Muzzleloader for nevada
- Thread starter nitis
- Start date
tdub24
Veteran member
I have the Thompson Center Encore Pro Hunter with open sights. Shoots great, killed a NV bull at 170 yards, NV buck deer at 111 yards, and most recently a UT bull elk from 80 yards.
sneakypete
Veteran member
I just bought a Traditions lightweight vortex Northwestern from Cabelas $349.99 legal in Oregon, Washington, Idaho. I saw one at a RMEF dinner over the weekend and really liked the gun. It's a break action so the cap can't fall off while hunting. It also shoots a copper projectile without a sabot. My thoughts. Almost forgot it has fiber optic sights.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
RICMIC
Veteran member
I have a TC Omega. There are a lot of newer options out there, and many are cheaper. In any event, I'm happy with mine, but I do consider a peep sight a must have if you can't use optics. I did have to experiment extensively with different bullets, and charges. A chronograph is helpful, as you will likely find that as you approach the upper end of max charges, you will get little increase in velocity and less accuracy. So far, two white-tails at close range, and one muley at 204 yards.
RyanHughes
Member
Thompsons are very versatile. I also put in for a few muzzleloader hunts around the reno area. Let me know how you do!
tdub24
Veteran member
The bull and buck in NV was killed with Thompson Center Shockwaves, 300 grains. The bull went 10 yards then tipped over backwards breaking the antler behind the 4th. The buck dropped in his tracks, but while celebrating, I realized he was getting to his feet. Had to track him down for a couple of miles all the while trying to put another in him. That was my first muzzy experience, so I celebrated instead of immediately reloading. Live and learn.
This past season in UT I used Hornady SST, 300 grains. I switched from the TCs because when I killed that NV bull, the mushroom was horrible. Hindsight 20/20, I realize that it was most likely due to hitting the ribs and tumbling instead of going in straight. This UT bull didn't leave a drop of blood, actually had me thinking I missed. After a few minutes of looking and seeing many bulls running around, we heard a large crash to our right. The bull had been standing 100 yards away the whole time and we never say him. Luckily it was a lethal shot. The bullet went right in behind the shoulder going through both lungs, but to my dismay, fragmented and exited in 2 places. 1 right below the backstrap, the other inline with the entrance hole.
I got the sample pack of the Thors that Colorado Cowboy recommended, but wasn't sure what size to use. They all seem to slide easy, but then again, I wasn't sure how much pressure it should take. If I get a muzzy tag again this year, I will reevaluate my selection again and spend multiple hours at the range.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
ore hunter
Very Active Member
- Jul 25, 2014
- 699
- 114
ive got a few muzzleloaders now but I really prefer my lyman great plains" hunter",,in .54 cal,,,I shoot 80 gr of 777 powder with the 425 great plains conical.ive got the adjustable peep sight set up on it so its legal everywhere.shoots good but does have 26" of bullet drop at 250 yrds,,,max range id say.