ML!

[Bow4me]

Well it looks like I drew a ML tag for Colorado. Time to get to practicing on the calling. Come on with the new bugle elknut. This will be my first ML hunt so any advice will be appreciated. I will be purchasing a new ML and was wondering if any of you spend the money to get a high end ML like the remington ultimate?

[six]

I have a TC Bone Collector. I really like the gun. I picked it up 2 years ago to extend my son's deer season in Michigan. I really like the gun. I learned a lot from modern muzzleloader.com

[Pop-r]

The high end one will be the Gunwerks. Good to about 500-600 yds. Gear topic.

[CurlyTail]

I shoot a CVA V2 in .50. It has an exceptional rifled Belgara barrel and a good value in my opinion. Not much to a muzzleloader except a barrel, a breech plug, and a trigger so I don't see much benefit to a high dollar gun.

Colorado regulations will not allow you to take advantage of a truly high end muzzleloader. They force you to go a bit primitive by not allowing scopes or magnification, and outlawing Sabots. They also do not allow powder pellets. Must be loose black powder or black powder substitute. With these restrictions, I limit my shots to 75 yards or less which makes the hunt way more fun anyway! Plus you get to hunt the peak of the rut which is the most fun time to chase Elk.

I highly recommend using Blackhorn 209 powder which requires a muzzleloader that uses a 209 shotgun primer for ignition - hardly primitive. Blackhorn 209 has better velocity, and far more convenient to shoot since it is way less dirty, does not require swabbing between shots ( I clean the barrel about every 6 shots), does not require discharge every evening after hunting, will not corrode your barrel if you don't clean it that day, and is less sensitive to moisture on the shelf and in the woods. The combo of Blackhorn 209 and a 209 primer in my CVA is very water resistant and not a problem hunting in the rain. The only trick to hunting with Blackhorn 209 is that you need to give special attention to the breech plug hole when cleaning and get a drill bit the precise diameter of the hole and use this (by hand only) to clean the breech plug as there have been some reports of ignition problems if the breech plug hole is partially clogged with debris. You use the same cleaning agents as you do for your other rifles or shotguns if you go with Blackhorn 209.

For bullets, you will want to use a full diameter expandable. The best I have found is a Thor Ballistic Tip in the 250 grain. If you call them, they send out a sizing kit with .500, .501, and .502 diameter bullets to see what fits best in your gun. You want the one that fits tight, but does not need to be pounded down. They are a bit pricey but muzzleloaders are not high volume guns. I use 110 grains of Blackhorn 209 (120 is max load) behind the 250gr. Thors with very good accuracy.

Remember that the season is only 8 days long - so going out a day or two in advance and pre-scouting can up your chances for success.

Tactics are identical to archery so you are already at the best forum to learn how to get it done.

One safety note: the most common muzzleloader screw up is double loading the bullets and or powder. Once you have your load and bullet figured out, mark your ramrod at the end of the gun barrel. If at any time you load your muzzleloader, and the mark on your ramrod is not at the end of the gun - you have screwed up somehow and need to start over by removing the breech plug, letting the powder fall to the ground, and pushing the bullet through the rear of the barrel. For this reason, I favor a muzzleloader with a breech plug that is removable without tools. You will also want to get a separate range ram rod which is longer and stronger than the one that comes with your gun so you don't ruin your hunting ramrod with frequent use.

You are going to love chasing Elk with a muzzleloader.

[Pop-r]

Season is actually 9 days long i believe sir.

[Bow4me]

Thanks for the advice. I'm definitely not paying $5000 for a ML. I know they claim 600 yard capabilities but I'm not capable especially freehand with open sites. I have been looking at the V2 and an optima ultralight. I like how both are easy to clean. The 2 things I know about ml is you need to keep them clean and that I don't do it like I should.

[Dr_flash]

Living in CO myself, i have a CVA Wolf. It was ~$250 and i switched out the dove tail rear sight with a ghost ring. It has the mount holes for a scope but i never plan on using it. You can find many open sight mods for this gun. I wouldnt spend much for a ML. I second the Thor bullets, my gun takes the 0.501 bullet, 250 grain. I have powerbelts for it too, but i havnt used them yet. I've had a few friends tell me the break up when hitting big game and dont work well.

[blackbruin]

I have several options, and even another if i build it, gonna take the one i built this winter, custom flintlock...

[Indian Summer]

I have an old school Thompson Center Renegade flintlock. The Pa laws are primitive only and I've used it for many years. I also own and highly recommend a Traditions Vortek. I just love it. Aside from being a great looking gun that is well built and very accurate it is unbelievable light. If I was just deer hunting back east it might not be a big deal but for elk it is priceless. Look up some reviews. The price is right too. Good luck.

[Pop-r]

I personally carry a TC Black Diamond. It's served me very well for several years. You could prolly find one now days dirt cheap. Get the stainless. You won't be disappointed.

[ohio boy]

I also have the TC triumph as 'six' does. Love this gun. Had it for 4yrs now. I even use it here in ohio during shotgun season. Very accurate and easy to clean. And i definitely suggest getting one with an easy removable breech plug.