.69 cal smoothbore

[navygunner]

Has anyone used a smoothbore muzzleloader for deer hunting? I'm thinking about using my 1842 springfield replica for blackpowder season here in Michigan. I feel if I keep yardage down to 40 yds using 75-85 grains of 2fg  and PRB I should be okay.

[coyotejoe]

If you can place that ball in the vitals it will sure do the job. Do some range work and at whatever range you can keep 5 of 5 on a paper plate, that will be your maximum range. There are a lot of different ways to load a smoothbore, with or without a wad, with or without a patch, different ball sizes, 60 to 120 grains of powder, various lubricants, etc. Getting the most out of your musket takes a lot of shooting and experimenting but the most important final result is to know, absolutely know your musket and it's limitations.
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showforum.php?fid/16
The link is to a site where you can learn all you might ever want to know about muzzleloading smoothbores. Don't just assume that because it's a smoothbore accuracy has to be lousy. Many smoothbores will punch fist size groups at 50 yards and a few will do nearly as well at 75 yards, but not with just any load you happen to try, smoothies are picky as to what they want to shoot.

[navygunner]

Thanks Coyote That's what I kinda figured. I've shot blackpowder rifles for a number of years but let my rifles go. Now I'd like to use my reenactment musket for ML season. Will work up a load.

[Longknife 76]

I've taken deer with my 20 ga. flintlock smooth bore using 80 grains of powder under a patched .600 ball. I can get "pie plate" accuracy out to about 70 yards but have never taken a deer at that range. That .600 ball really takes the wind out of 'em FAST!!!!!!! Ed

[navygunner]

Thanks for the input Longknife. With these old eyes I try to keep my rannges within 50yds. LOL My main hunting arm is an 870 20gauge with rifled barrel but I wanted to get back into the black powder season. Pacific Rifle offers a wonderful unhammer 20 bore rifle I'd love to get but being retired the price is outa my reach for awhile yet.