SML Addiction

From a person who once wanted nothing to do with Muzzle-Loading I’m now hooked on this shooting discipline. Part of the addiction is being sucked into a vortex of learning and being involved with modifications such as 3^rd pillar bedding and chamfering muzzle crown as well as building my own loading accessories. The only store bought item is a Spin-Jag for loading.

Of course another step for learning is internal ballistics especially powder burn rates and why a powder reacts as it does when ignited. Then there is knowing the characteristics of plastic sabots and there behavior to temperature change such as heat.

Then there is the strong recoil factor that requires a good developed shooting technique to be consistent. If you start flinching your groups go to pot quickly. Then the hard part is breaking that flinching habit. The 10ML-II has taught me a lot about how to shoot.

Don’t get me wrong as I respect and enjoy watching other muzzle loading disciplines. It just happens that SML’ing is my thing because of what it offers in performance and learning. I’ve been at this game for about 10-years and never been bored because there is always more to learn with different & numerous smokeless powder applications.

Any discipline of muzzle loading can be a challenge to get good at it. But for heaven’s sake stay focused when loading and use some kind of witness mark to avoid an excess load. Also do not use smokeless powder in a muzzle loader that is meant for BP like some individuals are doing and bragging about. There are some other good rules to follow but you have to decide to use them or not. Simply stated the end result when a shot is released solely falls on you from what you’ve done.

If you’re bored with CF shooting or want a new challenge you might consider trying Muzzle Loading. You just might get bitten with the addiction bug as many others have.



Ed

Back in 1992, a fellow I worked with suggested we try the controlled deer hunt in his neighborhood which was 92C, muzzle loader only.
I agreed, we applied and I went looking to buy. I tried different things, learned a lot and got a lot better at it. I've owned 3 different muzzle loaders since then and developed the most accurate loads for each with the powder and bullets that I prefer. Unfortunately I did not have a knowledgeable mentor and had to be self taught. After getting better at it , I started getting into center fire reloading to see if I could improve loads for my rifles. For this, I had a knowledgeable mentor from my club to get started. I am shooting more now that retirement has given more free time. When I hunt with either type of firearm, I am confident that the shot is well placed and the animal goes down quickly.

Although I didn't have a muzzle loader in my hands this fall for deer hunting, I certainly thought about them. Like you ET1 I have got hooked on them but I haved moved from the inlines to the side locks. Which ironicly is what I started with back in the 80's. Shooting BP back then I was looked at like I had three heads. lol

Keep your powder dry!

HA

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Originally Posted by huntaway

Although I didn't have a muzzle loader in my hands this fall for deer hunting, I certainly thought about them. Like you ET1 I have got hooked on them but I haved moved from the inlines to the side locks. Which ironicly is what I started with back in the 80's. Shooting BP back then I was looked at like I had three heads. lol

Keep your powder dry!

HA

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You should have seen the looks I got (and heard the comments!) back in 1960 when I started in black powder shooting!

"You're gonna shoot that?" "You're crazy - you'll blow yourself up"! etc, etc.

I'm like you ED, switched from a passion for CFs to ML's about 14 yrs ago. Love to tinker with soft lead and smokey loads. Then I got on this Forum and read how much fun Pete and Aaron were having with their sidelocks, so I've wandered over to that side for a peek. I picked up a .45 Kentucky and sure enough I'm hooked on the 'patch and ball' for fun. Still use the .50 inline for hunting mind you, but I'm sure that will change once I get more comfortable with the .45.

Not sure if I will develop an interest in the long distance shooting, I never had an interest in going smokeless, but now with the New Remington Ultimate ML, I might find a reason to punch paper out to 400 yrds just for poops and giggles.

I think it's going to be my next expense next spring because I like to shot and I like the fact that I can spend a few extra days at the camp three weeks after the rifle season.
Is there anything I should read prior (web site, books and so on....)? Any advise before buying your first muzzleloader?
Thanks
Seabast

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Originally Posted by seabast

Is there anything I should read prior (web site, books and so on....)? Any advise before buying your first muzzleloader?

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If I could recommend a great site for finding useful articles and great information, take a walk thru the Randy Wakeman site (link below).

read: http://randywakeman.com/

Especially the articles on Black Powder comparisons ect., it helps to cut thru all the BS you get from Manufacturers etc. A great place to start.

MikePal

Muzzle loading is fun but also an art to be mastered by an individual regardless of the discipline. I really enjoy listening to you and others when you share an outing with your discipline/s. Sometimes you make it a fun event to share some laughs that even get’s a quiet chuckle (not posted) out of me.

I know sometimes I unintentionally come on strong with my posts but that’s my nature when it comes to firearms. After a day’s hunt with muzzle loaders and that adventure is shared by a few us we usually get a laugh from what somewhat did. Sometimes a new nickname or phrase is born that brings tears to your eyes from laughter. That part of humor also generates a strong camaraderie that I enjoy about our muzzle loading hunts.

For years my range limitation was set at 200yds for deer but now that I want to include some varmint hunting and want to extend that range with a lighter bullet. The intrigue for me is theoretically it’s safely doable but the unknown is the powder/s needed to achieve that goal. I’ve got a pretty good idea where I want to start but first I have to get a stable flight with a 200gr bullet at lower velocities. One step at a time. ;)

Ed

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Not sure if I will develop an interest in the long distance shooting, I never had an interest in going smokeless, but now with the New Remington Ultimate ML, I might find a reason to punch paper out to 400 yrds just for poops and giggles.

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The Remington Ultimate ML, is not meant for use with smokeless powder, the recommended loads use Blackhorn 209.

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Originally Posted by seabast

I think it's going to be my next expense next spring because I like to shot and I like the fact that I can spend a few extra days at the camp three weeks after the rifle season.
Is there anything I should read prior (web site, books and so on....)? Any advise before buying your first muzzleloader?
Thanks
Seabast

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A good book to read is Sam Fadala's Black Powder Handbook & Loading Manual. I still refer to it after all these years have many crib notes sticking out of it for quick reference. There are several good muzzle loading sites each with their own pecularities. Some are of the "traditional" camp and don't dare speak of inlines. Other's it's anything goes. To me those are the most informative as I shoot all types. I'll pm some of the sites I visit.

HA