Author Topic: I want to start hunting with a muzzle loader, what do I need (Read 476 times)

DannyG · « **on:** November 28, 2004, 10:19:34 AM »

I want to try muzzle loading next year and I need to know what all I need to get started. I need to get a gun and I want to get one for under $400. What one should I get? Also what else do I need to start shooting? I am going to use iron sights because thats all CO allows and thats what I want it for, the Colorado Elk season. Any help would be appreciated, by the way I just signed up today.
Danny

DannyG · « **Reply #1 on:** November 28, 2004, 10:22:07 AM »

ALso, what caliber do i need? .45 or .50 and whats the difference, sorry for my stupidity but I am strictly a bow hunter but I wanna try this as it looks very fun!
Danny
:lol:

TooTall · « **Reply #2 on:** November 28, 2004, 01:33:18 PM »

Colorado requires at least a 50 cal to hunt elk. Must either be round ball or conicals that the total length does not exceed twice the diameter. No Sabots. This may influence your gun selection.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 28, 2004, 02:24:25 PM »

Quote from: TooTall

Colorado requires at least a 50 cal to hunt elk. Must either be round ball or conicals that the total length does not exceed twice the diameter. No Sabots. This may influence your gun selection.

Power belts are considered conicals in Colorado. So you can use them.

Keith Lewis · « **Reply #4 on:** November 28, 2004, 06:00:31 PM »

You need to check all the state requirements before deciding on a specific firearm. Does CO allow closed breech and 209 primers? If so there are a lot of possibilities for under $400 since you cannot use a scope which would kick the price up a lot. I have a T/C Omega which shoots Powerbelts just fine. You could find one under $400 especially in blue with a synthetic stock. Several Knights are available for under your limit. If you are thinking of spending that much I would stay with a US manufacture rifle with good service and avoid the spanish made rifles although some of them shoot just fine. Spend some time talking to local people if you can and see what works well for them in your type of hunting. Handle as many rifles as you can before purchasing one to see what fits and feels good to you.