh. I'm gonna have to beg the differ on that one! This will be my fourth season with mine, and It's the best muzzleloader I've owned hands down. The only thing I found with mine was that it did'nt like the powerbelts. The only round I shoot is the XTP 245 sabots, and it's a hole cutter zeroed at 100. I've folded six deer with it....Three neck shots at 50-75yrds.....I'll keep it
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Button Buck
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| xOZx first of all read thoroughly your states regs on the use of front loaders. Also check out any state you may plan on using that front loader in. Some states have some pretty restrictive rules on what you can use. Colorado is one of them. It would be tough luck to choose a muzzleloader, work up a load only to find you are not legal. You will also need to work up your best load for whatever rifle you choose. I have seen muzzleloaders of the same make and model like a different powder/bullet combo.
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