Wife got me a new Traditions Pursuit break-open....50cal nickle....being an absolute rookie to ML,for deer hunting, now what do I need....I want a simple scope, bullets, pellets, cleaning items....can you please advise me?
welcome to the world of muzzloaders.with it comes a big selection of extras.most new muzzle loaders dont need bore butter,i would pick a nice sabot bullet i prefer powerbelts.your going to need a t handle to push down the bullets and cleaning patches,your also gonna need a bullet starter.then you need to decide if you want loose powder or pellets i use pellets cuz i think its easier.lets see then you need a primer hopefully you got a 209 capable gun then you need speedy loaders for a follow up shot and finally you need patches and a cleaning solvent.good luck.i know its alot but it is a heck of alot of fun.Im sure i left something out and others will suggest different items
Jamber, Welcome to the Club, Before you get started I'd like you to get together with someone in your area that knows what they are doing with a muzzleloader. do any of your hunting buddies use a Muzzleloader? Do you have someone willing to give you a hand?
Anyway Here's a Traditions starter kit I think you should get, STARTER KIT That Kit doesn't come with powder So you'll need to also get .... Triple Se7en pellets and lastly 209 Primers.
After that I think you're ready to get started. when you get all you need come back here and we'll give you tips on what to do next, step by step...
Good Luck
That starter kit comes with a Video that will help you understand what's what and has great tips on safety, shooting and cleaning your muzzleloader too...
Good Luck
How do you know when you seat the bullet properly.....I was thinking to mark the ramrod with a black marker before I ever fire the ml for the first time....ideas?
That is exactly what you're supposed to do. ALSO mark the ramrod where it's supposed to be after the ML'er is loaded with 2 pellets and the bullet, that way you'll always know if you're loaded (seated) properly.
Good Luck to you.
Well Jamber I cant add alot to what bruce and joel filled you in on. I am sure it will tell you all about what to do between each shot when your sighting in your gun but in case it doesn't I use a wet patch down the barrell followed by a dry one between each shot. It helps get rid of some of the fouling so you can make a more accurate group. Congrats on your new toy and welcome to the site.
Once you have the basic loading/shooting/cleaning proceedures down pat, the next thing would be to try different bullets to find the one that shoots the best from your rifle. There will always be a combination that your rifle likes you just need to find it. Make sure the bore is dry before you drop the pellets in, and seat the bullet firm but don't crush the pellets. As you shoot more it all becomes automatic. You'll know from feel that you've seated it just right. Also, sight the gun in at 25 yds using a big sheet of cardboard from a good solid rest, I move the sight after two shots as long as I am grouping them together. Once I have the pattern 2" high dead center I then sight in at 100 yds. If you're going to scope it I then set the group 1.5" high for the final set point. After you have finished sighting in I make a permanet knife cut on the ram rod it can't wear off from solvents/cleaning ect. Hope this helps you get started. I am leaving tomorrow to chase the deer with my flintlock in PA. Us old timers still enjoy the true smell of black powder and the spark from real flints.
Loading Recommendations
We have an extensive line of bullets, (saboted and conicals ) which should cover any hunting needs or restrictions you would have, in any state. These bullets and sabots have been specifically engineered and hand picked to fit our rifles. Beginning your load testing with Knight bullets and sabots will save you time and money. We have a few of these bullets which typically provide better results in our rifles and our recommendations to begin sighting in are as follows:
.45 cal rifles:
45/175 Knight Red Hot Bullets by Barnes
.50 cal rifles:
50/250 Knight Red Hot Bullets by Barnes
50/300 Knight Red Hot Bullets by Barnes
50/285 Knight Red Hot Spitzer Boattail Bullets by Barnes
50/290 Knight Red Hot Polymer Tip SbT Bullets by Barnes
50/260 Knight Jacketed Bullets by Barnes
50/310 Knight Lead Bullets by Barnes
50/440 Knight Hydra-Con Conical Bullets by Parker Productions
.52 cal rifles:
52/375 Knight Red Hot Bullets by Barnes
52/530 Knight Hydra-Con Conical Bullets by Parker Productions
.54 cal rifles:
54/325 Knight Red Hot Bullets by Barnes
LOOSE POWDER:
The Knight Red Hot bullets are usually the most accurate in our rifles. Try varying powder charges from 90 up to the models maximum powder capacity in 10 grain increments, shooting three shot groups. [ Knight rifles have either a 120 or 150 grain max, depending on the model. All current 2006 models, have a 150 grain maximum powder charge. For other models, consult your owners manual or call Knight's Tech Support for info ] Return to the charge where the tightest groups were obtained and try varying the charge in smaller 5 grain increments, for a final fine tuning. If you've gone through this sequence with a particular bullet and still not achieved satisfactory results, it's time to try a different bullet. It may require a couple different Knight bullets to find the bullet that will work well for you, so buy them in small quantities to begin with. Once you've found the bullet of choice, then it's time to buy a year's supply.
PELLETED POWDER:
The Knight Red Hot bullets are usually the most accurate in our rifles. The pellets are made in 30 and 50 grain amounts. The pellets in two sizes, will allow you to mix and match anything from 80 - 150 grains, in 10 grain increments. Start your sighting in with 80 - 100 grains ( depending on the size of pellets you are using ). Shooting 3 shot groups, adjust your powder charges, working your way up to the maximum grain powder charge. [ Knight rifles have either a 120 or 150 grain max, depending on the model. All current 2006 models, have a 150 grain maximum powder charge. For other models, consult your owners manual or call Knight's Tech Support for info ] If you've gone through this sequence with a particular bullet and still not achieved satisfactory results, it's time to try a different bullet. It may require a couple different Knight bullets to find the bullet that will work well for you, so buy them in small quantities to begin with. Once you've found the bullet of choice, then it's time to buy a year's supply.
i would go to their website.most have downloadable manuals.i wouldnt put more than 100 id stick to 80 to be safe.throughly inspect the gun for cracks .muzzloaders go boom in more ways than one:surprised:
I've got the Traditions Pursuit .50 cal and I love mine too... So easy to handle, load, shoot and clean.. Gotta Love it !!
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