Rifle Accuracy?! Help...

[rehoppe]

I'm getting ready to begin to start the .... OH never mind. I am wanting a BP Rifle, don't want to spend ALL the dough and would certainly appreciate your opinions and experiences on what calibers/brands do what in the way of hitting the mark. I'm interested in .50 or .54, shoot left handed and don't have any extreme aversion to INlines. Getting kicked once by the mule may or may not be better than carrying the mule all day long. The cool factor is not as critical as hitting what I point at. So I need all the help I can get!
thx

 

[raghorn]

I'm very happy with Thompson/Center sidelocks. I'm also a lefty, but have been shooting right-handed percussion rifles for years with no problem, although it's wise to wear shooting glasses in that situation.

 

[stevelyn]

I'm also a lefty..........I have a LH .54 caliber Lyman Great Plains Rifle. The Lyman is probably the highest quality BP rifle you'll find without going the custom route. The LH rifles are offered in both flint and percussion.

 

[ptatertots]

I too am a leftyan have BP huntingfor years.alot will depend on the amount you plan on spending,buy all the muzzleloader that you can afford without comprising your budget.i myself shoot the TC WOODS rifle,which is very accurate, liteweight.but they dont make that one anymore either.

 

[rehoppe]

BP Rifle Accuracy

Thx for the responses. I've had my eyes on the Lyman and TCs as candidates, but I don't know what models are better or worse. If I just go and throw $s at the situation, at what level do stop getting more accuracy and just get a better looking peice?

Do the TCs get better as you go up in price? If I buy one with a scratch, that uses powder instead of a disc, what do I lose? The Lyman GP is an amazing looking rifle. How much do I gain in Weight for Accuracy? I had an old Knight .54 that kicked like a mule, because it was so light. But a friend of mine wanted it because he Wanted the 'less to carry' Knight. He sold a TC after talking me into selling him the Knight!

If I sound confused. It's because I am.
hop

 

[stevelyn]

My Lyman GPR weighs 9 lbs. I can cut clover leafs at 50 yrds with it from a rest.

 

[MCgunner]

I rather like my left hand Hawkin Hunter Carbine I got from Cabelas. In retrospect, I think I'd want a 1:48 twist, though, so I could shoot round balls with some accuracy as well as the lighter conicals. The carbine has a 1:25 twist rate, is VERY accurate with 240 grain sabot 44 bullets and very heavy conicals. I shoot a 385 grain Hornady conical pretty well in it. It's a .50 cal.

 

[rehoppe]

accuracy

MCgunner

You do bring up a real head scratcher there. It does seem that the 1:48 would be the answer, as I'm not sure I want to give up round ball altogether. Also being from Colo., the sabots are of no use cept for cutting paper. Along with optics and pellotized propellants, OF COURSE. Guess I shouldn't complain, they could go to round ball entirely. Already have to have .50 or better shoot elk and moose.

I do appreciate the help. I'm prepareing for retirement and have decided to go hunting again. Hell, the exercise may even do me good!