Need a Muzzle loader

[semper_fidelis]

I'm looking for a new muzzle loader on a budget (between $100-$200). I need something that is accurate out to at least 200 yards. Preferably .50 cal, and 209 primers. I'll be using it for White-tail hunting (I live in IL and a muzzle loader is as close to a rifle as I can use). What guns do you suggest i look at. Also what cleaners do you suggest i use? The last muzzle loader I had was ruined because bore butter ate the center of my barrel. Thanks for your help.

 

[bejay]

would probably look at any of the break open actions wich will make cleaning a little faster.
hot soapy water is what is used by many to clean, followed by a coating of oil is really all thats needed to keep the barrel in good shape, it is important that the gun doesnt set to long after shooting before cleaning I usually clean the barrel within 2-3 days after shooting if i dont have time to do it right after.

 

[scmerrill71]

for that price range i dont think you can get to much, unless you got one of those pack deals that comes with everything ya need in the plastic pack..i picked up a thompson/center black diamond on clearance for 200 that way..

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Well my buddy got a CVA at Walmart last year around this time for $117 plus tax. It actually shoots pretty well, too. Not overly pretty, but....

Just keep your loads to a max of 120 grains of real BP, or 100 grains of BP equivalent in these cheapie MLs (CVA & Traditions), and you'll be fine.

Personally, I wouldn't pay more than $125 TOPS for a brand new "cheapie ML" with a plastic stock, even if it's a re-branded "Remington" or "Winchester". If I'm gonna spend more than that, I'm stepping all the way up to a known quality performer; i.e. Savage or T/C (or Knight's, except that Knight's is now out of business, so a used Knights).

 

[scythefwd]

The t/c omega z5 runs right at 205 and should do ya well. The cva optima pro should be of similar quality, and will probably be cheaper if you can find one.

 

[inclinebench]

A lot of people bad mouth the CVA wolf, but I bought one because I wanted a cheap way to extend my hunting season. I have been nothing but pleased with it. I shoot 100gr equivelent with pyrodex, and found that I like a .45 slug in sabot form (mine is a .50). Lots of people trash this ML, but I have really enjoyed it, and my first time out with it, I downed a very nice looking 8 pointer. Mine is very accurate at 100 yards with my set up. One thing I will say, is that CVA recommends their own "power belt" bullets. I found them to be less than satisfactory. Whatever you get, go out and try a bunch of different powder and bullet combos, till you find the one you like.

 

[MCgunner]

Meh, I prefer traditional, all-be-it cap lock. You won't find a Hawken for that price range any longer, I'm afraid. I've seen cheap CVA inlines at Bass Pro on sale for 99 bucks before. Didn't look that bad, probably should have bought it, but passed. A few years ago they had a .45 Cal stainless barrel inline on sale for 150 and I came near doing it, but was uncertain of the .45 Cal and what it'd shoot.

I have a Cabela's Hawken Hunter Carbine and it shoots fine. It's a bit of a pain to clean up after a range trip, breech plug is not removable, but it's a good shootin' and good lookin' gun. It's built by Investarms of Italy. I bought it at $180, but last time I looked, it was over 300 dollars now. Guess it was a good investment, anyhow, appropriate considering the name of the maker, LOL. It shoots .44 sabots very well, but I rather like the 385 grain Hornady Great Plains bullet, big, bad, and ugly.

 

[atomd]

I would look for a deal on an Omega, those are decent. If used, inspect that thing with a fine tooth comb. People really mistreat muzzle loaders. A year or so ago Cabelas had a deal on a Remington Genesis for $99 (the camo one). I also had a coupon that gave me $30 off any purchase over $100. So I spent a few extra bucks and basically got the Genesis for $70. Is it wonderful? Not really...but it's decent. It will get the job done for sure and is built fairly solid (it's not actually made by Remington..traditions makes it for them I believe). That torchcam thingy they came up with isn't a bad idea. If I had a tight budget and needed one I would get one again.

Your options are pretty limited at that price range because you have to buy bullets, primers and powder...maybe some sabots depending on your bullet choice too. Either use pellets or you'll need a powder measure too. A bullet starter is good to have. You will probably need about $50 or so to get enough stuff to get you going so put that in your budget.

 

[scythefwd]

MC, come one up to Fredericksburg, VA. I can get you a caps lock (no match or wheel locks available) if you are in to traditional stuff. They usually have several at the gander mountain here. You might have to get the front sight replaced though, as they are usually missing.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I too have heard many people bad mouth CVA muzzle loaders, but have owned 2 and have been pleased with both. The Optima Elite I have now is a dandy. Both were very accurate. As far as cleaning, I use the bore foam by T/C. You just fill er up and wait one hour. Run patches through until one comes out clean. Then swab with a rust preventive. Piece of cake. Be sure to grease the breech plug though. I was a rookie to bp firearms and ruined my first CVA by not doing that. Didn't clean it properly and never could get the plug out. I've still got it. One day I'll take it to a smith and have the barell heated and get it out. Anyways, the new stuff is much easier and less messy than the old soap and water routine.

 

[627PCFan]

Did you not find what you were looking for here?

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=481329

 

[semper_fidelis]

first of all i have the bullets and powder. second i have the scope and mounts. third thanks for the t/c bore foam. o and JR i posted both on 2 sections at the same time to get more results

 

[Yellowtail3]

semper fidelis - a cheap CVA will do. I bought a Buckhorn .50 for 80 bucks a few years ago post-season sale; they're around a hundred or a little more now. Deadly on deer.