Pellets
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JimP
Administrator
Pellets, sabots, variable power scopes are allowed in Utah for the muzzle loader hunt.
I just wished that they would of allowed the variable power scopes last year. I would of bagged a buck that was 200 inches+, but as it was I had to get a lot closer to the deer because of my eyesight. But that is another story.
I just wished that they would of allowed the variable power scopes last year. I would of bagged a buck that was 200 inches+, but as it was I had to get a lot closer to the deer because of my eyesight. But that is another story.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
CoHiCntry
Veteran member
JimP
Administrator
I agree, the older I get the harder it is to focus on multiple things at one time and open sights are one of them. I ended up placing a peep sight on my muzzle loader so that I could continue to hunt with it in Colorado.
Utah had until this year allowed a 1x scope on a muzzle loader which helped us older folks a lot but since I hunted both Utah and Colorado I never installed one. Now with Utah allowing the variable power scope I might just dedicate on of my muzzle loaders to Utah and put a 3x9x40 on it.
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
FYI....loose powder is generally considered a bit more accurate due to the ability to more accurately measure out a load. Personally I develop a load by volume...then weigh the accurate measure of powder out a powder scale...then use that weight to weigh out 30 or 40 waterproof vials for hunting season (I usually use only a couple, but I tend to over prepare).
NOTE: Weight and volume often are not the same. For example 100 grains by volume of BH209 is around 70 grains by weight.
Finally the best powder by a large margin is Blackhorn 209 which is only available in loose form.
Last edited:
SGM
Active Member
I hope Colorado never allows sabots or scopes of any type! It is tough enough to get a tag and if you open it up to scopes the place will be a zoo.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
What I would like to see is allow a NON MAGNIFIED optic like a Red Dot. My eyes don't do well with iron sights over 50 yards away.
That's what I was referring too.
That's what I was referring too.
SGM
Active Member
I'm not sure if this is true but I have heard of folks getting special permission from the CPW to use a non-magnification scope due to medical issues with their eyes. If true, I am sure you will need to get forms filled out by your doctor but might be something worth looking into.
Utah legal!!
I was building a peep sight on it then they changed the rule. I had a cheaper vortex viper but it wont hold the recoil so now my trusty nightforce got throw on there to get ready for the general deer season.
Stevens 200 and 28" 458 barrel that has a plug for a 209 primer. It is smokeless capable but my legal hunting load is a heavy load of bh209.
I was building a peep sight on it then they changed the rule. I had a cheaper vortex viper but it wont hold the recoil so now my trusty nightforce got throw on there to get ready for the general deer season.
Stevens 200 and 28" 458 barrel that has a plug for a 209 primer. It is smokeless capable but my legal hunting load is a heavy load of bh209.
CoHiCntry
Veteran member
Currently, I am shooting .458 344gr bullets (custom ones called Bombs) that have a confirmed BC of .39.
With my load of bh209, I get 2230fps at the barrel. These hurt my shoulder without the brake. I have a special die to size the bullets to shoot without a sabot. Hardest part is finds the right tension but once found, the gun shoots sub MOA for 3 shoots from a clean barrel without cleaning in between.
This puts the bullet over subsonic out to 700 yards and about double the energy needed for a deer kill. With that said I the wind is hard on the slow moving bullet. If I am prone with a good wind dope, I will shoot out to 450 yards and I will shoot off shooting sticks out to 250 or 300 yards.
I shoot out to 1000+ a lot with my rifle (7mm wsm) that fits in the same stock(chassis) so I am very comfortable with the setup and I run a kestrel for my ballistic calculator in the field.
I agree with all you said. I will probably never use anything but BH209 again. And touching on your preference of loose over pellets and being able to accurately weigh the load out....I agree, but I also think being able to completely fill the void between the bullet and primer, and being able to pack down that powder good and tight makes a huge difference in accuracy.
CoHiCntry
Veteran member
Wow! I like to keep my shots under 100 yds with the muzzleloader. Wouldn't even consider shooting much over 150 yds. Your in a whole other league!
JimP
Administrator
Pellets were designed for eastern hunters pushing whitetails most shoots are close and quick reloading. They are great for what they are and I used them all the time when I lived in Ohio. They are a lot more eastern hunters to sell stuff to
Just watch your load with BH209. It is really just a slow burn smokeless and a mistake can easily blow up a gun. I always weigh it and have had good results with 74 gr by weight with a 300 gr parker BE in my cheap CVA wolf. Decent velocity and accuracy out to 250 yards for me with a good scope (with a moa drop recital or dial, don't blindly hold a muzzeloader or guess your range).
ore hunter
Very Active Member
- Jul 25, 2014
- 699
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I don't think pellets or buckhorn 209 are legal here in Oregon,,,be sure to check the particular state your shootin in.
Slugz
Veteran member
I use a funnel with a hose. I also have to index the lands that I have engraved in the bullet with the barrel lands with the same hose. Takes some practice but way better then removing it to take a follow up shot.