Muzzleloader guns are like the American muscle car: Everyone wants one, whether it be the timeless classic or the newer, more improved version. Moreover, they are big, loud, and they produce a heck of a lot of smoke! Not to mention the great satisfaction you feel when you bag your first buck with a muzzleloader.
You may be asking, “What’s the big deal?”
The great thing about muzzleloader guns is that it requires you to get close…really close, proving your stealth and skill. Furthermore, even the best muzzleloaders know that you really only have one shot, so you better make sure crosshairs are ethically point on the target.
Keep reading to discover how you can enhance your muzzleloading game.
Know Your Guns
The muzzleloader is an American symbol.
Traditional
Nothing is more old school than the “primitive” long rifle muzzleloader. These muzzleloader guns are the iconic symbol of frontiersmen. Furthermore, traditional caplock long rifles defended America’s freedom through several major conflicts, which the newer, sleeker models will never be able to boast about.
The beauty of the traditional caplock muzzleloader, is that is challenges every hunter in his or her true skill in hunting. It requires more stealth, more loading steps, and more skill at aiming. When you are in the wilderness with a primitive long rifle, your most primal senses come alive.
Modern
You better hit your target with your best shot!
If you want a taste of nostalgia but with a new setting, the inline muzzleloaders is the rifle for you. The muzzleloader appropriately named for the cap aligning with hammer and the barrel. The inline has a nipple attached to barrel at the breech and accessed by a bolt or break action. Moreover, the inline model also has a removable breech plug to help with cleaning.
Finally, the great thing about a new inline muzzleloader is that you can add a scope for more accurate shooting. Either way, whichever muzzleloader you choose, the State of Colorado requires to hunt elk or moose, conical bullets must be a minimum of .50 caliber, and round-ball bullets must be a minimum of .54 caliber.
Practice Makes Perfect
Loading
If you’re learning to hunt with a muzzleloader, consistency in your loading and cleaning is key. After you’ve cleaned your muzzleloader, carefully load the barrel with your powder, powder pellets, of choice, and be sure to apply sufficient pressure to seat the load. Then, using the ramrod, mark the ramrod with tap or by scratching into the side, so you’ll always know if your bullet/powder is seated properly and consistently.
Tap into stealth mode when your are muzzle hunting
Swabbing
While most people think their barrel has to be clean as a whistle, this is one case where lube will create more problems for your muzzleloader. Surprisingly, loose powder and powder bullets shoot straighter in a fouled barrel than on a clean one. However, the using a “spit patch” will remove excess fouling. After about five, or so, shots, you’ll want to do a good swab with a spit patch.
Simulation
If you live in Oklahoma, but plan to visit us in the high country for hunting, you may want to try to simulate your hunting conditions the best of your ability. If you’re planning on shooting at a distance of 150-200 yards, then you need to visit ranges with those options. Moreover, you need to consider what higher elevation and colder climates will do to your muzzleloader. Moisture if often the enemy to many muzzleloader enthusiasts, so plan accordingly.
Book With Us
Our Muzzle Hunts are guided hunts located in Unit 54 which overlooks the beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir. These muzzleloader hunts are some of the most coveted tags you could draw for deer and elk.
Book your muzzleloader hunt today, space is filling up fast.
