Most accurate In Line, for the money

Tonyencore · Feb 17, 2019

Most of your modern inlines shoot equally well. Finding what sabot/bullet combo that works in your particular bore at the speed it likes to leave is the key. The best bang for your buck is an Optima V2. Light, handles well, easy to clean and a great breech plug. I love my Encore but they aren’t for everyone. They are definitely harder to shoot well than the modern CVA’s. They tend to kick straight back without much muzzle jump. The encores kick up and to the right pretty violently with 100 grains of Blackhorn. My Encore is a great shooting muzzleloader that will give me an inch or less group at 100. That being said, my Accura MR will do it as well and isn’t nearly as finicky at the bench. Get a muzzleloader that feels good and shoulders to your liking, then find what it likes to eat. A great start is 100 grains of BH 209 a 250 SST and a harvester smooth sabot. Just about every muzzleloader I’ve shot likes that combo.

Chick · Feb 17, 2019

Tonyencore said:
Most of your modern inlines shoot equally well. Finding what sabot/bullet combo that works in your particular bore at the speed it likes to leave is the key. The best bang for your buck is an Optima V2. Light, handles well, easy to clean and a great breech plug. I love my Encore but they aren’t for everyone. They are definitely harder to shoot well than the modern CVA’s. They tend to kick straight back without much muzzle jump. The encores kick up and to the right pretty violently with 100 grains of Blackhorn. My Encore is a great shooting muzzleloader that will give me an inch or less group at 100. That being said, my Accura MR will do it as well and isn’t nearly as finicky at the bench. Get a muzzleloader that feels good and shoulders to your liking, then find what it likes to eat. A great start is 100 grains of BH 209 a 250 SST and a harvester smooth sabot. Just about every muzzleloader I’ve shot likes that combo.

What he said. Like most here, I have been through a stack of muzzleloaders. The CVA is where I stopped.

ENCORE50A · Feb 17, 2019

It ALL depends on what each individual expects for an end result.

You can have 10 hunting rifles at $300 each, or one exceptional $3,000 rifle.

You can buy two $300 rifles ($600) and still not be happy, then buy another and another $300 rifle and maybe be satisfied with one of those. Or, you could spend $1200 on a single rifle and be satisfied with it, or not.

Then when you get through with all of that, you still may not not be happy.

Start with a custom and be done

GM54-120 · Feb 17, 2019

I could have stopped with my $420 GMB 54-120. In reality it does everything i need and the build quality is superb. Thats just not what happens though when you get a taste of a really well made rifle. You want to "taste" other well made rifles and not just "buffet" models.

Chick · Feb 17, 2019

ENCORE50A said:
It ALL depends on what each individual expects for an end result.

You can have 10 hunting rifles at $300 each, or one exceptional $3,000 rifle.

You can buy two $300 rifles ($600) and still not be happy, then buy another and another $300 rifle and maybe be satisfied with one of those. Or, you could spend $1200 on a single rifle and be satisfied with it, or not.

Then when you get through with all of that, you still may not not be happy.

Start with a custom and be done

I started this thread, with the hunter in mind, and with accuracy and money the goal, with ease of use. With that in mind, any rifle that will shoot 1 inch at 100 yards, qualifies. Not talking about the most accurate rifle out there. Example, I have fully match conditioned M1As, that group less than an inch at 100 yards, but, I also have a box stock DCM Remington 03A3 that will group just as good. The M1As like mine, sell in the $3200 range, while I gave $400 for the 03A3. Either one will qualify for NRA Service Rifle matches, but, best bang for the buck, is clearly the 03A3.

Chick · Feb 17, 2019

GM54-120 said:
I could have stopped with my $420 GMB 54-120. In reality it does everything i need and the build quality is superb. Thats just not what happens though when you get a taste of a really well made rifle. You want to "taste" other well made rifles and not just "buffet" models.

When you say 54-120, this would normally designate a 54 caliber black powder cartridge with 120 gr of powder. GMB to me, means Green Mountain Barrel. What rifle do you have?

