Ask the Pros at Charlie's Own Scent Free Gloves

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I'd appreciate some advice or personal preference on muzzle loaders. Being a strict bow-hunter for the past 12 years, I never really gave much thought to hunting any other way, until now. Over the past few years that I've been messing with taxidermy, I've seen some really nice bucks that were shot with a muzzle loader. If any one can help me out I'd greatly appreciate it, I mean after all I'd rather get advice and opinion from the pro's, than some young kid working at some sporting good's shop. Thank you and hunt safe. - Rob

Rob, thanks for the question.

There are many well made muzzle loaders on the market today. No matter how deep your pockets are there is a good gun for you. I suggest a breech model gun with a plug or one with a back end plug for easy cleaning and disassembling. They all shoot a 209 primer and will accept an array of bullet sizes. I also like to use the Pirodex Pellets for simplicity and accuracy, the pellets are pre-measured powder usually in 50 grain increments. We like to shoot 100 grains or two 50 grain pellets in our guns. Most of these guns are rated for 150 grains of powder or three pellets, but I have found that you can do the job with 100 grains and less.

Stainless steal barrels are a little more expensive but much less corrosive then steel barrels, I suggest the SS barrel if possible. Because most muzzle loaders have a mind of there own, you may need to shot several different loads before you find the right combination for your gun. Most are available in a 50 caliber and several in a 45 caliber, either will do the job. At the top of this list is the Encore, but also the most expensive, this gun is capable of swapping barrels to shoot a variety of different caliber weapons. The Winchester Magnum series are also a good choice along with the Knight Revolution series. NEF makes a nice SS model for under 300 dollars as does the MDM. The choice is yours to choose from. I also like to tell guys that it is not necessary to put a high power scope on these guns, a straight 4X is all that is needed for 150 yards.

One last thing, it is very important to keep your gun clean and it can be a nasty task, so make sure you pick up some Charlie's Own latex gloves for this dirty job.

Good Luck Hunting
Charlie Cooke

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