Flintlocks

[Still Hunter]

I hunted with a Winchester 94 in 30-30 from the 50's to 5-6 years ago for muley's and elk. It was all I needed for my still hunting in timber. 5-6 years ago I switched to muzzleloaders. Mostly sidelocks (caplocks), and some inlines.

Now into my last years of hunting I want a bit more of a challenge, and will be using a flintlock, and a round ball (PRB). Anybody hunt elk with the same setup? I'm already used to taking close shots, and only double lung shots. So, I won't have to change anything, except to make the flintlock go off when it's suppose to, and being able to stay on target until it does. I have a year to get it worked out. So, who's with me on this?


I know this is the elk forum, but I don't see a bear forum. I'd also like to do everything the same for bear. Anybody try that with a flintlock? I never use stands, and we can't use bait, or dogs in Colorado. Not that I would anyway. So, i'm going to try still hunting for bear. Not sure that's possible. The bear tag is good for the whole month of Sept. I'll hunt for elk in the middle of the bear season during muzzy season, but that still leaves me 3 weeks for bear. Should be fun trying to get one. Beating the bears nose should be a challenge.

So, who hunts for elk, deer, and bear with flintlocks?

[Indian Summer]

I do Stillhunter. Pennsylvania has a long running tradition of smokepole hunting. Flintlock only. They have a 2 day deer hunt earlier where hunters can use inlines. I think I'm better with my bow than a round ball! You might consider the Power Belt bullets. I know they aren't as traditional but definitely make for a quicker (more ethical) kill. I also use an aftermarket frizzen. They shower the pan with sparks for less misfires.

My favorite hunts were in far northern Pa in late January in deep snow with snowshoes on when any deer is a trophy. Made me feel like the old man on Jeremiah Johnson. Love that!!!

For anyone who's never tried flintlock muzzle loading it's a whole other world huh.

[Still Hunter]

No, a PRB for me. It's a slow twist barrel made for them. I've already killed a cow elk with one, and she only went 50 yds.

Mountain men didn't use Powerbelts.

[Indian Summer]

LOL I hear ya' My step dad shoots a Hawken and is wicked deadly at 100 yards plus. Blows my mind how consistent he is with it.

[Still Hunter]

We have to be. Loading a 2nd shot takes forever.

[huntabsarokee]

I am from PA too so use a flintlock every winter. I shoot a Lyman. Typically they have a better frizzen (more spark) off the rack than the TCs I have used. Since they are a slow twist they are made for round balls or maxi balls. Sabots need a faster twist. I have seen quite a few deer hit in the right place but not go down quickly so I switched to the maxi balls and have been happy. If I was going to hunt something bigger than deer I would move up to a .54.

As far as the gun going off quick. Make sure it is dry, flash hole cleaned, and have a good flint.

[Still Hunter]

I'll be using a Lyman GPR .54. 32" barrel with a 1-60 twist for a PRB. A maxi-ball makes it too easy. I want to be right in the face of the bear/elk when I pull the trigger.