MrTom · Feb 17, 2019

For me, since my primary use is hunting, 100% functionality. I know what my maximum range is on every gun I own regardless of price. I know I can go hunting and not have to fret over the "what-ifs". I have mostly CVA and every one of them has done deer. I have a couple T/Cs that are not in the woods with me and don't see the range if the weather is even damp. I have one T/C I have yet to load. I also , when I was way younger, had a beautiful collection of Pre-64 Model 70 Winchester rifles that were each in pristine condition. They'd shoot like there was not tomorrow, and their over $2000.00 per gun value reflected that. Those Winchesters seldom came out of the safe, other than to just handle them and give them another wipe down.

No as the original poster has mentioned, "what's the best bang for the buck"? I say, first off, forget a custom gun, especially if you're going to be in the field with it. Glitz is only an ideology shared by those who own glitz. If you can shoot at 100 yards as well, if not often times better, than the guy next to you with an amped $3000.00 gun torching 300 grains of powder per shot, using a gun that cost you $300.00 bucks, then you are at the top of YOUR game. It doesn't matter what the brand is or how many pounds of powder fits in the barrel. I always suggest shooting or using the best that you can afford based on what the use is. All of my CVA long guns do the less-than-an-inch at 100 yards. That's all I need. In the off season all of my shooting is done inside these parameters since that is what really matters to me when a deer comes into view inside my window of comfort.

ENCORE50A · Feb 17, 2019

Chick said:
There are many In-line ML's out there. I just wonder what is the best bang for the buck. I am currently shooting the CVA Accure Plains Rifle, with the Bergara barrel, and this thing just stacks them in there. I was so impressed, I bought another one, and put my back up, up for sale. I understand that Knight makes a fine rifle, with the Green Mountain barrels. but, the prices are quite a bit higher. Kinda like the Match Grade M1A I paid $2400 for, and having a pristine Remington 03A3 that shoots just as good, and I only paid $400 for it. haha. What's your thoughts?

It appears that in the starting post, the main subject was in bold above. Nothing was mentioned about it only being a hunting rifle and capable of 1" groups at 100yds.

Chick said:
I started this thread, with the hunter in mind, and with accuracy and money the goal, with ease of use. With that in mind, any rifle that will shoot 1 inch at 100 yards, qualifies. Not talking about the most accurate rifle out there...……....

With the above in mind...… ONLY...… there isn't a modern inline made today that won't meet your standard, with proper associated equipment.

ENCORE50A · Feb 17, 2019

MrTom said:
For me, since my primary use is hunting, 100% functionality. I know what my maximum range is on every gun I own regardless of price. I know I can go hunting and not have to fret over the "what-ifs". I have mostly CVA and every one of them has done deer. I have a couple T/Cs that are not in the woods with me and don't see the range if the weather is even damp. I have one T/C I have yet to load. I also , when I was way younger, had a beautiful collection of Pre-64 Model 70 Winchester rifles that were each in pristine condition. They'd shoot like there was not tomorrow, and their over $2000.00 per gun value reflected that. Those Winchesters seldom came out of the safe, other than to just handle them and give them another wipe down.

No as the original poster has mentioned, "what's the best bang for the buck"? I say, first off, forget a custom gun, especially if you're going to be in the field with it. Glitz is only an ideology shared by those who own glitz. If you can shoot at 100 yards as well, if not often times better, than the guy next to you with an amped $3000.00 gun torching 300 grains of powder per shot, using a gun that cost you $300.00 bucks, then you are at the top of YOUR game. It doesn't matter what the brand is or how many pounds of powder fits in the barrel. I always suggest shooting or using the best that you can afford based on what the use is. All of my CVA long guns do the less-than-an-inch at 100 yards. That's all I need. In the off season all of my shooting is done inside these parameters since that is what really matters to me when a deer comes into view inside my window of comfort.

That goes right along with my first sentence in post #63 above...……...

MrTom · Feb 17, 2019

ENCORE50A said:
That goes right along with my first sentence in post #63 above...……...

