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Muzzle loader or Rifle
#7197611
06/14/18 05:01 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 693
JTS
OP
Tracker
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 693 |
I have the oportunity to hunt bull elk in NM unit 36 with an outfitter. I can choose muzzle loader Oct 6-10 or rifle October 13-17. I don't own a muzzle loader nor have I shot one. I know I have time to get one and become proficint with it.
My question for you guys is which hunt would you choose and why?
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7197614
06/14/18 05:04 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,946
ChadTRG42
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Muzzle loader season is usually less crowded, and may increased your chances. Plus, we've seen good bugling late Sept, so they should be able to be called in. I'd lean towards muzzle loader. But, there's lots of factors to consider.
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7197632
06/14/18 05:16 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,586
ckat
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For 36, I would choose muzzleloader for sure. Should fall in the tail end of the rut. 36 has a pretty limited draw, so it won't be that crowded for the most part. Lots of good elk country, but some of it is thick and tough to hunt.
As for a muzzleloader, I prefer a non-break action with an enclosed ignition area that uses 209 primers. My dad and I each use T/C Omegas. Both shoot MOA or better 3-shot groups at 100 yards... No, that is not a typo - they shoot that good. Good chance for showers in 36 that time of year, so keeping your powder/primers dry is important.
Good luck on a great opportunity for a MONSTER bull!!!
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#7197669
06/14/18 05:45 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872
GLC
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872 |
Muzzle loader season is usually less crowded, and may increased your chances. Plus, we've seen good bugling late Sept, so they should be able to be called in. I'd lean towards muzzle loader. But, there's lots of factors to consider. Totally agree but you will be limiting your range with a muzzle loader. Do a lot of "closing the distance" or "hunting in a crowd"?
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7197828
06/14/18 08:40 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3,091
Always ready 2 hunt
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3,091 |
I don't like crowds, muzzle loader is the way I'd go. Today's muzzle loader firearms are accurate and good range.
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7197847
06/14/18 09:02 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,506
syncerus
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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I own a TC Triumph and know jack about muzzleloading, and can still shoot right about MOA at 100 yards. Buy a modern muzzleloader and give yourself time for a few range sessions to make sure your rifle likes your selected load. It's not rocket surgery these days.
NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7197908
06/14/18 10:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,838
Adchunts
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I would opt for muzzleloader. I have every confidence in my muzzleloader up to 200 yards. Acquire a good in-line model and put bullets downrange until you are confident. There have been many occasions I took my front-stuffer hunting during modern gun season. As noted above, modern ML rifles are a far cry from the old patch-and-ball era.
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7198137
06/15/18 02:01 AM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,833
sparrish8
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I have the oportunity to hunt bull elk in NM unit 36 with an outfitter. I can choose muzzle loader Oct 6-10 or rifle October 13-17. I don't own a muzzle loader nor have I shot one. I know I have time to get one and become proficint with it.
My question for you guys is which hunt would you choose and why? Ive done both hunts in the Gila not too far from their, they both have their benefits usually at that time for ML the rut is winding down so theirs not as much bugling as sept. so they dont come to the bugles as easy but their still with the cows so you have alot of eyes to contend wirh and its hot still, in NM you can use the ultimate ML which i had a friend kill a 5x5 at 625 yds (not.normal but 300-400 us easily attainable.with practice), 1st rifle.its starting to cool.down normally and big bulls are breaking away from the cows so your working more off sight and no bugling, that being said if their not with the cows any longer their easier to sneak in on but harder to spot. My guide prefers the late ML in Nov. Which some units offer because its getting cold so the big bulls are up feeding during the day and easy to sneak in on. So i guess what im saying is theirs alot of.opinions and it really.depend swhat you want to do. With a rifle you generally get more accuracy and longer range so it has the highest kill% so on a good trophy unit like that i would prefer the highest chance to kill a muy grande.
Last edited by sparrish8; 06/15/18 02:02 AM.
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7198715
06/15/18 06:39 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,114
Flashprism
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Done both and opinions expressed are accurate. Muzzle loader is usually less pressured and ahead of rifle so more options available. However I have regretted using my muzzle loader with some really nice bulls outside my practical range.
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7198764
06/15/18 07:25 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,795
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,795 |
I would go with the rifle, hunting that area is hard work, add in the expense of the hunt I would want the ultimate chances for success. Be in the best physical shape you can before you get there, and get there a few days early so you can acclimate yourself to the high altitude.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7198822
06/15/18 08:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,972
Team Hillbilly
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
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Posts: 7,972 |
Be sure to check local laws before buying a inline muzzle loader some state require flint locks or traditional muzzle loaders. And don't forget your camera
Team Hillbilly I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left. Paralyzed Veterans of America
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7199005
06/16/18 12:18 AM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 792
MClark
Tracker
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Tracker
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I would say Rifle because of your statement "I don't own a muzzle loader nor have I shot one." Since you are spending lot of money, time and a limited opportunities I suggest you use what you are familiar with.
M
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7199036
06/16/18 01:03 AM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,657
colt45-90
Texas colt45
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Texas colt45
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,657 |
I realize its added expense, get the muzzle loader, practice, practice and practice, THEN decide which one you think you are okay with, jmo
hold on Newt, we got a runaway
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: Team Hillbilly]
#7199740
06/16/18 11:56 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,586
ckat
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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Posts: 1,586 |
Be sure to check local laws before buying a inline muzzle loader some state require flint locks or traditional muzzle loaders. And don't forget your camera Inlines are approved for 36, as well as scopes.
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7201990
06/19/18 03:24 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 693
JTS
OP
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Posts: 693 |
Thanks for all the help guys,
I made the choice to do muzzleloader. I ordered a Knight Ultra-Light and all accessories and several bullets to try. I have a shooting range set up at my farm which is about 15 minutes from my house. I'll get out there and practice a bunch over the summer.
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Re: Muzzle loader or Rifle
[Re: JTS]
#7202003
06/19/18 03:35 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,455
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,455 |
Thanks for all the help guys,
I made the choice to do muzzleloader. I ordered a Knight Ultra-Light and all accessories and several bullets to try. I have a shooting range set up at my farm which is about 15 minutes from my house. I'll get out there and practice a bunch over the summer. Push your range at the farm. That way you are a 100 confident. Great tag! Good luck.
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