Springfield Stalker quality compares to...? Recommended for hunting?

[wzroberts]

I have been looking around for (and have found) a few good deals on T/C and similar muzzleloaders for deer hunting and occasional target practice. Yesterday I talked to a pawn shop owner who has a Deluxe Springfield Stalker in .45. I know that H&R made these in the 70's, and that they were relatively expensive.
I'm wondering how their overall quality, and barrel quality, compares to, say, a T/C Renegade or Hawken from the 80's.
I have also heard that they can have ignition problems, and that the telescopic ramrod may be a concern.
Caliber aside, if you were going to pick one for hunting, would you choose the T/C or the Springfield Stalker?

 

[Bearkiller]

A friend gave me a .45 Stalker a few months ago. The quality is excellent. The stock nipple was a little buggered up so I replaced it with a Hot Shot nipple, same size as a T/C. No ignition issues. I've shot it in a few trail walks and accuracy is excellent if I do my part. Mine doesn't have a telescopic ramrod. I had a .54 T/C Hawken back in the late '80s and the quality was a little better do to it having a premium walnut stock and high end bluing and brass hardware. The H&R is a lot lighter and since it's not as pretty you might not worry as much banging it around in the deer woods.

 

[Trot]

The Stalker has funky rifling for a muzzleloader but can shoot round ball well. I have heard people talk of getting great accuracy with maxi balls but I have not been able to. What were you shooting in yours Bearkiller?

 

[azmntman]

I never heard of that particular rifle. However any muzzleloader with a telescopic ramrod?........I'd question the education/experience of those that designed it

 

[Bearkiller]

I shoot a .440 ball with .010 patch over 50gr of Goex fff. I really have to whack the ball hard to get it started.

 

[Trot]

I have had mine for years but never shot it much. I really have to get it out and give it and try some loads.

 

[Pete44ru]

I never heard of that particular rifle. However any muzzleloader with a telescopic ramrod?........I'd question the education/experience of those that designed it

FWIW

The rifle the Op is referring to cannot accept a full-length RR, due to the design of the lock area, so H&R elected for a telescoping rod, as opposed to toting around a full-length rod off the rifle while hunting.

 

[Pete44ru]

The Springfield Stalker

 

[Bearkiller]

Hey that's a pic of my rifle! Like I said mine doesn't have a telescopic ramrod so I don't really get why some have one....

 

[Bad Karma]

Deluxe version of that rifle would be interesting.