Recomendations

[Desert Rat]

I've finally gotten drawn and am preparing for my first ever deer hunt. I am debating which one of two rifles to make my primary rifle(I am planning on bringing two rifles just in case something happens to one). My choice is between a .50 percussion or a .58 flint. I'm planning to use PRB in either. I am confident in shot placement with both but I would rather use the flinter for my first hunt. Is the .58 overkill for an average Muley buck? I could get out a .45 flinter and start practicing more with it, it's an excellent rifle I just have never taken the time to get really good with it. I know all three would be ok to use but what would you guys recomend for a first timer?

 

[Kentuckywindage]

i'd take the .45 and the .50 Just learn the .45 and get to know how it acts in the field. Can you use a PRB in the .45 for mule deer? Im not sure where u are hunting.

 

[rabjr]

I would most definitely use the .58 flinter for Muley over the other two you mentioned. :thumbsup:

 

[Runner]

There is something very satisfying about hunting with a flinter!

 

[PreglerD]

I think with your .50 caprifle is a good choice. But be aware that shooting on the hunt is not similar to shooting at the range. On the hunt there is an illness we call here in Germany "buckfeaver". It makes the barrel shaking when you see the buck and want to shoot.

Regards

Kirrmeister

 

[Halftail]

Desert Rat,
I'd take along the gun I was most able to make the best shot with.It would probably be the one I use at the range most.JMO

 

[bigbore442001]

I'll concur with Halftail. Whatever one you shoot best with> Either one will take a mule deer cleanly with a good shot.

 

[Desert Rat]

I think with your .50 caprifle is a good choice. But be aware that shooting on the hunt is not similar to shooting at the range. On the hunt there is an illness we call here in Germany "buckfeaver". It makes the barrel shaking when you see the buck and want to shoot.

Regards

Kirrmeister

Though I'd like to use the flinter I'm leaning towards the perc. in part for the reason you mention and also because I'm going to be so stoked, that I think there is less to worry about in getting the cap to go bang and still get the ball where I want it. Along those same lines I am confident in the flinter (been shooting them for 12 years) and think that with all the other "distractions" if I am off on my shot the .58 will have a better chance to do the job.
I believe what everyone is saying about placement being the most important that's why I'm not really considering the .45 as an option...for this year anyway :grin:

 

While I agree that either the .50 or .58 will work--the thrill of getting a buck with the flinter outweighs other considerations--and the .58 will certainly do the job if you do yours. [I sold my .58 off, so I use a .54 lately--my first MLer deer rifle was a .45 for eastern whitetail--and it will do the job, too]. My old .58 load was 100 gr ffg and a .565 ball [my rifle had a tight choked .58 bore].

 

[BrownBear]

No sweat with either caliber. Just use the gun you enjoy the most and have the most confidence in. A 58 isn't overkill and a 50 isn't too light.

 

[roundball]

IMO, the .58cal wins hands down on several fronts:

1) It's your first deer hunt, so eliminate any nagging worries in the back of your mind what-so-ever about being under-gunned...the .58cal has "whompability".

2) Distances out there may be longer than the average east coast 40yd woods shot...the .58cal will hold better trajectory and energy to longer distances;

3) It's a Flintlock...first deer AND first deer with a Flintlock both at the same time will be a huge sense of satisfaction;

4) Take the .50cal as a backup;

That's the way I'd approach it and never think about the decision again.

 

[Blizzard of '93]

I don't have a rock-lock so can't say but that .50 will sure do the job judging by what PRB's over 70 gr. 3F does to phone books.

 

[Kentuckywindage]

.490 ball over 110 grains fffg goex does the job for me. :thumbsup:

 

[Halftail]

Nice one! :thumbsup:

 

[Osprey]

Taking both rifles is smart, good to have a backup. Hunt with whichever you shoot best, are most comfortable with and have the most confidence will go boom. Ball size and whoomp won't kill squat, it's all about where you put the shot. I've chased those stinkin' muleys enough with bow and arrow, and worked in an archery camp for parts of 5 seasons, and even a sharp stick will bring 'em down fast if the hole is in the kill zone. Conversely I've also been on some five mile, two day tracking hikes when the hole isn't where it's supposed to be. :surrender: Getting close undetected always trumps type of weapon - so hunt 'em hard and smart.

Here's my best so far, badlands of North Dakota (never hunted 'em with BP, gotta start trying to draw a tag).