Author Topic: Sidekick Reveiew (Read 1057 times)

Deter · « **on:** October 31, 2004, 02:39:28 PM »

Hi everyone I'm New to this forum but Have been shooting muzzleloaders for about 15 years. Recently after moving to the central Mich I invested in a new muzzleloader for my wife, my choice was the sidekick. Today was my first time with the rifle and it was a very interesting day. My rifle has an 4x fixed power scope attached just FYI. I had done some research on a BP subsitute called American pioneer poweder and had decided to give it a shot along with 777 and pyrodex pellets. All my shooting was done at a hundred yards off of a table with a blanket on it. Now I wanted the APP to work with all my heart but I tried every load from 80 to 120 gr of APP FFFg and nothing broke 8" 3 shots. Now my encores will do three onto a quarter at a hundred yards with repeatable consistencey so i do'nt think it was me. I had similar results with 777. The three bullet choices were 295 BB 240xtp 300xtp. Being ready to go buy my wife an encore, I decided to try a load I use in my Encore which was 3 pyro pellets and a 240 xtp on top swabing between shots. The first thre were about two inches apart which under the near dark shooting time was completely amazing. Was questions are these Has anyone else had the same inconsistency problems With APP and Has anyone else found that the GUn like it HOT.

Tcallbuilder · « **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2004, 12:57:23 AM »

Deter, WELCOME aboard!!
My rifle is a huntsman not the sidekick.....i think the only difference is the barrel lenght....the sidekick being about two inches longer.
My results have been kinda the oppisite at least in powder charge.

My load of choice is 300gr XTP over 85gr pyrodex (loose) powder.
It will shoot inside 2inch groups at 100yrds.

It will group really consistent up to about 90gr but after that groups start to spread.....the fouling gets really bad also....there's just not enough barrel lengh to burn much over 90gr.

A lot of the guys here are getting great results using T7 and pyrodex pellets and powerbelt bullets.
I like (loose)powder because i can work up 5 grains at a time.
Most mz i have used have a (sweet spot) where charge weight and accuracy come together.

TCB

Longcruise · « **Reply #2 on:** November 01, 2004, 07:23:19 AM »

Quote

I invested in a new muzzleloader for my wife,

Quote

I decided to try a load I use in my Encore which was 3 pyro pellets and a 240 xtp on top swabing between shots

If your wife is anything like mine she's not gonna like shooting that load :eek: :eek:

TOMMYY01 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2004, 11:24:36 AM »

My sidekick is shooting great. I'm using PB 245 grain and 90 grains of loose 777. I just don't like using the pellets. Don't want to chance a hangfire :shock:
tommy

243tom · « **Reply #4 on:** November 05, 2004, 11:08:35 AM »

I've been reading and reading for weeks now,,and I finally ordered and recieved my 50 cal. Sidekick from Bass Pro. It was really dirty as most H&R/NEF are when ya get them.
I kicked around the idea of sending in my UltraVarmint reciever and getting the Huntsman barrel for it,,but then decided to just buy the Sidekick,,I don't think I'll be sorry.
Anyway.......I've not hunted deer for a several years,,due to the "written permission law" here in Ohio.......it's tough to find absentee landowners who allow total strangers to hunt their property!!! I now have a great friend who owns some acreage and has invited me to hunt with him. I used to own a TC 54cal Renegade when I was hunting more regular,,but sold it a few years back thinking I would never BP hunt again. So here I go again with the muzzleloader......although this time seems like it's going to be better and easier,,with the 209 primers and the easier clean-up with 777. Hope so anyway!
After all the reading I did,,I settled on trying two 50gr pellets,,pushing 295gr Powerbelts. Seems alot of fellows are in favor with that load. I'll report back when I get the chance to shoot it.
I also did the o-ring thing on the forearm stud like I did with my Ultra and my Sportster......it worked well for those guns,,,probably can't hurt this one.
I really enjoy reading the various posts from all the guys here,,,a great group of informative people!! Thanks....

Lawful Larry · « **Reply #5 on:** November 11, 2004, 08:00:54 AM »

The Sidekick NEF is by far one of the best buys for the money ($159.99). My sidekick can shoot anything I but into it. From 245 gr to 444 gr Power Belts to anything in between. It is a tack driver at any range (50 to 100yds) and will out shoot my $660.00 Encore 209x.50 by a mile.

The Encore is a prima dona that likes only specific bullets and powders. I will be putting a scope on the Sidekick and will use it next year for my ML gun. I may sell the ML barrel and keep the .30-06 barrel on the Encore.

I would suggest this fine gun to anyone that wants a good reliable ML gun for the woods. :wink: