I'm thinking of buying a new muzzle loader. Currently shooting a TC Encore 50 cal. I've had it for years and it's time to try something else. I do not have a lot of knowledge on muzzle loaders. Should I build a smokeless on a 700 or savage action? Or just buy a off the shelf gun? If off the shelf which do you recommend? Also tips or suggestions on building a smokeless. I don't need top performance and shots no farther than 300 yds. Most use will be out of a tree stand. Wanting to shoot a lighter bullet with less recoil that's accurate, for whitetail only. Thanks.
New muzzle loader?
- Thread starter BEEMAN
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ENCORE
Well-Known Member
You can use your Encore, just buy a smokeless barrel and breech plug. You won't be able to shoot the monster charges that a bolt will shoot, but you'll be very happy with 300yd performance.
Contact Luke: https://www.arrowheadrifles.com/product-category/barrels/
Contact Luke: https://www.arrowheadrifles.com/product-category/barrels/
Dirtdevil
Well-Known Member
Using the encore is great advice Another option is a CVA Scout in 45/70 put a breech plug in it your good to go. It also comes with a break on it. 300 is very doable with a break action Luke does a great job Also Hankins rifles. Both do good work
ENCORE
Well-Known Member
Luke has barrels in stock. From a person I know who just received a barrel from Hankins, he had to order the barrel himself. Now I'm not positive Hankins may not stock a couple, but I do know Luke has/had a pile of Encore barrels.
Dirtdevil
Well-Known Member
I think you are correct on that Seems like Luke offers those barrels with the base on them that has a better bolt pattern also
Thanks for the advice guys. I'll maybe look into the encore barrel and breech plug smokeless system. I think I might be ok as far as importing muzzle loader parts into Canada as well. What bullet would you recommend for whitetail? I'm in Manitoba and shoot Precision rifle all lead 360 gr. Doesn't shoot to bad but I really don't like that much recoil. Been shooting 125 gr of loose 777.
ENCORE
Well-Known Member
If you go the smokeless route, just about everything you know about muzzleloading will change. You have to be much more attentive to what you're doing.
You can not screw up without severe consequences. Witness marks on ALL ramrods, regardless of the propellant used.
As for bullets, you would lead up a barrel using a 360gr lead bullet, thus you would need jacketed bullets, a sizing die and wads. If you don't like recoil, then make sure you get a barrel with a muzzle brake.
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Dirtdevil
Well-Known Member
Size you Bullets to fit your barrel. Stay away from sabots if you can. I believe they are the weak link to consist results with a muzzleloader. Pittman bullets make great stuff from 250 gr up
Thanks again. I looked into those smokeless encore barrels? Sure are pricey! They also didn't state what barrel they use. Hope for $780 it's a premium like Brux or Krieger. That's basically $1000 Canadian. Maybe I should check with Cecil Epp at Precision rifle bullets. He's only 2 hrs from me. Donor actions here run about $550. I have a stock and optics. Might be farther ahead to just build one than get a Encore barrel.
Till you get the blank have it spun up buy a breech plug and break that 780$$ will be gone. Don't matter what action you start with.
ENCORE
Well-Known Member
Better you than me. That's all I have to say about that.
Getting into the game costs money and there's just no way around it. You'd faint if you knew what I paid just for my stock.
Dirtdevil
Well-Known Member
I can tell you without a doubt it's gonna cost some money but you can build a smokeless bolt gun that will put shoot a lot of centerfires and extend your killin range farther than you would believe. Do your research and spend your money wisely There's no comparison to the performance of smokeless over Bh209
ENCORE
Well-Known Member
Funny thing is, I've taken an awful lot of whitetail at 200 to 300yds with an Encore and NOT using smokeless propellant.
Dirtdevil is right about these custom bolts. Mine will put every CF shooter to shame at the club. But it ain't cheap shoot'n…..
Another tidbit…… don't put cheap mounts, rings and scopes on custom rifles and expect them to be accurate, let alone last.
Dad, R.I.P. always used to say, "If you don't have the money or time to do it right the first time, where will you get the money or time to do it over?"
Wish I'd have paid more attention to that earlier...….
Dirtdevil is right about these custom bolts. Mine will put every CF shooter to shame at the club. But it ain't cheap shoot'n…..
Another tidbit…… don't put cheap mounts, rings and scopes on custom rifles and expect them to be accurate, let alone last.
Dad, R.I.P. always used to say, "If you don't have the money or time to do it right the first time, where will you get the money or time to do it over?"
Wish I'd have paid more attention to that earlier...….
