Got my first muzzle loader, have a few questions.

[southernz]

Hello all,

I recently got my first muzzle loader, a T/C Encore 50x209. I am a bowhunter normally during "Primitive" season and figured I would give the ol' smoking pole a chance. Any way, what kind of powder is popular (The cleaner, the better) ? Pellets or loose powder? How many grains is most people using? Any Sabots I should stay away from? All suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,
Stephen.

 

[troy_mclure]

the encore barrel twist rate is optimized for saboted bullets.

when i had mine, i just used 2 50gr pellets of 777 and hard cast lead .429 bullets in a .429/.50 tc sabbot. i was getting 2.5" groups "bench" at 100yd, and 4" offhand.

most people prefer using 70-150gr of loose powder to "tune" their gun for best groups.

 

[Win1917]

The purists will squawk but I use Blackhorn 209 loose powder but shoot a 209x45 so my loads won't be of any help for a 50 cal. I've had a couple T/C 50 cal barrels in the past they all seemed to shoot fine with 2 50gr 777 pellets and Hornady SST's or T/C Shockwaves. If you're shooting loose powder, I'd look for a good load in the 80-100gr range. For deer I don't think there's much reason to go higher than 100grs other than you like punishment.

 

[sksshooter]

ill echo the others. i had good results with 2 pellets of 777 and the tc shockwaves. killed several deer with that combo.

 

[troy_mclure]

As an asside, the guy I sold the barrel to got a cow elk with it this year.

 

[cookiemonster]

Pellets are way easier and faster. If its a magnum you can shoot up to 150 grs. Don't shoot the silver pointed bullets with a ballistic tip from Walmart. They will not penetrate. I don't remember the name. I had to do a finish shot on a deer at 10 yards and it didn't go all the way through. No blood either.

 

[cookiemonster]

Also, when pushing bullet down with rod, don't do it several times or make the rod bounce. One good hard shove should do the trick.

 

[quigleysharps]

Most of the in-liners that I'm reading about are using the Blackhorn 209 or Triple 777 powder these days. Course I've got an Optima here at the house that I sighted in with 80 grs. of 2f Goex and the Lightfield Alpha Gold 300's...that combo has dropped a pile of Oklahoma deer for my buddy that was borrowing it each year.

 

[troy_mclure]

I've read lots of issues with rust from it, and rapid pitting and corrosion if not cleaned immeadiately.

 

[Emperor]

I will never use the three I have; ever again. Pain in the a** to clean, find primers, etc...I will keep them for nostalgia, I guess!

Can't beat the breach loaders!