Need help getting started..just bought my first black powder rifle TC Encore

[Lower40]

Don't have it yet..but bought a new factory TCA 209X50 Encore Pro Hunter 28" fluted stainless barrel (#4932) and forearm for my Pro Hunter frame.  Haven't shot a muzzleloader in at least 30 years. So I need some help getting started -  with my final objective being deer hunting up in upstate New York (Adirondacks area).

Does anyone make a black powder starter kit?


What is a good TCA Pro Hunter 209X50 bullet, primer and powder combination? Would like to have just one consistent load combo to practice with anticipating our fall deer season. Sure would like to cut to the chase and tap into your experiences - then only buy what I need and works.

The NY regs state that the muzzleloader must have at least a .44 diameter or larger bore. So I assume that a sabot round is OK. A scope is also authorized.

[DEACONLLB]

Try Cabalas for a srarter kit they have them on a discount right now for 19.99 in 45 and 50 cal. you get 20 sabot bullets a t handle a brush and 25 patches and a tube of grease a jag and some sabot cleaner 3 quick load tubes and a primer tool reg. price around 45.00. if you do not have a cabalas credit card they will give you 15.00 off on your first purchase. I bought one last week for my 45 contender muzzleloader cost me 10.35 with shipping ,not a bad deal. They are listed under their specials or blowout sales. or you can use their search. I did notice that the quick loads were marked TC. The parts will fit your ram rod.
You will find that you will need to run a cleaning patch between shots as TC has a tight bore. you will like the way it shoots If you do a search on this forum you will find more info on cleaning. lot of the guyes use windex and patches that are not very damp. For my loads I use 225 grain sabot and 2 proydex 50 grn pellets in my triump but the 45 cal contender I use 225 and 1 tripple 7  50 grn pellet. most of my shot are in the 50 to 80 yrd range.
Deaconllb

[hogrdr]

The best advice I can give you and save you all the money I spent starting out with my Pro Hunter! Shoot Black Horn 209 powder it's cleaner non corrosive use the same solvents and oils you use cleaning your other rifles. No need to worry about swabing between shots no crud ring I would get from 777 pellets. I started with and still shooting 250 gr. T/C super glide sabots as they load fairly easy in my tight bored P/H and shoots close to clover leaf at 100 yds with 90 gr of BH209. Fed 209A primers are best with BH 209 consistant ignition.
Hog

[Lower40]

DEACONLLB/ hogrdr

Really appreciate the feedback and information...I have something to work with. Any suggestions for those speed loader units?..ie for field loading?

Also: How do you folks feel about the "bullet drop compensator" type scopes on a muzzleloader..are they really practical?

thanks

[hogrdr]

For field loading speed loaders I got 20 tubes on ebay for around $7.00 Just do a search for Black Powder Tubes seller name is Jesuslives2saveu. They are waterproof and work great. Measure out 20 tubes at home to take to range makes it nice also. I got a NIB Leupold Ultimate Slam 3X9X40 on ebay for $210.00 delivered to door when weather warms up I'll let you know. Nikon pretty much shoot the recomended load where Leupold lets you work scope for your load.
Hog

[Varmint Hunter]

+1  on what hogRdr posted re: BH209 powder, 250gr Shockwave sabots and the little plastic vials available on ebay. I pre-measure all my charges (by weight) and put the powder in the little bottles. For field use, the larger vial will hold the 250SW and the powder without any problem. Works great for a "speadloader", if there is such a thing for a muzzleloader.

I use the regular 250 Shockwaves rather than the ez-glide. I also experimented with minimum to maximum charges of BH209 and had excellent accuracy right up to the max. I have a Nikon Omega scope with the BDC reticle on my ProHunter. While I'm not terribly fond of the silly little rings, the holdover seems to work pretty well.

Last time out I shot a 2" group at 200yds with the 250SW and a max load of BH209. That's all I'll be using from here on out.

[1sourdough]

 Now is the time to buy some M-L supplies, where any are left. I swung through a Dick's Sporting goods store yesterday & bought some 250 grn 'Shockwave' bullets for $6.97. I also got a pack of 300 grn to try. Check a Wal-Mart if they sell any type of gun stuff. I'd go right to the new Blackhorn 209 powder, mail order if you have to. You will need a bullet starter, powder measure for loose powder, a few speedloaders, & maybe a powder flask. I would read up some & buy the stuff individually, no great hurry at the moment. After that make sure you have some cleaning supplies & keep the gun clean after shooting. I also like the regular SST/Shockwaves over the 'easy-glide' ones, your bore/techniques may differ.

 I don't like a really busy reticle. I have a Burris 2-7 with the BP reticle on my Knight. I still mostly just use the center X-hair though. Shotgun primers are easy to find, I use CCI mag. You may have to do some testing but I'll bet 100-120 grains of B209 under a 250 Shockwave/SST will get the job done nicely.

[Lower40]

Thanks all..really great info...I did a cut and paste so I have reference material.