Fired up the muzzle loaders

[deadeye]

We had some free time between the morning and evening bow hunts so we sighted in some rifles and muzzle loaders.  It was too hot to grouse hunt so this worked out fine.

[Randy Kaar]

I got to dig out mine also..

randy

[JECAMERON]

I've never tried muzzle loader hunting, or shooting for that matter. How does it compare to rifle hunting as far as range, accuracy, general challenges, etc.?
I've pretty much done away with rifle hunting and bow hunt through the season. Muzzle loading might be a hobby I'd like to pick up.

[deadeye]

You are not allowed to use a scope (except during the rifle season) so shots are probably limited to 100 yards.  Depending on the gun, there are other challenges.  The newer ones using the 209 primers are pretty reliable.  I have one that uses a no. 11 percussion cap.  There are several  problems with these.  Some times the cap doesn't go off and sometimes it goes off but doesn't ignite the powder charge.  Theses also have a delay between when the cap goes off and the powder charges goes off.