Muzzleloader for a guy with no idea

J

JPHunting

Guest
Hi guys,
In Australia muzzleloader hunting is all but non existent. I'm not trying to pioneer it or anything just really interested in doing something no one here has really done.

The trouble I've had is that a lot of things aren't shipped to Aus from the states e.g. certain guns (CVA), projectiles (Barnes), Powder (Whitehots, trip7 and BH209).
So I've really had to make do with what I can get.

At this point I've bought:

A TC Encore Bonecollector 50 cal
Hornady FPB 300gn projectiles
Alliant Black MZ powder.

I ordered the rifle October last year and after a lot of drama its only a couple of weeks away. I've also had lots of trouble getting cleaning gear as midway USA and Cabelas and shops like that won't ship those items to Aus for some reason.
I've been getting help on another forum to get around this though, think I'm going to have to go with the old hot soapy water to clean the gun tactic!

My question is, has anyone used the combination of rifle, projectile and powder that I've listed above and if so can you recommend any loads to try? I was thinking of trying 100gn of powder. I contacted Alliant and asked their advice and they come back and said they had no idea. I've just heard if you use the wrong amount it can explode or something along those lines.

Any help on gun maintenance and any other tips or help regarding muzzleloaders would be greatly appreciated as I'm really in the dark here with no help on the subject.

you can either contact me through here or at my email. [email protected]

Cheers,

Jack
 
I would start with 90 grains of powder. Stay there until you get comfortable with shooting technique (saves powder and your shoulder) Then try 95, 100, 105, and 110 and see which charge is the most accurate. I have never needed more than 110 gr even to hunt elk. My current elk load is 95 gr of powder and the 350 gr Hornady FPB

You will just have to try the FPBs and see if they will work in your gun. It has a false muzzle (QLA) and that makes shooting conicals unsure. Usually bullets with rear cups (like the FPB) will shoot decent. If not you could try powerbelts and if they don't shoot well then you may have to switch to sabots.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
 

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