Inline Recommendations

[Walkingeagle]

So, as I stated in my introductory post, muzzleloading is not new to me. I started down this path in 1997 and although have not hunted exclusively with them since, they are what seems to draw my heart. I first owned a TC Hawken .50 percussion, which I sold to my brother for a Lyman GPR .50 flint kit and later converted to a percussion. Built a .54 plains caplock and have a Isaac Haines .50 flint custom. Throughout my early years, a couple TC Encore rifles have rolled through my hands, as well a few TC .50 and .54 Renegades/ Hawkens. I have since given most of these to nephews and only kept a few. I will be slimming more and passing to family members soon. My vision is becoming more of an issue as I age, and I feel a scope is in my near future. I have a Lyman GPH .50 percussion that I may tap for a Leupold 4x, or perhaps just buy an inline. Not totally sure yet.
My question is, if I go inline, what should I seriously look at buying. My criteria is quality. I do not want junk! I will use loose powder of Pyrodex or Goex black, and likely 209 primer system. Not interested in smokeless, as then I might as well just use a cartridge rifle (no special season here). I like short, easy to carry, handy and easy to clean.
Thoughts??
Walk

 

[MrTom]

Lots of options here. The CVA in either one of the Accura models or an Optima would be a simple to use weapon that will handle all sorts of load options. These are likely to be the least expensive. The Knights are yet other options that will cost but will offer excellent accuracy and loading options. There are the T/C options as well as Traditions so you have a wide field of possibilities. Snoop around the internet doing searches on those I just mentioned to see what might work for you, then find those you may consider in local shops. Personally I'd handle any gun to check for fit before I bought one. Check with friends that have inlines to see if you can shoulder or even maybe shoot a gun.

 

[Walkingeagle]

I am not a Traditions fan, too many issues with friends guns. Are the CVA’s made in America? I understood they are a spanish make, but don’t know. I will look into it.
I am a TC fan, just don’t know what models would be better. I have been reading here about breech plug burnout, and for some reason never thought of that before. 250 shots does not seem like a long life to me??
Walk

 

[HC]

Lehigh is coming out with a new rifle in the near future, American made and light weight.

 

[45-70]

nothing wrong with Knight or have a custom one built

 

[BuckDoeHunter]

Look for a used TC Omega, I think you would like it.

Don't overlook smokeless, it opens up a lot of options, IMO. It's still a muzzleloader but you don't have to clean it when your done hunting or after a range trip.

 

[michiganmuzzy]

I have knights, whites cva's, and a tc. I keep coming back to the break action cva accura for ease and accuracy. The Bergara barrel with nitride is as easy to shoot and care for as it can get imho. I do love the knights and whites but when its time to shoot deer i grab the accura.

 

[Hatchet Jack]

Like BuckDoeHunter said. Look for a used TC Omega. One of the simplest most accurate easy to clean inlines ever made.
It's a shame they stopped producing them.

 

[deerlessbob]

I’ve really enjoyed my Accura.

 

[michiganmuzzy]

The eternal debate. Which ML is best? They all have their pros and cons, buy one of each, sell the ones you don't like. Or keep them all. Either way you can't go wrong.

 

[Walkingeagle]

The eternal debate. Which ML is best? They all have their pros and cons, buy one of each, sell the ones you don't like. Or keep them all. Either way you can't go wrong.

Lol, if only there was the money. Lol
Walk

 

[michiganmuzzy]

Maybe we could start a club where two people agree to trade MLs for a brief period for comparison and fun. (Obviously a lawyer would have to get involved)

 

[Walkingeagle]

Update everyone,
So I guess you “go with what you know,” and I bought an upgraded Encore Pro Hunter stainless action, black synthetic butt stock and hinge pin through an online sale, then worked a deal with a close friend for his unfired stainless 209 x50 Magnum muzzleloader barrel, mounted Simmons 3-9x40 scope and matching forearm, along with all his accessories and projectiles/pellets. It will fit my needs perfectly and should have everything within a couple days.
This whole breech plug wear thing has me thinking. I will be trying various loads, including 370 and 460gr maxiballs, along with sabots to ascertain most accurate, the pellets and loose powders (Pyrodex Select, RS&P and Goex 2&3fg), most likely from 90 grains to the maximum 150. Again, based on best accuracy. I do not expect this load development to be quick and am not looking to hunt with it this season. How much life should I reasonably expect from the breech plug?
Walk

 

[HC]

If ur using caps or large rifle primers it will last almost forever. Using 209 shotshell primers maybe 300 shots + or -.

