Custom ML not smokeless?

[Ross1147]

Is there anyone making a custom ML that still only uses BP? Reason I'm asking is I live in a state (FL) where you can't use smokeless powder during ML season. It has to be black powder or a black powder substitute. I initially thought I could just use a SML and run BH209 in it but, after reading a few forums I found where a few people said they were checked and the game warden made sure the barrel was marked with "for black powder use only." If it didn't, he was writing tickets.

I currently shoot a CVA Optima Elite that I have had for almost 20 years. Nothing is wrong with it, I just enjoy the feel of a bolt action style rifle. Current production MLs that would fit my wants:
CVA Paramount (not sure they started making these again? And super expensive now. Not any in stock anywhere. Do have a lot of negative reviews on barrel quality.)
Remington UML (needs new breech plug to use BH. Only in 50 cal. Was wanting 40 cal but 45 is ok. I'm not shooting crazy long distances so this would work fine. But if I'm spending the money would rather be 100% happy, not just 90%)
Knight MLs (don't like the looks of the bolt. Only 50 cal other than the peregrine. Peregrine is cool, other than bolt, but most expensive out of them all!)

Is there a company out there than can take a rem700, screw on a BP only 40 cal barrel, and cut the bolt to take an arrowhead or Hawkins module? I know most will say either waste of money or just email Luke and see what he says. Wonder if any of them would just add "for BP use only" on the side of a SML for me and call it good?lol

And yes I know BH costs a left kidney now but I have a couple pounds I picked up years ago and it's just collecting dust. The amount I shoot my ML it'll last me my lifetime. In the 20 years of owning my optima I've gone through one and a quarter boxes of T7 pellets. Usually beginning of season confirmation of being sighted in and then hunting.

Thanks for reading.

Ryan

 

[Sealesniper]

Luke would be a great resource. Before I went to smokeless, I used a Rem 700 ML, not the ultimate. I did convert it to 209 and shoot 777 with areotips. I don't know the ranges you shoot, but it was deadly out to 250 yards and probably could have gone well past 300, but I never needed to shoot that far. In BP season, I set up with max shots at 150-200. Good luck on your quest and report back.

 

[yotebuster17]

You can use a smokeless muzzy, you just can't use smokeless powder. I would fight that one tooth and nail as most all custom muzzys, and a lot of my older cap locks aren't labeled. I've got an arrowhead and a bad to the bone and both will shoot MOA at 500 yards.

 

[Buttermilk]

If indeed that's the case with the wardens writing tickets based on barrel wording (me personally, I'd check the wording of the state statue and see if it specifically states anything about that and fight it in court if it doesn't), then simply take a sticker/decal that has the proper verbage on the sticker/decal stating "for black powder use only" while afield.

Also, a mild laser will leave only black letters that can be easily removed later if desired.

I will follow up the above with this:

I have the Remington UML. I've upgraded the breech plug to the Arrowhead plug for BH209 usage. It's an excellent muzzleloader with unbelievable accuracy. I use BH209 with a very healthy dose pushing a H340ELDX.

 

[ddman]

I had a .45 cal paramount pro for a few years and it shot great out to 500yrds. I sold/traded it to a member on here and now shoot my Rem UML I bought from my stepson years ago after he said it wouldn't group well. It had been sitting in my garage safe for several years so when I let my paramount go I cleaned it, changed the trigger, mounted a scope, added a brake and went to work up a load. 340 gr ELD with BH209 gives me awesome results.

 

[Rick Richard]

Without reading your states hunting regulations, I would say that is a new one for me. I have never heard of a requirement like that.

 

[ENCORE]

The regulations for muzzleloader hunting in Florida are as follows:

myfwc.com+2

• Muzzleloading guns firing single bullets must be at least .30-caliber or larger.
• Muzzleloading guns firing two or more balls must be 20-gauge or larger.
• Muzzleloading guns designed to allow accelerant (gun powder) to be loaded at the breech may be used during muzzleloading gun seasons.
• Muzzleloaders must load from the muzzle.
• Sabots are legal.
• Telescopic sights are legal.
• Pelletized powders are legal.
• Muzzleloaders using smokeless powder, those that can be loaded from the breech or those with self-contained cartridge ammunition capabilities are not legal during Florida Muzzleloader Hunting.

According to this, you must be USING SML to be written up. I'd take that to court and win............... Someone's got their head in the darkness....... LOL

Be careful what you read on the internet :)

 

[CMP70306]

I'd go with getting the manufacturer to laser, "For Black Powder Use only" on the barrel and then you are covered.

 

[Ross1147]

Yeah that would be nice if someone would etch something different. As @ENCORE mentioned about it does say using smokeless and not using a SML rifle. I guess I could keep a copy of the regs and a breech plug wrench while hunting. Just pull plug and show its BH? Then again what are the chances a GW could tell the difference.

 

[Ross1147]

@Buttermilk those are pretty impressive groups. Nothing wrong with that there.

If I do go smokeless the woodman bolt action has caught my eye. Never heard of them until doing this search.