I have to admit I have shot many deer on the run in Germany, it's not difficult, Just not the done thing over here, 
Muzzle loading deer stalking?
- Thread starter kenbro
- Start date
Smellydog
Well-Known Member
I've always wanted to take small game and deer with a side lock muzzleloader rifle but they wouldn't let me....!
All the smoothbores would equally take deer but at shorter range, but there are legal challenges etc etc.
Several times I've had my bead/sights on very close fallow and I'm sure what the outcome would of been.
I salute anyone that uses successfully a muzzleloader for hunting anything because to be successful they will of put a lot of time and effort into it.
All the smoothbores would equally take deer but at shorter range, but there are legal challenges etc etc.
Several times I've had my bead/sights on very close fallow and I'm sure what the outcome would of been.
I salute anyone that uses successfully a muzzleloader for hunting anything because to be successful they will of put a lot of time and effort into it.
Bavarianbrit
Well-Known Member
I also bought a Traditions .50 cal modern front loader when I was over in the USA in 2006 that cost from Cabelas $175. Fitted a decent scope a Tasco 3-12x52mm 30mm Duplex Reticle. So far not getting constant grouping with Goex FFG BP so WIP, I do have Pyrodex so must give it a try..
If I could do that I'd probably never leave the house
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
I mostly use a single shot combination gun. Yes it has a shot barrel as well as a rifle, but from a deer stalking its a single shot.
To be honest in the 15 years that I have used it I have needed a follow up shot about three times and the reload was not an issue. And in all three the deer was dead on the first shot, they just hadn’t correct procedure. They were all red stags that stood stiff legged after the shot.
A muzzleloader, like any other rifle, has its limitations. Provided you appreciate these limitations and work within them, I don’t see any reason not to use them on game.
The principle limitation is not a big slug moving slowly, but the sighting arrangements and the need to learn how to use open sights as opposed to a scope. For those who never used open sights they are quite daunting at first. For those who never of us who did, and are now just a decade or two older, open sights seem a lot fuzzier.
I am relearning open sights. What I have now realised is that you don’t really to be able to see them against the cluttered background of a typical field type shot where you loose the front sight. Instead use the sights to ensure your eye is in the correct position above the rib, then place target on the end of the barrel and squeeze. It does help if you front sight is mounted on a rib or big thick flat post.
To be honest in the 15 years that I have used it I have needed a follow up shot about three times and the reload was not an issue. And in all three the deer was dead on the first shot, they just hadn’t correct procedure. They were all red stags that stood stiff legged after the shot.
A muzzleloader, like any other rifle, has its limitations. Provided you appreciate these limitations and work within them, I don’t see any reason not to use them on game.
The principle limitation is not a big slug moving slowly, but the sighting arrangements and the need to learn how to use open sights as opposed to a scope. For those who never used open sights they are quite daunting at first. For those who never of us who did, and are now just a decade or two older, open sights seem a lot fuzzier.
I am relearning open sights. What I have now realised is that you don’t really to be able to see them against the cluttered background of a typical field type shot where you loose the front sight. Instead use the sights to ensure your eye is in the correct position above the rib, then place target on the end of the barrel and squeeze. It does help if you front sight is mounted on a rib or big thick flat post.
Accuracy and power is certainly sufficient however it depends how jumpy the deer is, their reaction time is extremely fast, and BP cloud is like waving a white flag. Impala has been known to jump out from under the shot, sufficiently for a miss at 100m. I’ve shot a Black Wildebeest with muzzle loader once but restricted shot distance to 70m so no expert, I’m sure others can do better. It’s about the stalk and getting into range. Good luck, it’s very satisfying stalking with ML.
palmer_mike
Well-Known Member
I seriously doubt that it would be possible for a deer to react quickly enough to dodge the bullet at a distance of 100m. I’m guessing a bullet would take approximately .25 seconds to arrive after being fired…….
With a Bow and arrow it’s known for this to happen but a bullet?
palmer_mike
Well-Known Member
….
I won’t argue about this, but bow “hunting” is usually at 15-25m (I’m not saying an arrow cannot kill at 80yds) and travel at approximately 300-350fps. Muzzle loaders approximately 1200-1400fps.
Some species react a lot faster than others and Impala is probably one of the fastest. It is honestly mind blowing how fast some animals move. (Not run away in the split second, but drop and jump, i.e. move out of the way).
Also some are so “tame” you can literally wave a flag and they will ignore it, some others of the same species are so jumpy that anything at any distance spooks them.
I’ve seen some American hunters using inline muzzle loaders for shots at 150yds, clearly it’s not a 100m hard stop for all scenarios and species.
My point being that muzzle loading stalking is not a long range shooting match.
Bavarianbrit
Well-Known Member
Here is a modern USA ML link.
www.modernmuzzleloader.com
Modern Muzzleloader Muzzleloading Forum
Modern muzzleloading hunting forum & muzzle loading classifieds. Modern muzzle loading forums for inline muzzleloading, white muzzleloaders, bullet casting, smokeless, sidelock, traditional.
www.modernmuzzleloader.com
kenbro
Well-Known Member
In that screenshot I posted #22, they quote velocity approaching 2400 fps with 300 grain bullets.
Ken.
Is that called an oxymoron, or not?
palmer_mike
Well-Known Member
Muzzleloader rounds for hunting (in this country at least) would need to be supersonic to make legal energy. No way a deer is going to see the puff of smoke 100m away and dodge a supersonic bullet before it hears the report.
Agree that it’s not a long range game, open sights make shots much over 100m unlikely
kenbro
Well-Known Member
That’s impressive shootin’
Smellydog
Well-Known Member
Thanks Ken. Changed it.Is that called an oxymoron, or not?
Smellydog
Well-Known Member
He's done a few good videos.
Similar threads
