Thinking about a Huntsman barrel...a few questions...

[Nova]

So I have a handi in .223, and I'm thinking about sending the receiver in for a huntman barrel.  I live in PA and use my flintlock for the late muzzleloader season, so I'm not new altogether to blackpowder (however inlines seem like a different world when compared to a flinter with patch and ball).  I'm looking to get the huntsman for the early muzzleloader season here in PA where inlines are legal, and I would also probably take it out during our regular firearms season (unless I get another centerfire barrel for the handi as well...maybe .270 or '06?).  Having said that, I don't expect to shoot cloverleafs at 100 yards with this weapon...I only need enough accuracy to cleanly take a whitetail.  I have been reading the forums here trying to get as much info as possible, but still have a few questions...so here goes.

Do all huntsman ML's have problems with the 209 primer? Or is this more of a range issue when firing many shots without cleaning?

Are powder pellets worth the cost?  What advantages are there with other black powder substitutes over good ol' Goex 2F?

Can I have a scope rail mounted on the barrel instead of the open sights? 


Thanks in advance!

[carbineman]

So I have a handi in .223, and I'm thinking about sending the receiver in for a huntman barrel.  I live in PA and use my flintlock for the late muzzleloader season, so I'm not new altogether to blackpowder (however inlines seem like a different world when compared to a flinter with patch and ball).  I'm looking to get the huntsman for the early muzzleloader season here in PA where inlines are legal, and I would also probably take it out during our regular firearms season (unless I get another centerfire barrel for the handi as well...maybe .270 or '06?).  Having said that, I don't expect to shoot cloverleafs at 100 yards with this weapon...I only need enough accuracy to cleanly take a whitetail.  I have been reading the forums here trying to get as much info as possible, but still have a few questions...so here goes.

Do all huntsman ML's have problems with the 209 primer? Or is this more of a range issue when firing many shots without cleaning?

Are powder pellets worth the cost?  What advantages are there with other black powder substitutes over good ol' Goex 2F?

Can I have a scope rail mounted on the barrel instead of the open sights? 


Thanks in advance!

I think that most of the huntsmans and sidekicks work well with the 209 primer and holder. The 25ACP primer set up from Precision seems to help with accuracy and some of the filth associated with the black powder.

The pellets work well from all reports but if you have Goex it would probably work even better. YMMV (your mileage may vary) I bought Triple 7 ffg and use the 25 ACP primer system.

All the MZ barrels come drilled and tapped for a scope rail. The rail and hammer extension are available from the factory. You probably have a hammer extension on your frame already. Better hurry when you decide as the huntsman barrel have been discontinued and when they are gone they are gone.

[Keith Lewis]

You might want to check the Smokeless Muzzleloading site for a replacement barrel as the one they make does not use the carriers and might just work better with BH209 and if you are interested it will also shoot smokeless. Just a suggestion. I considered doing it with my Huntsman but smokeless is not legal in Arizona for hunting so I decided to not try one. I have read good and bad reports about their barrels. I think the price is almost the same.

[Wakaba]

I had the same dilemma going on for a while.  I have a NEF SB2 frame that started life as a .243 bull, now has an ultra .223 bull flute.  I wanted the option for ML season, and while the frame was at the factory for the .44mag, I threw on a huntsman to the order.  I called first to make sure they had them in stock, which they did. 

If anything, I can keep it for some handicap during the normal season.  I plan on getting the .25acp breach plug for the accuracy, but I too never expect a tack driver with a .50.... I will be fine with knocking the target stand down   

[buckbeast]

Hello Nova from a fellow Pa member.

I bought a Huntsman in 2003 and couldn't be happier with the performance I get with it (so much so that I bought one for my wife a few months after I got mine).  I also topped both Huntsman's with Simmons 3x9x32mm scopes.

You say you don't expect to shoot cloverleafs, but let me say that you can expect some pretty good groups if you find out what load yours will shoot best. I personally shoot a 295 grain Powerbelt hollowpoint with 90 grains of FFFg (goex) doing the pushing. This load will shoot 2" to 3" groups at 100 yards if I do my part and measure my powder charge accurately (I'm a hunter not a target shooter, that's good enough for me). We've also taken 5 deer with this load so far.

I still use the 209 primer with the carrier. Never been much of a problem for me as I clean my rifle after every time out because of shooting true black powder (carry over from my flintlock days).

Hope that helps and good luck.

Buck

[ftw]

I sent a 20ga receiver and had the huntsman barrel installed last year. It has been a really fun set up. I use a bushnell 1.5-5X scope on it.

I actually had it at the range today. I am getting ready to travel from Georgia to Ohio to join my brother and a few friends for the muzzlloader season.
I shoot 100 grs of Pyrodex because I had a good supply on hand. I use Winchester 209 primers in the carriers and have not had any problems with the gun not going off.
I have always used the Harvester Muzzleloader Scorpion Funnel Point 160gr bullets. I like them because they load easily with the crush rib sabot and they are inexpensive. I use to get 20 packs for $8.00 but I think they have gone uo a little in price.
I killed one good size doe with this set up and when the smoke cleared she was laying in her tracks and that was at 90 paces.
Today at the range my first two shots at 100 yards with the rifle rested on some carpet looked like binoculars. two holes side by side almost touching. I think this rifle is more accurate than what I can shoot it.

if you decide to get the barrel, I think you will enjoy it.

