Author Topic: best muzzleloader? (Read 2423 times)

lonewolf_one · « **on:** November 29, 2006, 08:04:27 AM »

I admit it, I'm cofused.

I'm ready to buy my first muzzleloader. I've been doing some research and it seems that the best muzzleloader is a topic of expansive discussion. The answer depends on who you ask. So I figure the best people to ask are those who use them. I'm looking for a 50 cal. camo/ss inline muzzleloader in the $500 +/- range. I'll take accuracy over any other attributes. I'd appreciate any insight and input on a scope as well.
Thanks

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 29, 2006, 09:38:05 AM »

I have shot a lot of muzzleloader's. I have 2 Encore M/L's and they are the best in my opinion. I have had several buddies switch to the Encores themselves. I find a Encore hard to beat, I am getting MOA at 100 yards with both of mine. My buddies are getting the same results. So in short I use recommend the Encores over any other M/L. Can't argue with success.

As far as scopes, I have tried a lot of them also on muzzleloader's and I now use the Omega BDC from Nikon. I have not found a better scope set up for a muzzleloader. I have a 2X7X32 Leupold VXII shotgun/muzzleloader scope on one of my Encores and on my Pro-hunter I have the Nikon Omega.

Flatlander.54 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 29, 2006, 10:11:36 AM »

I own a T/C Omega and I get 1" groups or less @ 100 yards with 100 and 150 grains of Triple 7 pushing a 250 grain Shockwave sabot/bullet combo.
The only other in-line I would even consider owning is a T/C Encore 209x50 simply because it and the Omega share the same barrel. The plus with the Encore is that you can switch out the barrels of course.

rks1949 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 29, 2006, 11:08:43 AM »

The new Prohunter. T/C hit a home run with this one! It has so many advantages,nothing else is even close!

simonkenton · « **Reply #4 on:** November 29, 2006, 03:24:16 PM »

Savage. I got 1 1/2 inch groups right out of the box. More power than the other muzzleloaders. You can kill a deer, like I did Saturday, and not clean your rifle.
Savage gearheads get MOA or better.
Sightron S2 scope.

Swampman · « **Reply #5 on:** November 29, 2006, 03:57:04 PM »

In that price range, the Savage or the T/C Omega. Best muzzleloader for the money is the NEF Sidekick.

Busta · « **Reply #6 on:** November 29, 2006, 06:58:34 PM »

Since you said camo/SS, the NEF Heritage for $259.99. Same rifle as NEF Sidekick, but a Cabelas exclusive. These rifles are VERY accurate with saboted bullets and will shoot conicals as good as my Whites.

The best ignition would be the .25 ACP for this rifle, for $59.95 from PR. With both of those, that leaves $180 left over for a Scope, Rings/Base to keep at your $500 budget.

Or, if you don't mind a cheaper scope, get the $319 rifle/scope package and the .25 ACP Plug for $59.95. That would be $380 total and leave $120 for bullets, powder and other accessories. It's your money!

NEF Heritage Rifle.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20712-cat20815&rid=&indexId=cat20815&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=2&parentType=index&parentId=cat20815&id=0027231

.25 ACP Plug:
http://www.prbullet.com/nef.htm

US distributor for .25 ACP Plug:
http://www.bpbullets.com/index.html

Swampman · « **Reply #7 on:** November 30, 2006, 12:29:47 AM »

That is a dandy muzzleloader. I'm gonna tro to get me one. I've pretty much switched over to NEF/H&R products for all my hunting.

mangulator · « **Reply #8 on:** November 30, 2006, 04:28:10 AM »

This topic could start the Civil War over again. There is a lot of good muzzleloaders out there. But I really enjoy my NEF Huntsman. The rifle is very accurate and can shoot almost any bullet powder combination.

Biff Mayhem · « **Reply #9 on:** November 30, 2006, 05:38:14 AM »

Thompson Center leads the buyers market these days for mid-level MLs. You choose which model you like between the Encore, Omega and Black Diamond XR. Best warranty too.

SURVEYOR · « **Reply #10 on:** November 30, 2006, 05:55:47 AM »

I'm in LOVE with Whites! So I guess I'm out of the ball game Hun!

YEA! RIGHT!

They all be good no matter what brand you have! If they shoot with MOA accuracy, and you can handel it! That's the best one for you!

Two Bears · « **Reply #11 on:** November 30, 2006, 08:06:49 AM »

Quote from: lonewolf-one on November 29, 2006, 08:04:27 AM

I admit it, I'm cofused. I'm ready to buy my first muzzleloader. I've been doing some research and it seems that the best muzzleloader is a topic of expansive discussion. The answer depends on who you ask. So I figure the best people to ask are those who use them. I'm looking for a 50 cal. camo/ss inline muzzleloader in the $500 +/- range. I'll take accuracy over any other attributes. I'd appreciate any insight and input on a scope as well.
Thanks

I would go for the Encore 209X50 ...Tuff to beat Except for my flintlock .50 Blue Ridge it shoots a tighter group at 50 yards (raged hole) than my encore (clover leaf holes) but it is up to you.

The Omega is very accurate but it is almost impossible to reload it after 1 shot.

elkstalkr · « **Reply #12 on:** November 30, 2006, 10:14:27 AM »

savage, if allowed in your state

Swampman · « **Reply #13 on:** November 30, 2006, 12:09:38 PM »

"The Omega is very accurate but it is almost impossible to reload it after 1 shot."

