Investarms Hawken vs Buffalo hunter for hunting with PRB

[ParsonBart]

Big fan of 58 with patched roundball for hunting, though I prefer a shorter barrel than many (well under 30”) and use powder charges of 3F Swiss in the 80 to 90 grain range. For me, the fun goes away with heavier charges.

With a roundball, I like to sight in at 85 yards, giving me a point blank aiming out to about 100 yards, with POI less than 3” above or below aim point. Believe the 80 grain charge pushes the roundball over the chronograph at about 1650 fps, and zeroed at 85 yards is about 2.5” low at 100, drops to about 9” low at 125 yards, around 18 low at 150 yards and about 4’ low at 200 yards, at least the last time at ran it through its paces at the range. The challenge much beyond 100 yards is knowing the near exact distance to the intended target.

And by the way, I would choose the Hawken.

ThanK you for that.

 

[Grenadier1758]

...
If you want to shoot 150 yards with a 58, I suggest you save your pennies a little while longer and keep your eyes open for a 38"-44" inch barrel.

A 58cal really starts to shine as velocity gets up aound 2000fps.

And so does tecoil

 

[Tasbay]

I have several Hawkens with one being in 58cal and also have a Buffalo Hunter. Go with the Hawken. You won`t regret the set trigger.

 

[gunpa]

If I had to make a 150 yard shot ( did it once) I'd rather have a 54 with a conical. Just my unsolicited .02.

 

[nit wit]

Hawken, get to know the rifle at different ranges, Kentucky windage or have someone put on express sights.
Nit Wit

 

[Rock Home Isle]

Discuss: I have opportunity to purchase either rifle. I will need to shoot out to 100 yards regularly, and occasionally to 150 yds. I am inexperienced with muzzleloading rifles. Which one should I give preference to?

I remember when the Buffalo Hunter carbines were first available. I had one along with my CVA Mountain Rifle …
I used it as a loner for the neighbor kid to use when we’d go hunting prairie dogs and such…not the most accurate gun.

 

[SPQR70AD]

I remember when the Buffalo Hunter carbines were first available. I had one along with my CVA Mountain Rifle …
I used it as a loner for the neighbor kid to use when we’d go hunting prairie dogs and such…not the most accurate gun.

yes a .58 rifle is minimum caliber that I would use for prairie dogs

 

[Rock Home Isle]

yes a .58 rifle is minimum caliber that I would use for prairie dogs

12 & 13 year old kids…use what ya got.