I simply disagree with the "Start with a custom and be done" idea. That's like spending $55,000.00 on a Cadillac just to go grocery shopping every Saturday. A custom gun is simply not needed in the field when a $400.00 rifle set-up does everything the custom gun does what the hunt wants from a gun. When does this "look at what I have" stuff mean a thing in the deer woods? Having a custom gun is fine if it suits you. Its not for everybody and honestly there are a lot more nice deer anchored every year with box muzzleloaders than there are with a custom gun. Spending that kind of money on a "custom" gun means only that whoever has an expensive gun. Now what if he can't hit anything with it? Custom gun prices are great for the ego, but hardly ever for the guy looking for a reasonably priced gun that is accurate and goes to the woods and gets his deer.

GM54-120 · Feb 17, 2019

Chick said:
When you say 54-120, this would normally designate a 54 caliber black powder cartridge with 120 gr of powder. GMB to me, means Green Mountain Barrel. What rifle do you have?

"Green Mountain Barrel 54-120 Limited Edition Brush Gun" is how it was listed. Full list price was about $420 with shipping in a hard case. Its a 54cal 20" fluted barrel based on a DISC Extreme action. GMB sold these for a short time when Knight was not making rifles. It had the best trigger Knight offered and a jeweled bolt. 250 made in SS and 250 in blued but they probably sold less than 1/3 of them. Mine is #39

They came with this stock

I put that stock away and added a Knight TH composite.

MrTom · Feb 17, 2019

That seems to have gotten the job done. Nice whitetail.

ENCORE50A · Feb 17, 2019

MrTom said:
I simply disagree with the "Start with a custom and be done" idea. That's like spending $55,000.00 on a Cadillac just to go grocery shopping every Saturday. A custom gun is simply not needed in the field when a $400.00 rifle set-up does everything the custom gun does what the hunt wants from a gun. When does this "look at what I have" stuff mean a thing in the deer woods? Having a custom gun is fine if it suits you. Its not for everybody and honestly there are a lot more nice deer anchored every year with box muzzleloaders than there are with a custom gun. Spending that kind of money on a "custom" gun means only that whoever has an expensive gun. Now what if he can't hit anything with it? Custom gun prices are great for the ego, but hardly ever for the guy looking for a reasonably priced gun that is accurate and goes to the woods and gets his deer.

ENCORE50A said:
It ALL depends on what each individual expects for an end result.

You can have 10 hunting rifles at $300 each, or one exceptional $3,000 rifle.

You can buy two $300 rifles ($600) and still not be happy, then buy another and another $300 rifle and maybe be satisfied with one of those. Or, you could spend $1200 on a single rifle and be satisfied with it, or not.

Then when you get through with all of that, you still may not not be happy.

Start with a custom and be done

How about we start out with this again?

I made it in RED to be identified easier above, also a little larger.

What's with this, "look what I have" crap?

Some people live in a $5K mobile home and are quite happy.
Others may live in a $260K house and be quite happy.

Some hunters buy a $150 rifle from a pawn shop and are very happy.
Some hunters choose to spend $3,000 and are very happy.

Some hunters buy $1,000 rifles and are quite happy.
Some hunters buy or build a $3,000 rifle and are quite happy.

I will say this, of those hunters who own and hunt with custom rifles, most having owned and shot MANY lessor cost rifles, you don't hear them complain.
They've went through spending $150, $200, $300 and up rifles, then finally decided enough is enough of spending good money after bad. It doesn't mean they are right or wrong, or bragging "look what I have". They simply have been through the experiences and want something better.
It ALL depends on what each individual expects for an end result.

Dougs136Schwartz · Feb 17, 2019

Chick not sure why the thread was started when you already had your mind made up . Other than to argue .You are correct 1 inch at 100 yards is more than adequate for hunting.

GM54-120 · Feb 17, 2019

Tell you what. When i bought my NULA i got it for a steal. I didnt even want another 50cal. I would never have paid list price for it until i had it in my hands and shot it. It had ZERO to do with ego. I called Melvin not long after a range session or two and begged him for a 45cal. I was willing to pay simply because there was no other 45cal ML that light in a bolt action. There still isnt. Everything about that rifle is exactly what i want except the ram rod and caliber.

