muzzle loaders
 

I have always wanted a muzzle loader but never gotten around to it. Last week a friend of mine got one, and it is pretty nice (Optima) I think. Anyone here have an experience with muzzle loaders and or recommendations ?

Re: muzzle loaders
 

I've got a Lyman "great plains" hawken style 50cal. Extremely accurate out to 100yds with just the buckhorn sights on it. One of the most fun guns I've ever owned.

I've got a few cap and ball revolvers that are fun to shoot also but more of a pain in regards to loading. Lodaing the rifle is quick and about as easy as it gets.

The Lyman guns are pretty "traditional" looking. I'd like to eventually get myself a "flint" version so that I don't have to rely on percussion caps. I've heard the flint ones aren't as accurate though because of the slower ignition and having to hold steady, etc. I'm not a fan of the inline type guns.

Re: muzzle loaders
 

i have one and i hate cleaning it ............

Re: muzzle loaders
 

We have a couple 50 cal inline traditions guns. Pretty accurate and fun to shoot, thank god for breech plugs when it comes to cleaning though.

Re: muzzle loaders
 

A little soap and hot water is all it takes. It isn't that bad. Easier to clean than having to breakdown one of my centerfire rifles for cleaning.

I just plug the touch hole with a rag and the hammer down on it then pour the soapy water down the barrel and use the ramrod like a plunger with a patch on the end. Do it a few times and then follow up with light coat of oil after you've dried it out. Not that complicated or time consuming.

Re: muzzle loaders
 

I am thinking real seriously about the Savage ML-II smokeless muzzleloader. They are expensive but I am not a fan of the cleaning either.

Re: muzzle loaders
 

This is like my friends, but he put a big scope on his:


http://www.eabco.com/images/CVAPeep03.gif

Re: muzzle loaders
 

Never but petroleum based products in a ML barrel. Repeat Never Put petroleum based products in a ML Barrel. In case you missed it, Never put petroleum based products in a ML barrel.

Use an natural plant or animal based fat containing product. ML barrels, unlike centerfire barrels need to be seasoned like cast iron cookware. The seasoin process does three things. 1st it makes loading the firearm easier. Secondly, it makes for a much easier clean up. Finally, it improves accuracy (albeit marginally).

The heat/flame from the powder ignition and the petroleum based lube producess a tar like residue that is very difficult to remove. The flame and natural lube like animal fat, crisco or TC BoreButter will not produce the dreaded tar.

I use to be like Mick. Hated cleaning my ML. But that was back when I was "protecting: my barrel with oil. Switched over to a natural barrel lube and cleaning MLs has never been easier.

I shoot a TC Encore. IMO all muzzleloading discussions begin and end with Thompson Center. End of story.

28+ years of ML only deer hunting (even during rifle/shotgun season) to back up my claims.