Thinking about getting a muzzle loader.

[thomasbrooks07]

I have wanted to get a muzzle loader since I was a kid and first saw muskets in action in movies and old war reenactments. I dont know anything about muzzle loaders other then you load every shot manually and that .50 calibur is very popular lol.
Now for the questions. How hard is it to get into muzzle loading, like is it hard to figure out what materials to use and what balance of powder, primers are needed to fire correctly? About what can you expect in terms of range and over all accuracy? My last question is how much does it cost on average to fire off a .50 calibur shot?

[Dickie d]

There are a ton of variables. Yes 50 is the most popular. As to cost it's all over the map. You can use primers (209) or caps. Bullets go from round ball,miniball, to jacketed hollow points as used in modern rifles. The same is true for powder you can use granular black powder or pellets. There are lots of "grease" for the projectile, I use bore butter its supposed to protect the bore. I'd suggest stopping at a Pro Bass or Cabelas or a good dealer and talk to them. I know Pro Bass sells a low priced beginners package it will have all the instructions in it. Accuracy or course depends on the shooter and secondly the gun and loads.
Hope this helps a little.

[Triggerjerk]

Go to a used book web site and do an author search for Sam Fadala. He wrote a lot of books for beginners on muzzle loading. I use abebooks and alibris. Dixie Gun Works is a good source for muzzle loading, too.

[thomasbrooks07]

I am normally broke and when I go into college ill be even more strapped for spendable cash. ill only be making 13 dollars an hour part time for the next 2-3 years so ill be using the 100 ball packs and the most affordable powders and primers that work well lol. We dont have a cabelas around here the closest one is about a hour and ahalf away. I think the bass prosshop is in portland or vancouver which are about 35 to 40 min away. We have about 5 gunshops in town and my fav one will special order anything you want if they dont have it for free.

[HAWKEYE50]

I love shooting my encore 209x50. I just recently got started(after this Christmamas07). The required accesories cost less then the ones you need th reload a new caliber. Powder runs around $25.00 a pound. Sabots run $13.00 a box of 15(T/C SHOCKWAVES 200gr). Check out my post "Improvements". I shoot at a 25yd target in my yard.

[nathangdad]

I used to own a Thompson Center .50 caliber. It is a lot of fun
and not at all difficult to learn but do keep the distances down to under 100 yards (my
experience but I know others will have differing opinions).
It does require a bit extra to carry around the powder,
grease, caps or flint or primers, etc. and cleaning is more effort than you would have with the average modern rifle.

One word of strong advice - check with your state's game and
fish dept. before making a purchase as some styles such as in line
ignition are not allowed for hunting in some areas. It is better to know
in advance.

As you are not in a rush you have time to read up on the subject and
survey the market for guns and supplies.

Good luck, good muzzleloading, and enjoy firing a very historically
important style of firearm. You might want to expand into revolvers
after the rifle experience.

[thomasbrooks07]

I have a few months most likely untill I pick it one up. I am getting ready to go back to school full so I would prob have to wait till the 2nd semester before I buy any new toys. I can get a general idea about what the cost of the balls, patches cost and those primer cap things cost per shot but how many shots do you get per 1 pound of powder?

[HAWKEYE50]

I guess no one has answered yous question. I have been shooting my first pound of Triple Seven since December. I'm pretty sure I havent used 50% of the pound. My encore handles up to 150gr of powder max, I load 80gr loads. When I did my research about them last fall, I noticed alot of shooters on the forums only use 90-120gr powder. I figured I'd start a little light of 90gr. I was pretty happy with the results at my 25yd range. You know the smaller asprin bottles, the travel size, I use those to hold loose powder. Each will hold 8-10 loads of loose powder. I just installed a new scope and haven't sighted it in beyond my yard distance of 25yds. I will probably increase my charge as I move out a ways. What type are you considering, old syle or newer type?

Probably 100 loads per pound. I think I have shot at least 50 on that first pound. I shoot 3 round groups and do a full clean before shooting again. I do this for accuracy.

[OldTimer]

Thomasbrooks07:

Whether you choose to shoot an old school smoke-pole or a new school in-line front loader, consider buying a lightly used gun from a reputable dealer. You just might find a tack-driver on a budget.

FYI, check your local library (or inter-library loan) for a "Blackpowder Handbook". There are several permutations out there (Lyman, "The Complete ~", et c.) As Hawkeye50 posted, start with the lightest recommended powder load and work your way up to your most accurate load.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to get and how you make out!

[TNRICK55]

i would get a friend or someone who knows black powder to get you started. i been shooting bp for 40 years still dont know it all and never will.lol