When the NULA first came out it was about double the cost of a MLII. That was bargain compared to ML prices today. You just dont find that level of materials and tolerances in a off the shelf rifle. So a "custom" can be a best bang for the buck if you get lucky or bought when the buying was good. I got a Super DISC for a steal too. Brand spanking new in the box. I paid under $300 for it shipped. There were loads of Knight 45s blown out at bargain prices a few years ago. Normally they are extremely accurate.

Chick · Feb 17, 2019

Dougs136Schwartz said:
Chick not sure why the thread was started when you already had your mind made up . Other than to argue .You are correct 1 inch at 100 yards is more than adequate for hunting.

I don't think I have argued with anyone. I wanted to hear what other's had, and what kind of utility they had with it. When I started with In Lines and 209 priming, I had guns that would not perform. I bought the Traditions Vortek, when it hit the market and it performs much better and easier, than my earlier models. When I investigated the CVA and the QRBP, nitride finish and the Bergara barrels, I wanted to try one. I have been very happy with it, BUT, the model I got, with only the scope mount and sling, was over $500. I hear of people having great groups, with cheaper rifles. People wanting to get into muzzle loading hunting, ask me what I shoot, but are reluctant to drop $500 on a rifle and then another $500 on a scope. So, that is the purpose of the thread.

Chick · Feb 17, 2019

GM54-120 said:
"Green Mountain Barrel 54-120 Limited Edition Brush Gun" is how it was listed. Full list price was about $420 with shipping in a hard case. Its a 54cal 20" fluted barrel based on a DISC Extreme action. GMB sold these for a short time when Knight was not making rifles. It had the best trigger Knight offered and a jeweled bolt. 250 made in SS and 250 in blued but they probably sold less than 1/3 of them. Mine is #39

They came with this stock

I put that stock away and added a Knight TH composite.

Nice buck. So, does the 120 refer to the maximum charge? do you have any problem priming it, with the small opening? Is this one of the rifles that uses a plastic disc of some sort?

Chick · Feb 17, 2019

GM54-120 said:
Tell you what. When i bought my NULA i got it for a steal. I didnt even want another 50cal. I would never have paid list price for it until i had it in my hands and shot it. It had ZERO to do with ego. I called Melvin not long after a range session or two and begged him for a 45cal. I was willing to pay simply because there was no other 45cal ML that light in a bolt action. There still isnt. Everything about that rifle is exactly what i want except the ram rod and caliber.

When the NULA first came out it was about double the cost of a MLII. That was bargain compared to ML prices today. You just dont find that level of materials and tolerances in a off the shelf rifle. So a "custom" can be a best bang for the buck if you get lucky or bought when the buying was good. I got a Super DISC for a steal too. Brand spanking new in the box. I paid under $300 for it shipped. There were loads of Knight 45s blown out at bargain prices a few years ago. Normally they are extremely accurate.

What does NULA stand for?

GM54-120 · Feb 17, 2019

Yes, max charge is rated at 120gr in the manual with a 325gr Barnes. Ive shot heavier bullets with the same amount of powder and a Lehigh breach plug upgrade.

Nope i find it easy to load. Primers just drop in and fall out when you turn the rifle to the side. It has the Lehigh GenII bare primer conversion. So total i have under $450 in it.

GM54-120 · Feb 17, 2019

Chick said:
What does NULA stand for?

New Ultra Light Arms. Mine though is stamped with the "pre Colt" sale name Ultra Light Arms. Melvin Forbes sold ULA to Colt and later bought the company back. Colt retained the name so he renamed it. Mine is one of the first 50 made. I got it from one of the previous owners of this forum back around 2010ish. I wouldn't sell it for double what i paid.

Most accurate In Line, for the money

Help Support Modern Muzzleloading Forum:

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Long Range Shooter

Administrator

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Long Range Shooter

Long Range Shooter

Well-Known Member

Administrator

Well-Known Member

Long Range Shooter

Well-Known Member

Administrator

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Administrator

Administrator

Similar threads

Join the conversation!

Join today and get all the highlights of this community direct to your inbox. It's FREE!