Muzzleloader recommendations

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Yeedonkey

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This past year was my last in the youth division so I will need a muzzleloader next year. I recently got a cap and ball 44 enjoy it alot. I cast my own lead and make #11 caps. I would like someone with experience to recommend a good starter muzzleloader, staying under $400. There seems like so many good ones I am having trouble deciding. Here's some things to consider.
I make my own bullets and caps so something I could do this with will save me money
I hunt at fairly close range whitetail deer and any hog that goes by. Average shot is around 50 yards
I have been eyeing the traditions deerhunter but am open to anything.
And a apologize for the long explanation.
 
The Traditions will work. It's 1:48 twist isn't optimal for either conicals or round balls but will do for what you want it for.
 
I’m guessing you’re more or less looking at a traditional muzzleloader since you mentioned #11 caps. I’ve seen Thompson Center Hawken rifles go as low as $200 for ones that are in really good shape. $250-$350 is the more common asking price I see.

Tuff to beat the quality they provide in that price range. As mentioned above the barrel twist is once again a compromise for dual use of round ball/maxi balls.

However, accuracy is more than enough at the ranges you mentioned.
 
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At your budget you will probably have to get a kit or buy used if you want a traditional muzzleloader , I just sold a TC Hawken and a Renegade in near new condition in your price range .
 
Thanks for the replies. I was hoping for some personal references also. I would prefer to use the caps I make but is not really a request
 
One other option is to look for a traditional CVA rifle. A notch below the Thompson’s but I’ve seen nice examples of them go as cheap as $150. I currently have one of their Kentucky rifles (loosely patterned on one) in 50 cal. Very happy with it. Also consider Jukar rifles. Made in Spain. For your price range they may fit what you’re looking for.
 
Frulk said:
One other option is to look for a traditional CVA rifle. A notch below the Thompson’s but I’ve seen nice examples of them go as cheap as $150. I currently have one of their Kentucky rifles (loosely patterned on one) in 50 cal. Very happy with it. Also consider Jukar rifles. Made in Spain. For your price range they may fit what you’re looking for.
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Do you find these locally? I can't find any muzzleloaders around my area so I will have to order from somewhere.
 
Gun shows, internet sites, pawn shops, Local BP shoots etc. I don’t know your states regs but BP rifles can be sent /mailed directly to you in most cases.

Could put an ad on this site saying your looking for XXX and see what responses you receive. Worth a shot. I bought a Thompson from someone on here.
 
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Yeedonkey said:
This past year was my last in the youth division so I will need a muzzleloader next year. I recently got a cap and ball 44 enjoy it alot. I cast my own lead and make #11 caps. I would like someone with experience to recommend a good starter muzzleloader, staying under $400. There seems like so many good ones I am having trouble deciding. Here's some things to consider.
I make my own bullets and caps so something I could do this with will save me money
I hunt at fairly close range whitetail deer and any hog that goes by. Average shot is around 50 yards
I have been eyeing the traditions deerhunter but am open to anything.
And a apologize for the long explanation.
Click to expand...

To adequately give you an answer we need to know what you plan on doing. If all you plan to do is hunt, the field is wide open. If you plan on competition, you'll need to know the rules for the match you plan on shooting in. For example, I shoot in the North South Skirmish Association and the only guns legal for our competition are Civil War era military. Even with that, many in our org hunt with the very same guns they compete with. There's not a deer on the planet that can shrug off a hit from 450gr out of a 58cal musket.
 
My suggestion would be to get on gunbroker and search for what you want. Many people try muzzleloading find find it takes too much effort. There are muzzleloader fir sale that have hardly been fired. Your biggest worry is finding one that hasn't been cleaned properly after it was fired. Look for a shiny bore on a name brand (t/c....cva..lyman..traditions.....i would try to find a t/c. ) rifle.
Also, search the web for a BP club near you. I'll bet there is one closer than you think. Those guys are a wealth of info.
 
I agree with the TC Hawkins in good condition. Right now they are bringing $400+. Care must be taken as parts (especially lock parts) are somewhat scarce and TC's "lifetime warranty" passed away long ago. Cheap CVAs are out there but few but the MTN Rifle with the better lock are really worthwhile. Might be better to spend another $100 and find a used Great Plains as they are as close to custom built as you can get. Speaking of custom you now can drop near $300 on just a good lock. Whole customs now running $1-2K depending on quality and condition. I have found Inlines may not be a good choice based on resale if you decide to change direction. Many shops will not take them as trade ins are hard to sell and often found ruined by neglect. ML only forums can be a wealth of good info and often have Traders
 
Thanks for all the replies and to answer the state regs I'm a proud Texan so I don't have any more laws than the next guy
 
I am delighted (and I think others will agree) that it is refreshing to see a younger hunter interested in using blackpowder firearms. Good on you and sincere best wishes.

I try to put venison in the freezer during the regular firearms season using my .270 Winchester. Usually I am successful.

Then when I hunt during muzzleloader season (Missouri fancies it up, calling it “alternative methods”, as if I wanted to hurl an atl-atl for crying out loud). I have to refocus. Get close, wait for the acceptable (rarely perfect) shot.

I know some hunters shoot blackpowder single shots routinely at distances over 100 yards, and if they can do it more power to them. I can’t. Know your limitations, and the rifle’s limitations, and make that clean one-shot kill.

Looking forward to your hunting report.
 
I'd look for a TC New Englander on gunbroker. They are less well known than the hawkens and renegades so they are often sold at comfortable prices OTOH, they have the same quality barrels, nice locks, etc. Do NOT buy anything without seeing a picture of the bore.
 
J-Bar said:
I know some hunters shoot blackpowder single shots routinely at distances over 100 yards, and if they can do it more power to them. I can’t. Know your limitations, and the rifle’s limitations, and make that clean one-shot kill.
Click to expand...

Your TC Hawken with it's 1:48 twist is the limiting factor. I wouldn't hesitate to make a 100 yard shot with my .54 with a round ball and its 1:66 twist. I wouldn't try with a 1:48 twist.
 
brewer12345 said:
I'd look for a TC New Englander on gunbroker. They are less well known than the hawkens and renegades so they are often sold at comfortable prices OTOH, they have the same quality barrels, nice locks, etc. Do NOT buy anything without seeing a picture of the bore.
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Especially True on New Englanders. Have had at least 5 pass thru my hands, possibly more due to the shop. About half have ruined rusted bores as newbies would buy them to hunt one season and put them away uncleaned. The New Englander is a good rifle when properly kept and HAD the advantage of being able to fit a 12 Gauge shotgun barrel. I say "HAD" as you now cannot touch a 12 Gauge barrel for less than 4-500 bucks!!!
 
vintovka said:
Especially True on New Englanders. Have had at least 5 pass thru my hands, possibly more due to the shop. About half have ruined rusted bores as newbies would buy them to hunt one season and put them away uncleaned. The New Englander is a good rifle when properly kept and HAD the advantage of being able to fit a 12 Gauge shotgun barrel. I say "HAD" as you now cannot touch a 12 Gauge barrel for less than 4-500 bucks!!!
Click to expand...

I have two of them. One is a Grey Hawk (stainless New Englander) in great shape. Have shot a couple deer with it. The other I bought for peanuts knowing it had a roached bore. I sent it off to Bobby Hoyt and he made a 58 round ball barrel out of it. Handy rifles that get the job done.
 
Go to budsgunshop or from down your way , grabagun websites and see what fits your budget and likes . Before you buy , you could ask for opinions in your choice here .
Examples :
Traditions Percussion Kentucky Rifle 1:66 twist $390

CVA Optima in-line $280

CVA Wolf in-line $200
 
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