Modern inline muzzleloader load/scope question

[drastic_quench]

I don't know if this is the right forum but it seemed closest.

I'm looking at a Nikon Inline XR for my CVA Optima V2. The Nikon has a Bullet Drop Compensating reticule manufactured for .50 caliber muzzleloaders using a 150-grain Pyrodex charge (pellets or powder) and a 250-grain bullet. QUESTION: I want to use a 350 grain Hornady FPB bullet backed by TWO Triple Seven pellets, so apart from the hundred yard zero, will the dot reticules below the crosshairs be useless?

My thinking is that I can zero any rifle, slug, or muzzleloading scope for 100 yards with this load, but the manufacturer's calculations on the drop dots might be way off with this 350gr/100gr loading. Any recommendations in the same $200 price range?

 

[frontiergander]

yep it is and normally is useless even with the 150gr powder -250gr bullet.

Go with the "traditional" cross hair.

Nikon Prostaff is a good one, Redfield also makes good scopes along with Leupold.

 

[drastic_quench]

Do I need the five inches of eye relief the Inline XR has, or is a standard 3.5 good enough?

 

[frontiergander]

3.5 has always been good for me. Some prefer the 5" but its all up to the shooter. 150gr powder is just horrible recoil and often, so-so accuracy.

 

[drastic_quench]

Got the 3x9 Prostaff, thanks.

 

[John C]

I disagree about the utility of the dot reticles below the crosshairs. Although with a different bullet and loading these will not be registered to the stated distance, they are useful. You can use the Nikon Spoton Ballistic Match software to calculate the distances at which those dots are actually calibrated.

However, the Prostaff is excellent.

 

[WestKentucky]

Drop dots have very seldom proven useful in hunting situations. They do help with target shooting but unless you know the distance at which your quarry is at it is still just a guess. I follow what I was taught when I got into BP hunting. If you think it might be too far but you aren't sure aim level with the top of the back. It will either drop the deer or drop too low. Besides realistic hunting distance with most muzzleloaders is close enough you wouldn't ever need such a drop dot. If you zero at 100, your second dot is likely 150 or 200 which is pushing or beyond most of the guns intended range. The next dot(s) are worthless.

 

[frontiergander]

With todays powders and bullets, an inline typically only has 8 to 10 inches of drop at 200 yards. No need for that dot stuff, worthless and do not typically work well because you have to shoot such and such powder/bullet.