Buying new Sidekick, what else needed?

[Johnsonator]

I am about to buy my first muzzleloader and have choosen the Sidekick because of its quality, price, and all the support it gets here. What other accessories must I have to shoot and hunt. I am going to cabelas and don't want to forget anything. Also I know the sidekick comes with fiber optic sights, I am not a fan of these because they always look blurry to me. Is there any way to change them out? Has anybody ever had the same problem. Thanks for any recommondations. Thanks

[Les Staley]

Johnsonater:  I'll get the ball rolling..  get a couple of packs of Pyrodex 50/50 pellets, some 209 primers, and some 250gr shockwave bullet/sabot combos.. go to the autoparts store, and get a small bottle of Copperkote anti-sieze and before you get started , pull the breechplug, and coat the threads with it.  Go to the grocery store and get yourself a bottle of Fantastic all purpose cleaner..for dampening between shot cleaning patches..  one damp patch, turn it over, and then two dry patches..between shots.  Also works well for total cleaning at the end of the day. You'll need cleaning patches,  a good cleaning jag.. might as well buy a synthetic range rod and save the underbarrel rod for reloads in the woods.  I use a brass rod guide, between the rod and the muzzle as I'm loading and cleaning.. will save the rifeling at the muzzle.. Just remember, you can't leave this rifle dirty, or you'll come back to a rusted barrel..  two pellets will get you all the deer you can clean.. HTH.. Les

[mangulator]

Les Staley covered it very well. When you seat that breach plug, finger tighten only and loosen after every fifth shot. The Sidekick and Huntsman muzzleloaders can shoot almost every bullet very well. You might want to try some 240 grain XTP bullets with a mag sabot. I like the Shock-wave bullet but have had good luck with the XTP's.

[Johnsonator]

thanks for the replys

[zermatt7]

J.

Have had a .50 cal.  Huntsman / Handi Rile for 3 years...not an expert by any stretch...but see my post under what powder to buy.

Hope this helps

Eric