 

[GM54-120]

You can have the breach plug modified to take a vent liner. Those cost $4-6 a piece when they wear out and it only takes a couple minutes to replace them. PR bullet in Canada sells some cheaper ones or they did. Pretty sure they still offer some but Lehigh vent liners are better.

The powders you mention though are pretty easy on the flash hole compared to Blackhorn209 so you got plenty of time on a new plug.

I sure hope you are not planing on shooting 150gr loads with Maxis. You will be in for a lesson in barrel scrubbing. Soft lead is better suited to much slower loads. You may also find your T/C barrel shoots Maxis poorly. Very common problem with lots of T/C barrels. If it does you will need to cut off the QLA and have it recrowned. You can also try a really thick wad over the powder such as a fiber ML shotgun wad. That helps the conical exit the barrel before it can be disrupted in the QLA.

 

[Walkingeagle]

I sure hope you are not planing on shooting 150gr loads with Maxis. You will be in for a lesson in barrel scrubbing. Soft lead is better suited to much slower loads.

Noted, I took my elk this year with the 370gr Maxi and 90gr of Pyro P. I too agree that these type of projectiles are better at lower velocities, and most likely will not be exceeding 100gr in my tests.
I am not looking for extreme range, rather am forced into a scope due to poor eyesight. Here in Alberta (other than a couple small specific areas) there is no special muzzleloader season, so I hunt with centerfire folk. This is a personal choice I am making to get close. Thus I would really like a heavy bullet just for sheer effectiveness.
Walk

 

[Hatchet Jack]

If I was Muzzy elk hunting with my .50 cal Encore and not restricted to a particular projectile. I would probably choose a saboted 290 gr Barnes TEZ.
Like GM54-120 said. You may have a difficult time getting full boar lead to shoot good with that QLA.

 

[Walkingeagle]

If I was Muzzy elk hunting with my .50 cal Encore and not restricted to a particular projectile. I would probably choose a saboted 290 gr Barnes TEZ.
Like GM54-120 said. You may have a difficult time getting full boar lead to shoot good with that QLA.

I have been doing quite a bit of reading on here and am learning that. Still though it appears some do get good accuracy, so maybe I’ll get lucky?? If not, no harm done and move onto sabots.
Walk

 

[mnoland30]

In my .50, the best bullet I've found is a Remington 405 gr. .458 designed for the 45-70. I use a Harvester crush rib, and get 2" to 3" groups at 100 yards. Packed over 115 gr. of 777 it has dropped 3 out of 4 elk in their tracks. The fourth one ran 35 yards. Most of my shots are at 200 yards or more. If I get that close, I'm confident I can make the shot. My .50 has a 1:26 twist. In my .45 Encore Bergarra barrel, I've gotten some 1" groups with 405 gr. home cast bullets ove 85 gr. of Black MZ. I use the Black MZ for testing, because it is $10 a lb. and shoots just like 777. I don't like that it clumps a little in the powder measure occassionally, but other than that it is a great powder. I don't think you can go wrong with the Encore.

 

[Walkingeagle]

In my .50, the best bullet I've found is a Remington 405 gr. .458 designed for the 45-70. I use a Harvester crush rib, and get 2" to 3" groups at 100 yards. Packed over 115 gr. of 777 it has dropped 3 out of 4 elk in their tracks. The fourth one ran 35 yards. Most of my shots are at 200 yards or more. If I get that close, I'm confident I can make the shot. My .50 has a 1:26 twist. In my .45 Encore Bergarra barrel, I've gotten some 1" groups with 405 gr. home cast bullets ove 85 gr. of Black MZ. I use the Black MZ for testing, because it is $10 a lb. and shoots just like 777. I don't like that it clumps a little in the powder measure occassionally, but other than that it is a great powder. I don't think you can go wrong with the Encore.

You know, thats one angle I never thought of. I cast for my .45-70 Lee .459-405HB bullets. I will look at some sabots to fit them for a trial as well. Thanks for sparking that thought.
Walk