Recomended muzz- load?
I have just aquired a c.v.a. eclipse in-line muzzle-ldr. and i was wondering what load anyone can recomend for deer out to approx.100- 150yds? It is a .50 cal and it looks like i can use 209 prmr. this is only the second mz-ldr i've owned , 20 years ago , i used to use 60grs of pyrodex with a patched round-ball .45 cal. With all this new suff on the market , i dont know what to start with , pellets?, sabots? can anyone recomend a good combo to get me started? thanks!
member; DUCKS UNLIMITED,AGA, ............R.S.A. KULP..................OHIO
member; DUCKS UNLIMITED,AGA, ............R.S.A. KULP..................OHIO
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Dirtyrat, I use the pellets, mainly for the convenience and ease of reloading in the field, should you need to. I shoot 150 grains of pyrodex (3 50 gr. pellets) for most deer hunting I use my smoke pole for. You'll want to check and see if your gun will handle this load, if not, you should be able to shoot 100 grains. I like the powerbelt bullets and the Barnes expander MZ's. I really think the barnes is the better performing bullet, but those powerbelts are darn convenient. The barnes is a saboted rig where the powerbelt is a "just start it and go" kind of deal with no sabot. I think you'll find that either of the forementioned combinations and many others will get you the results you're looking for in a 100 to 150 yard gun. Even though I shoot groups at 200 yards plus, and hear "the boys" talk about shooting deer at 250 and 300 yards with the modern day smoke poles, I think you're being realistic not to push a smoke pole out much past 150 or so in hunting conditions. Now don't get me wrong, the reason I practice at 200 plus is that I know it "can" be done when ol' Mossy horn steps out there, I just don't think we should expect the muzzle loaders to replace the rifle, totally......
Hope this helps,
woodyd0 -
Info about the Eclipse is available here: http://www.cva.com/products/rifles/eclipse.htm and some FAQ answers here: http://www.cva.com/faq.htm
I am almost positive that not all Eclipses are magnum (150 grains) capable. Pellets are nice, and with a 209 system you shouldn't have any trouble getting them lit. You'll just have to do a little trial and error to find the load that shoots out of it the best. I personally buy the cheap 240 grain jacketed hollow-point .44 bullets. I have shot the $2.00 a shot bullets and I can't see the justification for it. I've taken over 60 deer with muzzleloaders, and the longest shot was around 75 yards (twice). You'd sure want to do some shooting at range (especially if you aren't using magnum loads), when I shoot mine, using 100 grain pellets, 240 grain .44 sabots, it travels to 100 yards very flat, then falls on its face. From my experience with magnum loads, it adds about 25 more yards before it falls. You could also probably add another 25 to it if you're shooting pointed bullets.
Be sure to make sure your gun is magnum capable before loading it hot!
Really even with inlines the "muzzleloading rules" still apply, they only add slightly to the ranges in most situation and are a little more accurate typically. I really do like the added safety of the inlines, and the more positive ignition is nice, but my favorite feature of the inlines is the removeable breech to allow for thorough cleaning!
CVA's aren't expensive, but they've accounted for around 50 of my 60 muzzleloader deer (mine was an old sidelock).[:D]
It doesn't matter what you shoot, just shoot it well...0 -
Ditto on the Barnes all copper HP's. What a fantastic bullet. I bought a pack of the Powerbelts to try, but the Barnes does some impressive work. Shot a 7-pt last year at about 65 yards and the Barnes did some tremendous damage. Shot was through both lungs and the buck traveled, maybe 35-40 yards. Very good blood trail. Exit wound was at least tennis ball sized. Load was 130 grains of Pyrodex pellets(2-50's and a 30) and the rifle was a T/C Encore 209x50. I understand the biggest trick to accurate long range shooting with any projectile is to make sure that you have a proper tip on your ramrod. Barnes makes one specific to their line of bullets. You can't expect the bullet to fly too well if you smash the tip when loading it. Just my .02... 0 -
Sam Fadala published a book (The Blackpowder Loading Manual) on loads for muzzleloaders demonstrating the loadings and bullet weights which gave him the best groups in a huge variety of ML rifles sold over the last 20 years or so. It is worth the $19.95 bucks to have on the shelf. I have found (with a TC Black Diamond) that while the rifle will take magnum loads up to 150 grain equivilent, accuracy sufffers badly above 110 grains. I usually shoot in the 90-110 grain range. It will take some practice to get the best load and bullet for you and that rifle. I tend to shoot Power Belt bullets and Cabela's extended range sabots. Good Shooting! 0 -
Thanks guys! I was going to buy a T C Omega but ended up with this on a deal ! It seems like it is a well-built rifle and yes, it can shoot magnum loads. I appreciate the info ! Now i have some idea on where to start.
member; DUCKS UNLIMITED,AGA, ............R.S.A. KULP..................OHIO0
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