Anyone know anything about traditions evulotion Muzzleloader

[supertodd]

Hi I drew a muzzleloading deer tag here in OR, I planned on using my dads muzzleloader but of course he drew a deer and elk muzzleloading tag.  I have searched for a muzzleloader in the stores around me and the only gun thats reasonably priced is the traditions Evulotion- its oregon legal so thats good, Just wanted to find out more about the gun. I didnt want to spend alot on a muzzleloader since it could be another 5 years or so before I draw this tag.

[tacklebury]

Have been looking at it.  I like the 3-ignition capability and have had good luck with my Traditions muzzle loading firearms (3) total.  I really like my inline Buckstalker, Buckskinner Pistol and Woodsman Hawken.    Others here dis them constantly, but I have $450 into all 3 firearms and get great accuracy from them, especially the Buckstalker inline w/ TC Cheapshots & Great Plains Bullets and the pistol is a 70 yard off hand gun capable of putting a round ball on a 10x10 gong.   The hawken I just liked and is more like a 50 yard gun, but I've only shot it about 20 times, so needs more break-in, but takes a lot more to clean.  Mostly I just rub that one's wood.  hehe


***edit***
Should note that the cool sights on the buckstalker are Tru-Glo Hooded peep w/ ghost ring after-markets.  Highly recommend em if you haven't tried em.  The sights that come with the inlines are plastic junk, but I knew that up front.  Tru-glo also has a 2 way ghostring/v-notch with the glowies for flexibility too. 

[supertodd]

Thanks for the response- on 2 different forums you are the only response I have gotten back, thanks tacklebury- The evolution is Oregon legal ( has to be open ignition and either percusion cap or musket cap and loose powder with no sabot bullets) and since I can get one for 179.00 dollars I figure I wouldnt be out much.

[tacklebury]

No problem.  I'd say go for it, if you are going to use a scope the cheap sights are a moot point.  If you are into sights like me, the Tru-glo, Williams Firesights, or Marbles all have good replacements. 

[OldSchoolRanger]

I know you originally asked about the Traditions Evolution BP rifle.  I'm not knocking it, but if you plan on buying just one BP rifle, I would recommend the TC Northwest Explorer.  I have a bunch of BP rifles, and I find the TC to be the best for hunting (I have two, the regular one not the NW model).  I would also recommend the NEF Huntsman, but I don't believe it is legal for your area, as it has a closed breech.  The TC NW explorer sells for $339.99 from MIdway, but I noticed that currently, their on back order.  You might be able to find it in one of the other on-line stores like Gander, Cabellas, Redhead, etc, or a local gun shop.  I took the liberty of giving you the site info on the gun.  Best of luck, on what ever you choose, and good luck on your hunt.

http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/northwest_explorer.php

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=516852

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=184411

[supertodd]

Thanks TC makes very fine firearms I have a contender carbine thats super accurate with any of its barrels.  I just want to spend that kind of money right now for a hunt I wont get for a few more years after this year. I usually hunt regular rifle with my 35 whelen or 45-70. I tried looking at the pawn shops in the area all they had were TC hawkens that they wanted more for used than what new cost.

[spooked]

I haven't had nothing wrong with any of the traditions I own, have owned, Presently have an inline and one side lock cap gun..owned three others no problems with any of them.

[supertodd]

bought the traditions last knight hope to shoot it on tuesday my day off.  I will be using shockys gold powder and 320 grn bullet cast with lee mold.  Any load suggestions-Figure I would start out w/ 100 grns

[tacklebury]

I found better accuracy with Shockey's Gold in about the 80gr. with Great Plains Bullets which are closest I've used to your molded ones.  It will mainly depend on the range you intend to shoot out to though.  With mine I practice to 100 yards and find that the 80 gr. is dead on at 100 yards and 2" high at 50 and near dead at 25.  This is what I consider max range for BP in my case anyway.  I find if I bump it higher with the solid leads, you get some issues with accuracy.  If you use a grease cookie or an over powder wad, you might be able to push them a bit more though.    Plus they do kick pretty good at 100 plus grains.  hehe