hello -1st time posting in the hunting section. Anyhow I would love to hear some feedback on blackpowder rifles: which model and manufactureres to go for and to stay away from.
I could probably swing about 375.00 for the rifle & another 100.00 for accessories.
I've been thinking of blackpowder hunting for awhile now and think i might have just enough time to pull it off this year by preparing this summer.Your time will be appreciated.
Best regards,
Lofty
(FF-Fish'en Fool)

I've always been partial to Thompson Center and CVA. Both make quality rifles and have models in the price range you mention. The T/C Black Diamond is a respected rifle, and they have it available in stainless. I have an old Thunderhawk in stainless and really like it, especially in the rain.

Most rifles out there are now in .50 cal, but both of mine are .54cal. There are plenty of bullet types available for both. I'm not sure if there is an advantage in either caliber. The idea of a Magnum rifle is a nice idea, but I have still killed plenty of elk and deer with a standard load of 100 grain equivalent Pyrodex or 777.

The 777 powder is great because it does not attract water vapor like Pyrodex and black powder. It also burns very clean so the only fouling you experience is what comes from bullet lube.


We have a number of good areas to hunt between Olympia and McCleary, so if you ever run out of ideas, let me know and I can point you in the right direction.

Any other questions, let me know. I may be able to steer you clear of gadgets you don't need, but there are a number that are essential.

Lots of guys talk about shooting at ranges greater than 100 yards, but you might want to keep the yardages shorter. My personal limit with a ML is about 75 using a peep sight.

Andy

I agree with what Dogfish said. The only question I have for you is whether you'd like to go traditional or modern. I've been hunting with a smokepole for years with a Lyman Great Plains .54, and love it. About 10 years ago I bought an inline (a .54 T/C Thunderhawk) that is more efficient, but not as aesthetically pleasing (to me anyway).

Just something to consider.

FP

Bass Pro has T/C Black Diamonds on sale now for $200. You can't go wrong with that deal. I just sold three Ml's and am down to one left and will stay that way. If I were in the market for a new one, I'd jump on the T/C in a minute. Go with an inline, the traditional stuff is about impossible to get rid of. I finally found a buyer for my two T/C .54 Renegades in New York for $125 apiece. ML hunting is fun, but I switch back and forth, modern to ML, mainly by which time and place suits my fancy. Enjoy, Bill

One more vote here for that TC Black Diamond rifle. I don't think you can beat that rifle for $200 out of Bass Pro Shops.

I have an earlier model of that rifle and am very satisfied.

If, on the other hand, you're looking for a more traditional looking rifle, I used to hunt with a Cabela's Hawkins Replica that I loved. It was very accurate once I worked up the right load.

Good Luck!

Gentlemen;
thanks for your feedback, I will check out the T/C Black Diamond @ BAss pro shops. thanks for your feedback. Dogfish, If i get a rifle i think i'll be buggin you again to talk about some local hunting areas out of Oly.
Thanks again.

very interesting. I thought we could only use traditional blackpowder rifles in WA!?
i checked out that T/C Black Diamond @ www.basspro.com and realized that we can use inline in WA? i thought the rifles have to have traditional percussion caps? I guess these inline guns do have percussion caps?
Help me out here guys ......?

Most of the rifles sold in Cabelas and Bass Pro SHops are sold with the 209 primer option installed. The nice thing is that they also sell the #11 percusion cap kits and/or the musket cap kits as well. You just have to ask about them.

209 primers are not legal in WA unless you are hunting using a modern tag, like in a firearms restriction zone.

Andy

DOGFISH- ok thanks for clearing up the percussion cap question. I'll ask bassproshops about the availability of the #11's when i place my order.
Isn't the 209 primer the same primer for say reloading 12 gauge shotguns etc...?