hunting

[rickjf]

I plan whitetail deer hunting this year with my .45 long rifle. I have hunted rabbit with BP but never sucessfuly hunted deer. What sort of range should I consider as best.

 

[Rebel]

With the .45 i would definatley try to keep the shots under 50 yds.

 

[roundball]

I plan whitetail deer hunting this year with my .45 long rifle. I have hunted rabbit with BP but never sucessfuly hunted deer. What sort of range should I consider as best.

Shot placement with muzzleloaders is always top priority as the energy levels and shock effect are nothing like the power of modern centerfire cartridges that we're all familiar with.

If you'll think of deer hunting with your muzzleloader more like bow hunting with a longer range arrow that kills by cutting and blood loss it can help keep the focus on the need for precision.

A little .45cal ball only weighs about 128grns...and it'll kill a deer dead as dead at 100yds...IF...that little ball is sent through the heart or the lower part of both lungs...BUT...precision shot placement is a BIG IF at 100 yards under hunting conditions and there is no margin for error at all with that little ball.

I agree with Rebel's response to your first venture deer hunting with the .45cal...a 50yd max is a good guidline and I'll add that you should practice enough so you can hit a 3" target at 50 yards every time without fail.

You might be a good enough shot to do that at 75yds and think 50yds is too close...but shooting under low light conditions in woods with shadows, etc...particularly at your first deer...will be nothing at all like casually shooting at a practice range.

I've been hunting since the 60's and my heart still goes into overdrive when a nice buck steps into view 40-50 yards away...the excitement, the breathing, etc, can all make 75 and 100yd shots very difficult to impossible for the precision required.

And remember, we're not talking about from a bench...from the main couple of hunting positions that includes some sort of rest...standing leaning against a tree, or sitting leaning against a tree with elbow braced down on chest, etc,[url] etc...decide[/url] ahead of time how you're going to take your shots, then practice like you'll be taking those shots in the woods.

Deer hunting with MLs is great stuff...enjoy!