Thinking about a muzzle loader for Lion

[EDELWEISS]

Lately Ive been thinking about a Lion hunt with a muzzle loader.  I know many countries have caliber minimums (usually 375H&H) for dangerous game; but the thought of using a muzzle loader is nagging me.  Id be interested in using a large bore gun (possibly a 4 Bore), at the very least one of the Pedersoli 72 caliber guns (Kodiak Double Rifle or Gibbs single shot).

Thoughts?

[m-g Willy]

Val Forget ( not sure about spelling of his last name) used a 58cal. 610 gr. minnie pushed by 126 gr. fffg in a Buffalo Hunter rifle to kill a lion.  The rifle was just a sporterized Zouave.
He also took elephant and hippo with another 58cal. muzzleloader loaded with the same bullet  but backed with a 180 gr. of fffg powder.
 

[keith44]

My thoughts about the Pedersoli are listed in the traditional muzzleloaders post on this subject.


Have a look at the Savage muzzleloader...it is proof tested to 60,000 psi, and in .50 cal guise loaded with suitably hard projectile (not a hand gun bullet in a sabot) backed by smokeless powder (5744, 4227, and others) would put the muzzleloader well inside the power and penetration needs for Loin hunting.

[EDELWEISS]

I really want something "traditional" looking.  Im thinking 72 caliber is a minimum.

[keith44]

I understand that.  The 72 cal will need a gun capable of 150 grains of powder (IMO) or perhaps even more.  Are you wanting roundball shooter or conical shooter?  I have read articles about ML hunting Africa, Seems the shipping of loose powder and the type (Pyrodex or Goex or other) will be the main issue

[darkgael]

There was an article in The Double Gun And Single Shot Journal s few years ago written by a fellow who took one of the .58 cal doubles to Africa for Greater Kudu, etc., not dangerous game.
It might be of some interest to you as he spent considerable time describing set up and load development. If you wish, I will try to find what edition the article was in.


In addition, October Country muzzleloading sells an 8 bore sporting rifle that is worth a look.

This rifle features an English style shotgun stock.  The deluxe Rifle comes standard with  English walnut wood stock and ebony nose cap,  English checkering on the grip and fore stock.   Alex Henry trigger guard, 32 inch octagon barrel and 1 3/8 at the breech, 1 1/8 at the muzzle.  The barrel has a twist of 1:144 and weighs 14 pounds.  Comes with a two blade English express sight, and for the front sight it is a German silver blade.  Also a pachmayr recoil pad with a 2 pound mercury recoil reducer in the stock to help manage the recoil. Our Rifles are patterned after the English Sporting rifles of the 19th Century.  Utilizing the theories of Lt. James Forsythe and Sir. Samuel White Baker, who hunted exclusively in India and Africa during the end of the muzzleloading era.   For large and dangerous game the 8 Bore Rifle has been the traditional choice for hunters for over 200 years.  With one shot kills on Cape Buffalo, Elephants, and Hippos, plus other dangerous and North American game.  The October Country 8 Bore Rifle delivers the raw, devastating power demanded by these people.  They depended on them for their success and safety.

http://www.octobercountry.com/products/8-Bore-OC-Sporting-Rifle.html

They offer another rifle also in .62, .69, .75 cal. The .69 loads 225 grains of FFg BP, it pushes a prb to 2000 fps for an advertised 4300 ft.lbs. A .680 pure lead round ball weighs 473 grains.
Pete

[srussell]

ever look at the zephyr.s