Opinions

[CalebConn16]

Impossible to even predict, without range time.
Dammuzzleloaders are the most finicky thing I've ever dealt with. Worse than a woman

I’ve had better luck using a ML as a club than a rifle. When I would have one shot dead center and then tamp it one more time the next shot and it not be on paper, then do the same thing next shot and be dead on, then another and not hold my mouth right and be off target I quit. Not worth the time you sink into them to miss at 30 yards or 10 ring them and then fall over and then run off to never be found. I don’t know how the ancestors did it lol

 

[xbokilla]

I’ve had better luck using a ML as a club than a rifle. When I would have one shot dead center and then tamp it one more time the next shot and it not be on paper, then do the same thing next shot and be dead on, then another and not hold my mouth right and be off target I quit. Not worth the time you sink into them to miss at 30 yards or 10 ring them and then fall over and then run off to never be found. I don’t know how the ancestors did it lol

I’ve never killed one at a long distance but most years I just use my ML during rifle season where I hunt. That big 50 cal hole in the deer has never failed me and most pile up in sight.

 

[Kylongrifle32]

I’ve had better luck using a ML as a club than a rifle. When I would have one shot dead center and then tamp it one more time the next shot and it not be on paper, then do the same thing next shot and be dead on, then another and not hold my mouth right and be off target I quit. Not worth the time you sink into them to miss at 30 yards or 10 ring them and then fall over and then run off to never be found. I don’t know how the ancestors did it lol

I guess it all in the rifle and components.

Our fore father's did very well with what they had 200 years ago.
This is a 3 shot group with a 32 cal shooting patched balls at 25 yards. Then 3 squirrels all head shot from a hunt a week later.

 

[xbokilla]

I guess it all in the rifle and components.

Our fore father's did very well with what they had 200 years ago.
This is a 3 shot group with a 32 cal shooting patched balls at 25 yards. Then 3 squirrels all head shot from a hunt a week later. View attachment 112975

I split a playing card once at a shoot with my old man. I was like 10 years old, maybe younger. Lucky as all get out!

 

[CalebConn16]

View attachment 112976 View attachment 112977
I guess it all in the rifle and components.

Our fore father's did very well with what they had 200 years ago.
This is a 3 shot group with a 32 cal shooting patched balls at 25 yards. Then 3 squirrels all head shot from a hunt a week later.

Honestly don’t care if I ever deer hunt with one again but have looked into the squirrel hunting aspect. I’m sure just like anything else it’s all about the time and effort. I’be tried every type of combination in my ML I can think of to the point I’m tired of spending on it lol. Partly because I just don’t think I can ever truly trust it after the trouble I have had

 

[CalebConn16]

I’ve never killed one at a long distance but most years I just use my ML during rifle season where I hunt. That big 50 cal hole in the deer has never failed me and most pile up in sight.

I’ve been present for about 3 shot with a ML and only one was recovered. I watched it get absolutely center punched behind the shoulder and pieces of lung laying on the ground where it stood. Doe still ran about 200 yards before she piled up. I’ve never liked them since. Same shot with a crossbow or bow would have been a 50 yard run. To top it off you could have put your fist in its side. I’ll take a bow over ML any day. But it’s hard to beat the ol .270 and 6.5 as well

 

[xbokilla]

I’ve been present for about 3 shot with a ML and only one was recovered. I watched it get absolutely center punched behind the shoulder and pieces of lung laying on the ground where it stood. Doe still ran about 200 yards before she piled up. I’ve never liked them since. Same shot with a crossbow or bow would have been a 50 yard run. To top it off you could have put your fist in its side. I’ll take a bow over ML any day. But it’s hard to beat the ol .270 and 6.5 as well

I do like my 270 and have a CM that has been in the box for 3 years. I need to get it out. I’ve just never had that type of trouble with ML. Also, never had an issue dialing them in like a lot say is hard. Now, again, I’m a close range guy, so finding one I’ve shot at 40 is definitely different that searching for one at 100+, so I get it.

 

[Kylongrifle32]

Honestly don’t care if I ever deer hunt with one again but have looked into the squirrel hunting aspect. I’m sure just like anything else it’s all about the time and effort. I’be tried every type of combination in my ML I can think of to the point I’m tired of spending on it lol. Partly because I just don’t think I can ever truly trust it after the trouble I have had

I have four 32 cal muzzle loaders and all of them will hit a squirrels head a 20-25 yards if I can do my part

 

[Edm]

All I use in mine are patched roundballs. I know you guys all have those fancy inlines but mine are flintlocks with a TC percussion Hawkin thrown in. I only use real black powder and don’t have issues. I have had issues with pyrodex in the past. My flintlocks are dead nuts accurate with round balls. I even use real BP in my cap and ball pistols. Now if I could only find some locally...

 

[Kylongrifle32]

FFFg and round balls are what I use in the 32's. I have one flinter so FFFFg is also needed but I've had that one pound can for 15 years now
Rumor has it that the company that bought out Geox is going to make a run of it soon if you have never been take a day trip to Friendship, Indiana next month for the National muzzleloader shot. Black powder will be available there for sure.