New Muzzleloader Recommendations

[JJohnson2023]

I agree with the smoothbore option, I'd lean towards a TC .56 smooth if can find one. See them every so often on here and some online sites. Can shoot shot for small game and a RB for large. Cost would be middle road compared to buying new pedersoli or from the hawken shop but still not cheap. If looking for a rifled barrel, I'd not look any smaller then a .45 for all game. Big for small game and small for large game but will work for both. A lot to think about.

I think a .56 smooth renegade would be a very good, versatile candidate

 

[JJohnson2023]

I think that you need two rifles. LOL

Don't tempt me!! If I had my way I'd do a .32 crockett AND a .54 hawken

 

[JJohnson2023]

If you want one ML to do it all and a percussion then this is easy to answer. Get a percussion shotgun of 20ga or larger. Problem solved unless you want to shoot 100 yards or so.

Know any good models?

 

[JJohnson2023]

You can always consider a 20 ga double barrel or single barrel. If deer and other big game are occasional and small game are your focus, then the shotgun seems like a good all-around gun. I just put a rear sight on my Pedersoli 12 ga and am hoping to test out the windage/elevation this weekend if the weather permits. In my state of CA, a double barrel wouldn't be legal during muzzleloader only seasons since it has 2 barrels. But a single barrel, like the TC New Englander might be right up your alley. #6 shot would do fine for small game and a .600 roundball would drop a moose.

T/C new englander may not be a bad move!

 

[FishDFly]

I think a .56 smooth renegade would be a very good, versatile candidate

The effective range is about 50 yads max. with a round ball.

 

[Stykbow]

Know any good models?

Unfortunately, no. I’m a rifle shooter myself, so I’ve never had the need. I have seen some dandy originals pop up in the classifieds here though. If I were in the market that’s where I’d start. If you want a brand new one I’d check the usual suspects like Pedersoli, Investarm, etc.

 

[Kansas Jake]

I’ll recommend a TC in 45. It’s big enough for most deer except maybe the largest muley and still would work for small game with light loads. If you decide to hunt larger game then a larger caliber is needed. If you start with one you’re going to end up with a bunch anyway.

Hello, my name is Jake….

 

[JJohnson2023]

I think that I'm leaning towards a small bore rifle, because 90% of my hunting will be small game (squirrels, rabbits, etc). I think the .32 crockett is pretty cool but I also like the .36 santa fe hawken from investarms. Any advice on which is a better choice in your opinions? Also does anyone know if the santa fe hawken can have the barrel swapped for another investarms hawken barrel?

Edit: The price difference of the two kits is negligible so it comes down to what would be a better hunting and plinking rifle in your opinions