Mine wasn't???

Two Bears · « **Reply #14 on:** November 30, 2006, 09:28:12 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on November 30, 2006, 12:09:38 PM

"The Omega is very accurate but it is almost impossible to reload it after 1 shot."

Mine wasn't???

I had 3 Omegas and could not get the second bullet down the barrel without beating it down so they were useless to me as a hunter, But if I was just concerned with groups the Omega is my choice for those really tight groups.

Swampman · « **Reply #15 on:** November 30, 2006, 11:41:45 PM »

I don't think it was the guns fault. It uses the same barrel as the Encore.

AndyHass · « **Reply #16 on:** December 01, 2006, 01:03:17 AM »

I would say that overall the Omega has the most potential if you are an accuracy guy. Out of the box, I have seen very accurate Omegas and Encores. The problem is, there is variability and if your Encore isn't perfect there is not a lot you can do to it because of the break-open design (how many break-action high power rifles do you see in accuracy competitions??). With the Omega, you can easily float the barrel, bed the action, etc etc...the only weakness is the trigger can't be adjusted easily.

I would love to see the Pro Hunter breech plug incorporated into a version of the Omega. That design is industry-leading, IMHO.

Assuming both guns are similarly accurate from the get-go, Omega vs Encore comes down to personal preference, and I think both are at the top of the heap.

Two Bears, if you had to pound bullets down the barrel you needed to switch sabots not guns. I can't shoot 250gr SSTs with the supplied sabots in my X7 but it shoots everything else I've put down it with little ramrod pressure.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 01, 2006, 02:22:55 AM »

Quote from: Two Bears on November 30, 2006, 09:28:12 PM

Quote from: Swampman on November 30, 2006, 12:09:38 PM
"The Omega is very accurate but it is almost impossible to reload it after 1 shot."

Mine wasn't???

I had 3 Omegas and could not get the second bullet down the barrel without beating it down so they were useless to me as a hunter, But if I was just concerned with groups the Omega is my choice for those really tight groups.

Try different sabots. It is not a gun problem but a sabot fit problem.
Also try a little bore butter on the skirt of the sabot, it works great for me.

WingMaster · « **Reply #18 on:** December 01, 2006, 02:58:42 AM »

LOVE my Encore.

Swampman · « **Reply #19 on:** December 01, 2006, 03:06:34 AM »

I can't get past the looks of the Encore. I like about everything else T/C makes.

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 01, 2006, 08:29:48 AM »

If you like the break open design (like that of a o/u shotgun) and nice modern lines lyman has the 50 cal Mustang which supposedly will shoot either traditional lead or sabotted bullets. I really was not interested in a non-traditional ML but this one has caught my eye and may be put on my wish list.

WingMaster · « **Reply #21 on:** December 02, 2006, 02:23:19 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on December 01, 2006, 03:06:34 AM

I can't get past the looks of the Encore. I like about everything else T/C makes.

I think the Encores and Contenders look sharp. Different strokes, I guess.

str8shooter48 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 02, 2006, 05:28:35 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on December 01, 2006, 03:06:34 AM

I can't get past the looks of the Encore. I like about everything else T/C makes.

You may not think its good looking rifle. Hey that's your opinion. Have you ever fired one? I think its one of the most comfortable and best fitting guns I've ever shot. Its not ugly, just different. Both my brothers have Omegas. Nice guns with a more traditional looking modern rifle stock. All three guns are great shooters and have put meat in our freezers. I myself prefer the ergonomics of the Encore. Along with its versatility.

Swampman · « **Reply #23 on:** December 02, 2006, 06:03:02 PM »

I love the Contender. I'll never fire an Encore.

str8shooter48 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 03, 2006, 03:39:30 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on December 02, 2006, 06:03:02 PM

I love the Contender. I'll never fire an Encore.

Then you won't know what your missing.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #25 on:** December 03, 2006, 05:59:16 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on December 02, 2006, 06:03:02 PM

I love the Contender. I'll never fire an Encore.

OK we get it, no one is forcing you to get an Encore. But thank you for your insight.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #26 on:** December 03, 2006, 11:12:50 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on December 03, 2006, 08:26:32 AM

I'm missing a very unattractive firearm. I wouldn't date an ugly women either.

Stick to the subject or take your attitude some where else. No bating is allowed here.

UtahRob · « **Reply #27 on:** December 03, 2006, 12:40:09 PM »

I bought my son a CVA optima for 78.00 on sale at Wal Mart !!!!!
That leaves you with $422.00 left over

and that sucker shoots GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!

He dropped this elk in its track at around 100 yards.

SURVEYOR · « **Reply #28 on:** December 03, 2006, 01:00:42 PM »

Seems you Encore Boys are getting a little carried away!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #29 on:** December 03, 2006, 05:02:12 PM »

Quote from: SURVEYOR on December 03, 2006, 01:00:42 PM

Seems you Encore Boys are getting a little carried away!

It's not that. There is no need to come here a bash whatever anyone chooses to shoot. I give my opinion and don't put down what someone else chooses to shoot.
My opinion is the Encore is one of the best muzzleloader's out there, you may think differently.