Smokepole

[JamisJockey]

In this thread
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=161602
I posted in the blackpowder forum that I am looking to get into muzzleloading. I got one 'blasphmey' type post because, gasp, I'm planning on using technology and getting an inline, and I got one post with a good list of what is needed for muzzleloading.
My question here, to the hunters, is, what caliber inline? I'm leaning towards the .50 because the sabots are bigger. This gun would be used for Mulies and Elk, and eventually whitetail.

 

[RCL]

I think the .50 is a good choice, if only because there are probably more components available for it than the rest of the bores put together.

 

[mtnbkr]

.50 for what RCL said.

No problems with an inline either. You still get one shot at at time and you load both the same way.

In my Remington 700ML, I use Pyrodex pellets and saboted bullets. When I go out, I carry very little, just some speedloaders with the appropriate loads, a capper full of percussion caps, and my normal hunting gear. I'm not trying to recreate Daniel Boone, just enjoying hunting in a different fashion.

Chris

 

[mattw]

I'd be carefull where you ask about "smokepole?" you might get into a fight some places down south

 

[JamisJockey]

I'd be carefull where you ask about "smokepole?" you might get into a fight some places down south

What, do you think I'm some sort of Sailor?

 

[1911 guy]

Go with the .50

There are all kinds of accesories available, as has been mentioned. The next consideration is twist. Make SURE you get a barrel with a twist good for sabots if that's what you're going to use. The difference is staggering. I shoot patched round balls in my .50 and the twist is 1:66. You couldn't hit a barn with sabots in my barrel. If nobody knows the specs for the rifle you're looking at, pass and get one you can be sure of.

 

[Sunray]

"...'blasphemy' type post..." Isn't that daft. I'm not into rifles with no cartridge or BP, but to say it's wrong is daft as hell. Extends your hunting season and it's different. Have a look here. No mention of elk though. Mind you I can't see any reason not to hunt elk with BP. I'm just wondering about the .50 cal with a sabot. Not that I have a clue. http://www.mlhunter.com/