Do You Hunt With A Muzzleloader?

[Len Backus]

Do You Hunt With A Muzzleloader?

[esshup]

YES! But I use a blackpowder substitute.........

Either IMR 4759, VV110, Accurate 2015, or a duplex load, depending on which gun and bullet combo I'm using.

Now, before anybody gets their panties in a bunch, the guns are 50 cal. Savage Muzzleloaders, either the ML-I with the modules, or the ML-II. I've loaded it down for my nephew to use on whitetails with VV110 and a 200 gr. Hornady SST at 100 Yd or less, and loaded it up for wild boars with the Barnes 350 gr. "X" bullet. I've only taken 3 piggies, but all of them went down without taking a step.

Nothing has been taken at what would be considered long range, but the longest shot was @ 167 Yds. I screwed up a shot on a doe @ a bit less than 100 Yds, breaking her off side rear leg. (I'm in a tree stand at the time) She hobbles off and beds down behind a pretty large tree @ 167 Yds., every once in a while, peeking around the tree to see what hurt her. I reloaded, took my time and shot her in the neck as she peeked around the tree once too many times.

250 gr. SST @ 2230 fps is the most accurate load, usually grouping <1" @ 100 Yds from a bench. It has shot a 3 shot best group 5/16" x 5/8" c-c

[edge]

I use similar substitute powder, but with a lighter bullet and a bit faster

edge.

[Cobramach1]

Not yet, but I do own a blackpowder rifle, so someday I might give it a go.

[edge]

I understand that the new Blackhorn 209 needs no cleaning between shots and you can use Hoppes #9 for cleanup instead of soapy water. I am not really sure if you need to clean at all!

Looks interesting.

edge.

[Len Backus]

edge, does that come in pellets?

[edge]

I believe that it only comes loose.

edge.