Wa Legal ML Rifle ?

[superdown]

I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a WA state legal ml that has an easily removable breech plug. I bought a ml rifle at sportco in fife WA a few years ago,I tried to buy a breech plug wrench at the time of purchase and the guy at the counter refused to sell one or order one for me  it was a 50 cal CVA i went to clean it as per instructions but  he told me to clean it with hot soapy water than blow dry it, i then proceeded to clean it like a regular rifle swab oil brush etc. It was corroded when i went to grab it a few months later. I tried to buy a breech plug wrench at the time of purchase and the guy at the counter refused to sell one or order one for me I don't know much about ML but i wanted to utilize the extra hunting season. So i was wondering if you guys could help me out and let me know how to get started. I would like it to be ss i know ss rust, it would be easier for me to see the corrosion and where the powder is. What models come to mind.

[sabotloader]

superdown

What I would consider the best WA ML is a Knight Bighorn...

http://www.knightrifles.com/catalog.aspx?catid=Bighorn

It is expensive but it is a life time gun with a solid warranty if you were to need it... 26" Green Mountain SS barrel...

Your most local Sportsmans will have it or you can get it online for less...

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

does the cva use a slotted breech plug? If so, a simple flat nose screw drive that fits in the slot firm will be fine. If its a socket style breech plug, you can easily get one from cva for around $10.  Shame to see a rifle go to waste!

[quickdtoo]

As long as the ignition is exposed and regular caps or musket caps are used in an inline, it's legal, doesn't matter if the breech plug is removable, there's no mention of that in the regs. The Black Diamond is my favorite, I have two of em, both were bought new for less than $200. TC makes an extension to remove the breech plug that works very well even with a scope which I use for load work only.  I use Sabotloader's method of wrapping the breech plug with tape and it's easy to remove for cleaning even after a day of shooting with max loads of T7. I also use RWS flangeless musket caps, slip a piece of surgical tubing over the cap to nipple joint to seal out water, works great.

Tim

Muzzleloader Regulations
(a) It is illegal to carry or possess any
firearm during muzzleloading seasons
which does not meet the following
specification for muzzleloader: Is
loaded from the muzzle and uses black
powder or a black powder substitute as
recommended by the manufacturer for use
in muzzleloading firearms. Has a single or
double barrel of at least 20 inches, rifled
or smoothbore. Ignition is to be wheellock,
match-lock, flintlock, or percussion using
original style percussion caps that fit on the
nipple and are exposed to the elements.
Shot shell and 209 primers are not legal.
Sights must be open, peep, or of other
open sight design. Telescopic sights or
sights containing glass are prohibited.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/hunter/huntregs2008.pdf

[superdown]

Thank you guys for the help now my next questions are Tim do they still make the black diamond i went to there website and did not see it maybe i didn't look close enough secondly what caliber .50 ,the new 52 cal or the 54.

[quickdtoo]

I have the Super XR .45 and an XR .50, I don't think it's made any more, but there are a lot around, Williams has several used rifles for sale and they're regularly on Gunbroker and Gunsamerica and Cabela's still sells the XR .50.

Tim


http://www.williamsgunsight.com/gunsights/813usedblkpowderguns.htm

Cabela's XR .50

[sabotloader]

superdown

[secondly what caliber .50 ,the new 52 cal or the 54

If'n it were me I would get the 50... a whole more options available in sabots and projectiles.... In WA you can use a sabot but the bullet must be all lead....

52 not enough options

54 if you are going to shoot patched round balls the 54 is the way to go....

Just as another suggestion... if you were to go with the Bighorn - then I would also consider shooting full bore conicals like the .503/460 grain Bull Shop.  Yes, they are heavy for a deer bullet but they are also excellent for elk.  When shooting pure lead projectiles it is my belief that you need to shoot a heavier projectile than you might normally use.... soft light lead bullets can blow up on you if a major bone is contacted.

[quickdtoo]

The regs were changed this year to allow lead bullets with polymer tips, still no jacketed bullets tho.

Tim

[superdown]

I have seen a couple of compact models with shorter bbls i can't remember what they were off the top of my head does the bbl length matter very much or sould i just go with a longer bbl ?

[sabotloader]

superdown

Barrel length effects velocity - but so little in a couple of inches it realy is not worth talking about.

As far as hunting... a short barrel is great for hunting in thick surrounding or from a blind/tree stand.  A longer barrel increases weight, might increase accuracy a bit - but as far as effectiviness to harvest deer it should not be a bir consideration.

The biggest consideration for me would remain the quality of the gun and it's ability to serve you for the period of time you need it.  and of course you have to take in to consideration the unique hunting rules that apply for you.

[quickdtoo]

My huntin buddy has the standard Black Diamond, 22" I think, he likes how the shorter barrel handles and carries, he has a bad back and the longer barrels are hard on him, but he has no problems with the shorter barrel at all, he shoots Goex 2F and the 405gr lead PowerBelt in his, spanks me with his accuracy everytime we unload em at the end of the day.

Tim

[superdown]

I think if i can find one localy i'll go with with a shorter bbl so my girlfriend can use it also she's small 4'11 120lbs. I found a package of powerbelts left over from my first muzzle loader they are the 444grn. flat point pure lead and some quick load tubes. I bought some SageBrush natural citrus cleaner black powder solvent has anyone used this stuff is it any good ?

[quickdtoo]

I just used hot water for cleaning, the only solvent I have used is magic cleaner that's equal parts of hydrogen peroxide, murphy's oil soap and alcohol, it works very well, but you still have to use water with it for a final rinse. I use hotter water and then WD40, wipe it dry, then use BoreButter last.

Tim

[superdown]

 I have been looking at the Tc black diamond on gunbroker seems like there in the 2-3 hundred dollar range these days are they worth that ? If i get one i want it to be the synthetic SS one also i was looking at the markesbery polar bear i really like the way it looks.

[quickdtoo]

I dunno, since it's not made any more, they're kinda worth what folks are willing to pay for them. But I would think there are others with an open #11 or musket ignition system that would be legal for less, specially a well cared for used one. I paid less than $200 new for each of mine when they were in production, both are blued, the Super XR .45 has a black syn stock, the XR .50 has a camo syn stock. Stainless would be more of course.

Tim