Three Tips for a Successful Muzzleloader Season
Three Tips for a Successful Muzzleloader Season
By Jessica Graham
One of the most exciting times to harvest a deer is in the snow, during the late muzzleloader season. It’s during this time that I eagerly retrieve my trusty muzzleloader and go on a mission to harvest does. These does, will be transformed into a batch of mouthwatering jerky that inevitably disappears all too quickly. My muzzleloader holds a special place in my heart, as it was my very first firearm. Over the years, my proficiency with its .45 caliber is a source of pride.
Yet, last year, I found myself in a unique position—one that had me contemplating the acquisition of a new muzzleloader. The world of muzzleloaders is anything but simple, and numerous considerations must be weighed to ensure optimal success around the hunting season.
Choosing the Right Powder for You
Choosing the right powder is an essential decision that directly impacts accuracy, power, and overall success. As you search to find the best powder for your muzzleloader, you’ll encounter two primary options: loose powder and pellets. Each has its own set of advantages and drawbacks.
One of the most significant advantages of using loose powder is the ability to customize your load precisely. You can experiment with various powder charges to find the perfect balance of power and accuracy for your specific muzzleloader and hunting conditions. It often offers consistent ignition, which can result in improved accuracy and reliability, especially in the December Iowa weather conditions. Additionally. loose powder can be used in a wide range of muzzleloader types, including traditional sidelock, in-line, and even some older models.
There are some disadvantages when it comes to using powder. Handling loose powder can be messy, requiring careful measurement and loading to avoid spillage. Loading loose powder also takes more time and effort than using pre-measured pellets, which can be a drawback in fast-paced hunting situations.
If you are looking for something that is more convenient, you might consider using manufactured powder pellets. Pellets are pre-measured, making them incredibly suitable for quick reloads, which can be a game-changer in the field. I can quickly reload with my quick-loads with pellets. They eliminate the need for measuring and pouring. However, the pre-measured nature of pellets means you have less flexibility to customize your load compared to loose powder. When compared to loose powder you will find some cases, where pellets may be more prone to ignition problems, particularly in damp conditions.
Ultimately, the choice between loose powder and pellets depends on your personal preferences, hunting style, and the specific muzzleloader you own. If you value precision and are willing to invest time in load development, loose powder might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you seek convenience and reliability in fast-paced hunting scenarios, pellets could be the way to go.
Find the Right Caliber
50 caliber muzzleloaders are widely popular and readily available. When looking for accessories, replacement parts, 50 caliber is the most readily available. They offer a good balance between power and versatility, making them popular for muzzleloader season in Iowa. All around, they offer solid performance. 45 caliber muzzleloaders are known for their manageable recoil and accuracy. They are often chosen for deer hunting, offering a good mix of power and precision. In Iowa, for deer, 45 caliber muzzloaders are more than enough to harvest deer. However, if you go to some western states, they might require larger calibers for hunting. 52 and 54 caliber muzzleloaders have become more popular over the last decade for their increased power. You can tailor the powder to get high velocities right out of the barrel with a heavy sabot.
Once you select the caliber, there are a plethora of options for sabots. You can buy Powerbelts, that have a plastic jacket built onto the bottom of the sabot. I used these when I was younger. They make it easier for youth to load and seat the sabot. Arguably you will get better results using a sabot paired with a plastic jacket. A lot of people prefer the separate sabot and jacket for optimal performance. You will want to shoot you muzzleloader and see how each combination patterns for your specific gun.
Make a Solid Shot
The rifling of barrels makes modern day in-line muzzloaders effective out to long distances. It’s not unheard of for hunters to shoot and harvest deer 200 yards away. Our shooting capabilities will often limit how far we can effectively and accurately shoot. To make the best shot possible, you should have some sort of anchor to steady yourself. This is especially important if you have to wait. The cold weather of December can zap your strength, so having some sort of support will help make a solid shot.
While walking, it’s easy for anyone to bump deer. It happens. When this happens, there are times where you will have to use your surroundings to make the best possible shot. Kneeling can provide stability while keeping you relatively low to the ground, minimizing your profile. Find a suitable spot, kneel down, and use your knee as a rest for your muzzleloader. This position is excellent for shots at moderate distances. You can also rest your firearm on a solid surface, like a tree trunk or a sturdy fence post, to stabilize your shot while in a standing position.
If you are using a blind and can use a rest, this will help you make the best solid shot. There are various types of gun rests and shooting sticks available on the market, each designed for different shooting scenarios and preferences. The best option for you depends on your shooting style, intended use, and personal preferences. Bipods and tripods provide stable platforms, are adjustable in height and easy to attach to the firearm. Monopods are lightweight and compact. You will probably find them easier to pack around than bipods and tripods, but may not offer as much stability as bipods or tripods. Shooting sticks are also versatile and lightweight. They can be adjusted for sitting, kneeling, or standing positions and are excellent for hunting in diverse terrain. However, they may not offer the same level of stability as bipods or tripods. Sandbags are stable and customizable rest for your firearm. They are versatile, but heavy. Additionally, there are a lot of variations of shooting vices. Some are compatible for treestands, others are made for blinds.
The best option depends on your shooting needs. For hunting, lightweight and versatile options like shooting sticks or bipods are often preferred. For precision shooting, tripod-mounted rests or vice rests may be more suitable. Consider factors like weight, adjustability, and ease of use when choosing the right gun rest or shooting stick for your needs. Additionally, testing different options to see which one suits your shooting style and preferences is a good practice before making a final decision.
As we gear up for another thrilling muzzleloader season, it’s crucial to have the right equipment. From selecting the perfect muzzleloader to choosing the ideal powder and sabots for your hunting, every decision plays a roll in your success.
Photo courtesy of Traditions® Performance Firearms
