Mack in N.C.
Old Mossy Horns
you can stay on the ground in wake co with a slug gun as well.
Recommendations for a first muzzleloader
- Thread starter EnglishLee
- Start date
I'm probably the last guy to ask about new muzzleloaders.... I'm still using the Rem M700 I bought in 1998... And I have 3 NIB muzzleloaders I've picked up here and there and just stuck them in the safe never to be seen again.
That being said, I've dealt with quite a few other folks muzzleloaders along the way.
In order of my personal recommendation.
1. CVA Wolf- very good muzzleloader for the $. I bought a Stainless Camo version from a BBS last year for ~$190 out the door with a Konus scope, a soft case and some accessories, I even got a rebate that made the Blackhorn breech plug essentially free.
I recommend these ahead of 2. Strictly based on cost.
As a side note, I've shot the Wolf, the Optima, and the Accura, and the accuracy is very comparable across all three.
2. T/C Encore- be it the FX(dedicated muzzleloader that doesn't have the ability to exchange barrels), a 209x50, or a Pro Hunter. All are exceptional and have tremendous accuracy with a variety of powders/ subs/ pellets.
Not a super fan of the Traditions stuff, I've found them "rougher" than I'd prefer, and of the half dozen or so I've dealt with, only one shot anywhere near what I would consider acceptable, and then only barely so.
That being said, I've dealt with quite a few other folks muzzleloaders along the way.
In order of my personal recommendation.
1. CVA Wolf- very good muzzleloader for the $. I bought a Stainless Camo version from a BBS last year for ~$190 out the door with a Konus scope, a soft case and some accessories, I even got a rebate that made the Blackhorn breech plug essentially free.
I recommend these ahead of 2. Strictly based on cost.
As a side note, I've shot the Wolf, the Optima, and the Accura, and the accuracy is very comparable across all three.
2. T/C Encore- be it the FX(dedicated muzzleloader that doesn't have the ability to exchange barrels), a 209x50, or a Pro Hunter. All are exceptional and have tremendous accuracy with a variety of powders/ subs/ pellets.
Not a super fan of the Traditions stuff, I've found them "rougher" than I'd prefer, and of the half dozen or so I've dealt with, only one shot anywhere near what I would consider acceptable, and then only barely so.
Not a fan of the Traditions at all. Had one and couldn't ever get it to shoot worth a chit.
I agree with this, with the exception of the ending of your last sentence. I would (personally) change that to. "buy more". Want to be dang sure i have enough and I'll just leave any extras for my boys and grandkids to use when I'm gone.
I spent close to the cost of the rifle on one trying to make it shoot. Best it would ever do was 4.5"-5" group at 50 yards. That was with Goex FFg and a 240 GR Hornady .44 cal XTP in a green crush rib sabot. That load right there has never shot above 1" group in anything else I've shot it in.
Hunterreed
Twelve Pointer
If you can afford it the TC encore muzzleloader will leave you with a reciever that can be used for a centerfire rifle, shotgun, rimfire barrel also. For the money any of the cva muzzleloader line wolf,Optima will do just fine. Loose powder and 209 primers are the way to go. The hornady red sabots and triple 7 in a cva is plenty accurate
surveyor
Old Mossy Horns
Every ML I helped with LD has shot a 240 XTP and green sabot. Even an old H&R 50 cal bottom slapper with a slower than optimal twist.
I have never held a *spit* Traditions gun.
I've seen cheap guns shoot that load into a barely larger than caliber hole. My Remington will still shoot 5 into a hole you can cover with a dime. It used to be smaller, but it's slipping a bit in its advanced age
nchawkeye
Old Mossy Horns
I'm with pcbuckhunter, bought a Knight Disc in 1999, haven't used it in 5-6 years, it will do all I need to do with a 300gr .44 Hornady XTP and 80grs FFF Goex...I have 2 .54 caliber flintlocks, one I built in the late '80s, the other I finished this year...I prefer to use them...Glad we have choices...
As far as crossbows, if you are physically able to draw today's compounds, they are much superior to crossbows...
Btw...Goex is back in production, I understand they sold over 1,800 pounds at Friendship at the Nationals last week...
As far as crossbows, if you are physically able to draw today's compounds, they are much superior to crossbows...
Btw...Goex is back in production, I understand they sold over 1,800 pounds at Friendship at the Nationals last week...
Homebrewale
Old Mossy Horns
Sure but I already have a muzzleloader. I may as well make use of it. I can't use a slug gun during muzzleloader season.
Homebrewale
Old Mossy Horns
With the exception that I can hand anyone off the street my crossbow and they're hitting the center of the target without any practice. Not going to see that happen with a compound bow.
bwfarms
Old Mossy Horns
EnglishLee
Spike
That's good to know thanks, will probably just bulk buy enough firesticks to keep me going a few seasons and top up each year.
QBD2
Old Mossy Horns
@EnglishLee , pay no attention to the drivel this poster spews, unless he’s giving you typing advice. It’s the only thing he actually has real world experience with
CRC
Old Mossy Horns
And how many people will still hunt with a muzzleloader when states go to any legal weapons seasons?
surveyor
Old Mossy Horns
I'll hunt with the muzzleloader until they approve trebuchets.
CRC
Old Mossy Horns
I have before, and I'm sure I will again
surveyor
Old Mossy Horns
After I put one in the freezer for the chief domestic officer, I typically hunt the rest of the season with a muzzleloader.
bwfarms
Old Mossy Horns
@EnglishLee
CVA Crossfire is compatible with the Firestick inserts. I’d definitely pick a CVA over Traditions.
muzzle-loaders.com
CVA Crossfire is compatible with the Firestick inserts. I’d definitely pick a CVA over Traditions.
CVA™ Announces FireStick Compatible Crossfire Muzzleloader
The Federal FireStick ignition has had a large impact on the muzzleloader community since its release in 2020. Previously, the FireStick has been used exclusively with the Traditions NitroFire, but now a new competitor has arrived. New for 2023, CVA is introducing a FireStick compatible...
muzzle-loaders.com
golfer
Four Pointer
I cannot say enough for the NItrofire! Love it! Firesticks are super easy. Cleaner than pyrodex pellets and close not smoke near as much, which means you get see the deer's reaction to the shot better. Plus you can push the bullet out the end to unload versus having to shoot it or break it down.
You will not regret a Nitrofire.
You will not regret a Nitrofire.
EnglishLee
Spike
Can't seem to find that in stock anywhere - new release?@EnglishLee
CVA Crossfire is compatible with the Firestick inserts. I’d definitely pick a CVA over Traditions.
CVA™ Announces FireStick Compatible Crossfire Muzzleloader
The Federal FireStick ignition has had a large impact on the muzzleloader community since its release in 2020. Previously, the FireStick has been used exclusively with the Traditions NitroFire, but now a new competitor has arrived. New for 2023, CVA is introducing a FireStick compatible...
EnglishLee
Spike
Yeah I think a trip to Basspro is on the cards next week at some point!
bwfarms
Old Mossy Horns
It is a new release so it will be hard to locate.
We have the same setup.....and I shoot Blackhorn. I lucked into this (well...kinda. I went to Ed's and talked to Carlos.....and I bought what he told me to).
Homebrewale
Old Mossy Horns
I bought from Carlos too. I have not made any changes to the gun except for Blackhorn breech plug. I use Blackhorn 209 and Barnes 250 gr TEZ bullets as he recommended.