hey guys, this is an old bowhunter here considering taking up muzzleloaders to extend my hunting seasons. I'm not new to muzzys, had a couple rifles yrs ago and still have 2 1858 Army pistols.
What I'm looking at is this, I want an elk gun in the hawken style capable of 120 yd kills. Considering the Lyman Trade rifle or the Great plains but man the gpr is 9 pounds so that could get real old when your trudging through the hills. I know there are others out there but these two seem to be the best deal for the price, especially the Trade rifle. Was thinking about 54 caliber and shooting a round ball, any thoughts on that?
I have heard stories of sabots and conicals turning when hitting elk and wounding the animals or only taking out one lung for the same reason. Another post in another forum said he had seen them turn 90 degrees. Is that possible or has anyone else heard that?
Or am I better off possibly going with a 50 cal and shooting a conical?
I could also get a Green mtn barrel for the trade rifle in 1/28 twist so I could be as accurate as possible if conicals are the better way to go.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
What I'm looking at is this, I want an elk gun in the hawken style capable of 120 yd kills. Considering the Lyman Trade rifle or the Great plains but man the gpr is 9 pounds so that could get real old when your trudging through the hills. I know there are others out there but these two seem to be the best deal for the price, especially the Trade rifle. Was thinking about 54 caliber and shooting a round ball, any thoughts on that?
I have heard stories of sabots and conicals turning when hitting elk and wounding the animals or only taking out one lung for the same reason. Another post in another forum said he had seen them turn 90 degrees. Is that possible or has anyone else heard that?
Or am I better off possibly going with a 50 cal and shooting a conical?
I could also get a Green mtn barrel for the trade rifle in 1/28 twist so I could be as accurate as possible if conicals are the better way to go.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.