[Busta]

I think all your questions have already been answered but one. They have their quirks, breech plug, breech plug tool, and ramrod/jag tip. I have overcome all these quirks with mine but don't let anyone kid you, these Huntsmans can shoot as well or better than ANY other rifle out there. Mine will shoot as well as my most accurate Knight, and my most accurate White. Nuff said.








Modifications that make mine one that I will never part ways with.

Monte Carlo stock for scope shooting.


Modified breech plug wrench so a socket can be used. (Modified wrench on right)



.25 acp plug.


Custom jag tip for spitpatching and pointed bullets.



Custom 209 breech plug on right. (Carrierless)

[Hammerspur]

I think all your questions have already been answered but one. They have their quirks, breech plug, breech plug tool, and ramrod/jag tip. I have overcome all these quirks with mine but don't let anyone kid you, these Huntsmans can shoot as well or better than ANY other rifle out there. Mine will shoot as well as my most accurate Knight, and my most accurate White. Nuff said.

Nice rifle, nice layout!

Busta, You do good work! 

[carbineman]

Hammerspur wrote,
Nice rifle, nice layout!

Busta, You do good work! 

I agree with Hammerspur. Whatever  Busta posts has a lot of good information in it. Thanks..........

[Busta]

When you have a rifle that shoots as well as my Huntsman, the added work of the modifications are really not a big deal. It is the least expensive of all my muzzleloaders (before mods) and it is also my favorite. Can't explain why it is, but I have 110% confidence in that rifle. I don't want to jinx myself here (knock on wood), but if it is in range and I have my Huntsman, it's going down. Just something about that rifle that really clicks with me.

I also have the standard stock and a Williams WGRS-HR peep sight for Elk hunting in Colorado.

Thanks for the compliments guys, but it is just a way for me to show how much I really like that rifle. It's just too bad H&R/NEF didn't make a better breech plug and ramrod/jag for it, I think there would be a lot more people that feel the same way I do about mine.

[kawie]

were u get the custom jag from busta.i have a question about my side kick.ive shot mine about 45 times now,does it get more accurate with more bullets through it im getting about 2-2.5 groups at 50 yrds with 60gr 3f shockies gold an a 300 gr xtp in tc sabots.this is a load i worked up for my 10yr old to use with a swift premier 1.5-4.5 scope.he never connected with this but he could hit a 4inch bullseye at 50 yrds with it.i did manage to take a doe during the pa early muzzleloader season with this setup.on two ocassions two of the pins in the frame popped out about 1/4 of an inch is this normal.thanks

[Busta]

kawie,

A gentleman from Canada made those for me. He only made a few about 4 or 5 years ago. He used to visit the forum, but usually only during hunting season. He shoot's some dandy bucks up there in Manitoba.

If your pins are working out, that is not normal. I would call the company and let them know. Do the pins have splines on the end? That should keep them in place.

[john keyes]

I killed one good size doe with this set up and when the smoke cleared she was laying in her tracks and that was at 90 paces.

HA HA I got a kick out of this.

 

[petemi]

I think the Metrix 209 plug is the best thing to come down the tracks since T.V.  Shoots centerfire sharp and virtually clean.  I wouln't be without mine.  I feel it's got it all over the .25 plug, cause you don't have to re-prime brass, and I think it may be even cleaner as far as blowback goes.  It's just clean, instant ignition.  I'm shooting cast bullets over two 777 50 gr. pellets.

Pete

[Keith Lewis]

Just about everything was covered; however, it was not made very clear that Hubbard makes a ramrod that fixes all the problems with the stock rod (better construction solid naval brass and a lot stronger, correct threads for cleaning tools, extends two inches longer than the stock rod). The new breechplug now available that takes a 209 primer without the carrier and also shoots the new Blackhorn 209 powder well is not from NEF and I am not sure from where but Busta probably knows. I am not positive but I think most if not all the Huntsman barrels were actually from Green Mountain and barrels just don't get a lot better than that.

[Doug B.]

The new breechplug now available that takes a 209 primer without the carrier and also shoots the new Blackhorn 209 powder well is not from NEF and I am not sure from where but Busta probably knows.

To get you started.....

First determine whether your gun has the 5/8" O.D. plug or the 7/8" O.D. plug. Huntsmans built from 2001 up to and including 2004 used the 7/8" plugs. Huntsmans and Sidekicks manufactured in 2005 and up until the time they discontinued used the 5/8" plug. You should also receive some "o" rings. These are to placed in the primer pocket of the new plug immediately under the primer to seal it, avoiding most if not all blow back. You will no longer need the red primer carriers with the new stainless steel model.

Then call: 1-800-638-7986

Email: sales@metricsunlimited.com

Mail: Metrics Unlimited
6709 Chicago Road
Warren, MI 40892

Attn: Nick

They are a great bunch of people at this place. Nick and Busta worked collaboratively and were instrumental in the creation of these plugs. Last I knew the plugs were priced under $29.00 and that included the shipping.

Have fun!