Here goes: ML basics for western hunting

[wildcat westerner]

Hello, we are trying for quality hunts in New Mexico for muzzleloading. Everyone has some experience in our group except me. I know that rules require iron sights now in New Mexico. My experience is with target shooting to long range with center fire rifles, and I had been a senior member of the P&Y club years ago as a bowhunter.. I have read there are extremely expensive ML rifle available and am curious as to accuracy requirements for these ML,weapons where 300 yards would be a long shot for most hunters, especially with iron sights.
Long ago I was allowed to shoot a Sharps rifle with its special globe front sight and vernier rear sight mounted on the wrist. I was amazed at its accuracy.
Now I would wish to learn about modern developments with regard to a ML rifle capable of accuracy for Mule Deer. I have seen lots of opinions on U Tube and wish to rely on the members of this forum to give me their experienced opinions.
As to sights: the Williams western seems impressive to me. Would there be any practical advantage to 300 yards with using a vernier sight mounted on the wrist of the stock! Due to the sighting radius?
As to bullets: apparently there are bullets made that fit the barrel without a sabot and are easier to reload for a second,or more, shot. If I choose a 45 caliber for deer, which bullet would you recommend for accuracy in that caliber? I assume all these bullets are made of soft lead and should expand significantly on impact.

Thank you in advance,

WW

 

[crashlanding]

A lot of questions but to help keep your post at the top, I can tell you what I use. First, I only hunt elk with my muzzleloader, it's a cva optima .50 caliber. I shoot blackhorn 209 behind a federal 350 bore lock only out to 100 yards. With that combination my shots were still low so with a little bit of re engineering on the front sight I finally got it to hit center at 100 yards. Before I did all that, I investigated those Williams western globe sights, I probably would have bought them to try but at that moment, no one had them in stock. I think the character Dirty Harry summed it up best, every man has to know his limitations, mine is 100 yards with an open sighted muzzleloader. Good luck with your endeavor and to a successful hunt.

 

[wildcat westerner]

Thanks Crashlanding

 

[6.5x300 WBY]

Hello, we are trying for quality hunts in New Mexico for muzzleloading. Everyone has some experience in our group except me. I know that rules require iron sights now in New Mexico. My experience is with target shooting to long range with center fire rifles, and I had been a senior member of the P&Y club years ago as a bowhunter.. I have read there are extremely expensive ML rifle available and am curious as to accuracy requirements for these ML,weapons where 300 yards would be a long shot for most hunters, especially with iron sights.
Long ago I was allowed to shoot a Sharps rifle with its special globe front sight and vernier rear sight mounted on the wrist. I was amazed at its accuracy.
Now I would wish to learn about modern developments with regard to a ML rifle capable of accuracy for Mule Deer. I have seen lots of opinions on U Tube and wish to rely on the members of this forum to give me their experienced opinions.
As to sights: the Williams western seems impressive to me. Would there be any practical advantage to 300 yards with using a vernier sight mounted on the wrist of the stock! Due to the sighting radius?
As to bullets: apparently there are bullets made that fit the barrel without a sabot and are easier to reload for a second,or more, shot. If I choose a 45 caliber for deer, which bullet would you recommend for accuracy in that caliber? I assume all these bullets are made of soft lead and should expand significantly on impact.

Thank you in advance,

WW

While I can't comment on iron sights but for accuracy BULLET TO BORE is going to give you your best accuracy IMHO over sabo's.
I jumped In the SML game and just received it yesterday from McWhorter I got their 45 xml. I am in love. I haven't shot it yet as its raining now so I hope for a break in the weather to get out with her.
These new muzzleloaders even though they are made to handle smokless powder they also make the BEST blackpowder muzzleloaders too. Accuracy is stupid good. Just look at all the 1 hole groups these guys get here. It's very impressive. It will come down to you hitting at 300. No mule deer will take what these modern smokeless muzzleloaders can dish out.

 

[wildcat westerner]

THIS is excellent insight! Bullet to bore means to me that properly sizing the lead bullet to fit the bore properly catches my attention. A good fitting aerodynamic bullet with a rifle primer, as opposed to the 209 really appeals to me. I am also pursuing the preicison to be had with iron sights. I shall e attending the Mc Whorter site to see what they have. I hope the hell they are not one of these custom ML rifles costing $7k.

WW

 

[6.5x300 WBY]

THIS is excellent insight! Bullet to bore means to me that properly sizing the lead bullet to fit the bore properly catches my attention. A good fitting aerodynamic bullet with a rifle primer, as opposed to the 209 really appeals to me. I am also pursuing the preicison to be had with iron sights. I shall e attending the Mc Whorter site to see what they have. I hope the hell they are not one of these custom ML rifles costing $7k.

WW

Don't look then. Seriously don't. It's an investment for me that I actually will use my SML more now as I can not only use it in muzzleloader season but also shotgun season.

There are also different versions that you can build for way cheaper. Before I just got my McWhorter SML I have a TC encore pistol frame that I used to buy a Jeff Hankins drop in burx barrel with all his goodies and stock for this rifle for way way cheaper. Now since I just got my custom McWhorter I am not sure what I am going to do with my Jeff Hankins build... shoots stupid good and could easily smack any deer at 300.