Muzzleloader Newbie Questions - Budget, Regs

[CVShooter]

I'm chewing on the idea of getting a muzzleloader for deer hunting. There are some lottery tags I'd like to put in for next year. I have some experience reloading for 30-30, 9mm, .223 & .308. I'm getting the sense that this is a whole different class of reloading & shooting but the overall concept looks pretty similar.

First off, what should I budget for the rifle for an entry-level gun? It's not going to be a range gun and I don't intend on shooting past 100 yards. So basic is fine. Something simple, easy to care for, somewhat easy to shoot, easy to carry & hard to mess up would be ideal. The hunts I'd be putting in for are late season and may put me packing in several miles from my vehicle and out for 3-5 days. So weather, humidity, etc. are a factor. I'm not looking for flintlock. But I'd consider a percussion. Seems that in-lines are a little easier to own, though. For my first one, I'd prefer something easy.

What should I budget for the possibles bag?

After looking through the DFW regs on muzzleloaders, I see that it has to be open or aperture sights, which is fine by me. However, I couldn't quite tell if pelletized powder charges were legal. Anybody know or can point me in the right direction on that?

[Dutch Henry]

Answers to your questions would fill a couple of pages here. My best advice would be to get a couple of the many Black Powder/Muzzleloader books available from book stores and larger gun shops. They will give you all the information you'll need.

[AR22]

I would just simply buy the best one you can afford. And that feels good when shouldered and pointed. I have only owned one Inline. I actually prefer the classic Exposed side hammer and No 10 or 11 caps.

I would not see a problem using pellets vs loose powder. If CA came up with a regulation not to use them. I would not be surprised at that though, Wackos

. But if you want to use pellets. They can be problematic as far as ignition is concerned in a lot of Rifles. I prefer real Black, No Pyrodex or other "substitute" crap propellants.

[Jwalt]

Used in-lines in great condition seem to pop up here regularly for around 60 percent of msrp. If your only goal is hunting I would absolutely get a modern in-line.

[Jwalt]

[Tom-ADC]

I have a .50 cal Hawken its a traditional rifle with modern finish and laminated stock and fiber optic sights very accurate rifle if you are in the San Diego area I can fix you up with everything you would need. Reasonable

[CVShooter]

I have a .50 cal Hawken its a traditional rifle with modern finish and laminated stock and fiber optic sights very accurate rifle if you are in the San Diego area I can fix you up with everything you would need. Reasonable

That's a beauty! Too bad. Unfortunately, I'm about a 7 hour drive from SD. Thanks anyway. Would be a nice one to have.

[CVShooter]

Pellets are legal, and they light just fine with shotshell primers.

I am not trying to disparage tradition, personally I’m working on a Hawken kit I hope to take a doe with this winter using a ball I cast and powder I made.

But it sounds like you want practical.

Thanks for the clarification. Yes, practical is fine for getting me started. I wouldn't disparage tradition either. There's something romantic about an old Hawken. But for my first, I figure I should keep it simple & dummy-proof.

[CharlesV]

Ok, my own advice then is to consider CVA as a brand. On this page you can find the Optima V2 .50cal kit, with scope and case for $339. The company is efficient and very patient with questions from newbies. Great people there.

https://www.muzzle-loaders.com/brands/cva-muzzleloaders/cva-optima-muzzleloaders

Your spending has just begun. Then go to tacticalwholesalers.com and get everything you need for the rifle in the way of accessories and supplies as they have the best prices. For anything you dont see there, go back and buy from the rifle dealer. Between the two places, you are covered. What to buy in these shops? Watch the abundant CVA videos on YT and make a list.

https://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/Muzzleloading_c_2409.html

Total budget, around $800 minimum and thats everything to get started. After that, you can find various stuff at Walmart and gun shops or just keep buying from these two places.

This all said, my opinion for what Im hearing from you is to buy the above rifle, or the Accura model above that as it has a lapped barrel. But Thompson Center is also good, so is Knight. When later and you are enjoying the ride, you can consider a kit like Traditions or other makes and build up your own. Next stop is a traditional flintlock or percussion rifle, from $800-1300 average. But those are work and I hear you to want simple, easy, practical.

Before spending a cent, watch all the CVA and similar videos and go slowly to make sure its what you want to do.

Muzzleloaders are generally shipped right to your door and are not DROSed or registered but you have to check your own laws, including city laws. In CA there is a move to force registration of muzzleloaders and even BB guns. Muzzleloaders were considered the last bastion of freedom and that too will come to an end.

[CVShooter]

Ok, my own advice then is to consider CVA as a brand. On this page you can find the Optima V2 .50cal kit, with scope and case for $339. The company is efficient and very patient with questions from newbies. Great people there.

https://www.muzzle-loaders.com/brands/cva-muzzleloaders/cva-optima-muzzleloaders

Your spending has just begun. Then go to tacticalwholesalers.com and get everything you need for the rifle in the way of accessories and supplies as they have the best prices. For anything you dont see there, go back and buy from the rifle dealer. Between the two places, you are covered. What to buy in these shops? Watch the abundant CVA videos on YT and make a list.

https://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/Muzzleloading_c_2409.html

Total budget, around $800 minimum and thats everything to get started. After that, you can find various stuff at Walmart and gun shops or just keep buying from these two places.

This all said, my opinion for what Im hearing from you is to buy the above rifle, or the Accura model above that as it has a lapped barrel. But Thompson Center is also good, so is Knight. When later and you are enjoying the ride, you can consider a kit like Traditions or other makes and build up your own. Next stop is a traditional flintlock or percussion rifle, from $800-1300 average. But those are work and I hear you to want simple, easy, practical.

Before spending a cent, watch all the CVA and similar videos and go slowly to make sure its what you want to do.

Muzzleloaders are generally shipped right to your door and are not DROSed or registered but you have to check your own laws, including city laws. In CA there is a move to force registration of muzzleloaders and even BB guns. Muzzleloaders were considered the last bastion of freedom and that too will come to an end.

Thanks for that. Crazy to hear about ideas to register muzzleloaders and air guns -- as if anybody who uses those is interested in hurting people with them. With some of the newer air guns out there that can take down medium-sized game, I suppose it's only a matter of time before we have something like the UK with foot-pound limits for unregistered or no-DROS air guns. Guess we'll have to enjoy our freedoms while they last.

[swift]

My opinion for hunting: Modern, in line that you can shoot with buckhorn 209 (less corrosive).

[Jwalt]

Remember - you won't be able to hunt with a scope in CA.

Some states allow it, so if you plan to travel you may want to look into that. But in CA you cannot use a scope during muzzleloader seasons.

I think an in-line is a good starting point. You can be ready to go with about 200 bucks in gear+ 250 dollar rifle *as a starting point*.

Here's a great first in-line. It's not a wonder gun, it's not exquisite handcrafted craftsman ship, but it works and it's safe and reliable. 250 bucks and you're set. I've seen them at similar prices on sale at Bass Pro.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1073519314/thompson-center-impact-muzzleloading-rifle-50-caliber-synthetic-stock-26-blue-barrel

[CVShooter]

Jwalt - thank you. For a sub-100-yard gun, I'm not worried about a scope. But an aperture rear sight might be nice...

For the gear, what all would I need for shooting modern bullets with pellet powders (pellets, primers and bullets assumed)?

Range rod
wire brush
cleaning patches
cleaning solution
ball starter

What am I missing?

[Tom-ADC]

I have one of these for the range, I even use it for my Sharps.
Order a Track of the Wolf catalog!!

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/567/1/RAMROD-316-54