Traditional muzzleloader advice

I'm looking at getting into traditional muzzleloaders but am not sure where to begin what what brands are good. I do like the look of the Kentucky rifles and would like something similar but don't want to pay any more then just a few hundred for it. What twist rates are good as well as possible loads

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Re: Traditional muzzleloader advice

I just bought a Lyman Deerstalker from muzzle-loader.com and am very happy with price and purchase. They have a number of Kentucky long rifles from Traditions also. I like 1:48 twist.

Re: Traditional muzzleloader advice

See if you can find a used Cabelas or TC hawkins -easy to clean and great shooters - 50 cal -

Re: Traditional muzzleloader advice

You can get a brand new Kentucky roundball ML kit for as low as $265 at midsouth.
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply....?brand=traditions-muzzleloaders&currentpage=1

What's a good twist rate to look at getting. Also were looking at moving to Idaho so the game I'll be hunting won't just be whitetail anymore So I'd like something I can take down large game

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Re: Traditional muzzleloader advice

The $265 Kentucky has a 1:66 twist, suited best for lightweight roundballs and patches.

The one next to it pictured is a 1:48 twist. It's the Hawkens and that twist allows a wider selection of conicals and even sabots in the 200-300 grains range, plus featuring heavier conical weights than the roundball, making them more suitable for elk-type game to harvest.

So if you're on a tight budget for a new ML and want variety of bullets to play with, I recommend the Hawkens at $311. That 1:48 twist will still shoot a roundball fairly well. Just not as well (arguably) as the longer barrel 1:66 twist Kentucky.

Personally-speaking, I'd love to talk you into getting a fast-twist 1:28 inline. Centralized ignition - breechplugs that can be removed - weatherproof ignitions -- hotter ignitions - fiber-optics - scope ready......etc.... etc.... a couple dependable models starting in the $210 range.

If you go with a 66 twist I'd recommend you get a 54 caliber. The bigger round ball would be a lot better for elk, etc. In 50 caliber I'd recommend a 48 twist and see how big (long) of bullets shoot well in your gun. Sometimes a 300 grain bullet will shoot good sometimes only 250 grain.

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Re: Traditional muzzleloader advice

If you're going to Idaho and plan on hunting elk and bear than I'd definitely go with a 54. As for twist rate, if you want to shoot balls and conicals get a 1:48 twist. If you want to stay the traditional route and shoot patched balls go with the i:60 or 1:66 twist.
A 1:48 twist .50 cal will handle an elk shooting a conical bullet and a stout charge. But the .54 has a bit more OOMPH!

Re: Traditional muzzleloader advice

If I was heading west with a Traditional rifle and was going to shoot conical it would have to be .54 caliber or bigger IMO. Now some 1-48 twist rifles can and do shoot sabots and conicals. I have a Traditional T/C Black Mountain Magnum that shoots a musket cap ignition, in .50 caliber. The Black Mountain Magnum has a 1-28 twist. In fact its the same barrel as found on their Omega except its put in a traditional rifle. They claim it can even shoot pellets. I can tell you it will, but it does much better with loose powder. That would be a good choice.

Keep an eye out for used rifles. When you have a limited budget, a good condition used rifle can be a good rifle to get you going.