Author Topic: Sidekick vs Huntsman (Read 888 times)

Cookiemann · « **on:** November 07, 2005, 01:56:30 PM »

If you can buy the Sidekick and get the option of using 150gr powder or pellets as opposed to the Huntsman at 100gr powder or pellets...how much longer is the range, how much faster, and how much more Knock Down power??

slayer · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2005, 02:12:33 PM »

Great question. I haven`t tried over 100 gr FFG in my Sidekick. Next time to the range, I am going to load her uo to 150grains. I dought it will do any good, unless you are using very heavy conicals, I think with light roundballs and ball-ets, you probably have diminishing returns and lots of unburnt powder. Now that I think about it, maybe 150 gr of loose FFG is too much for it to handle, not sure. To be honest, the highest I have ever used in any muzzleloader is 120 gr and that was with a roundball in a T/C Renegade. I have found not long after 100 gr you don`t gain much in light bullets, the powder just doesn`t burn that thoroughly. 90-100 gr is very powerfull and accurate with most projectiles. I also like the look of the Sidekick better, shorter receiver and longer fore stock. Very comfortable and sweet trigger, very accurate. Jack.

slayer · « **Reply #2 on:** November 07, 2005, 02:15:43 PM »

Great question. I haven`t tried over 100 gr FFG in my Sidekick. Next time to the range, I am going to load her uo to 150grains. I dought it will do any good, unless you are using very heavy conicals, I think with light roundballs and ball-ets, you probably have diminishing returns and lots of unburnt powder. Now that I think about it, maybe 150 gr of loose FFG is too much for it to handle, not sure. To be honest, the highest I have ever used in any muzzleloader is 120 gr and that was with a roundball in a T/C Renegade. I have found not long after 100 gr you don`t gain much in light bullets, the powder just doesn`t burn that thoroughly. 90-100 gr is very powerfull and accurate with most projectiles. I also like the look of the Sidekick better, shorter receiver and longer fore stock. Very comfortable and sweet trigger, very accurate. Jack.

mrlizzzard · « **Reply #3 on:** November 07, 2005, 04:41:38 PM »

I'm going the other way,I wanna shoot 80Gr. with a >230 sabot and shoot a lot of em.

slayer · « **Reply #4 on:** November 07, 2005, 11:19:05 PM »

I agree, 70-100 gr FFG or RS shoots most anything very accurately. Jack.

Cookiemann · « **Reply #5 on:** November 07, 2005, 11:48:20 PM »

OK, that helps in my decision making. Now, does the 26" barrel as opposed to last year's 24" barrel yeild a big benefit? I am still trying to get my hands on one of last year's models with the 24" barrel. Also, I have been leaning toward the Huntsman because I like the idea of being able to send it in for more barrels. From what I have read, the Sidekick is listed as a Magnum barrel if it is in the 26" and the Huntsman is not. However, I do want a good shooter. Since I can hunt in any zone in the state during ML season, there may be an opportunity for a longer shot, therefore, my questions as to range and power.