Gents, I simply want to extend my hunting season and get into a black powder rifle immediately. I dont want the best rifle, I dont want all of the options, and I acknowledge that I dont have a lot of time to get learned up. What direction should I go? My requirements: a gun that will reliably take a deer out to 200 yrds (dont have too many shots more that that and), a gun/loading that i dont have to go to school to figure out (have never shot bp before), and a gun that is as close to basement price that will function. I can get into a nicer rifle later with more research if I want to.

So guys....Can you help? Look forward to the replies.

Surely someone has an opinion?

I would go with a cva inline and use powder dont use the pellets . The bullets I use are called dead center and are around 14.00 for 12 best bullets Ive ever used
feel free to call me on more info
ask for joe 972-762-5852

Where are you? I'm posting my bp for sale. It unfired. $200
Pm me if interested

Just like this one but percussion cap, not flint lock.
http://www.thegunsandgearstore.com/deerh...ck-p-16562.html

I bought cva optima at BP a few years ago when it was on sale and would recommend it. I bought the package that included a scope and rifle case which sells for ~$409+tax. I like the quick release breach plug. I do use the IMR white hot pellets (2) with Barnes spit-fire or Hornaday SST sabots in 284 or 250 grain respectively. This combo seems to group o.k. at 100 yrds and is easy to load. I took two does on a management draw hunt last year at about 75 yards and both hit the ground immediately.

CVA is a good way to go. To be honest 200 yards is pushing it for most muzzle loaders. By the time the bullet gets there the rainbow trajectory has really taken hold. Sure it can be done but expect to practice a lot before getting good with a ML at that range. It is also important to know the bullet drop at that range and to know the range to the target. 100 yards is a lot more practical range for a ML.

CVA or Traditions are both inexpensive yet accurate at 200 yards. I used a CVA in 2001 sighted in at 200 yards shooting 150 gr. Pyrodex pellets and 300gr Barnes X-press and took a bull elk at 154 yards with one shot! It held 1 1/2" groups at 200 yards.

Also had a Traditions that I used mostly for hogs, had it sighted at 100 yards and would shoot 100gr. or 150gr. 777 pellets and .245gr. Hornady sabot hollow points.

Both guns were inlines.

I'm now shooting a Knight Rifle which is a bit more expensive gun, fun to shoot and very accurate even out to 300 yards!

I have a .45-cal Traditions Lightning in all stainless and camo'd poly with all the ammo(sabots), powder, starters and tools you will need, including primers and primer seating/unseating tool. It also has new see-through rings for the silver Simmons variable scope. Only been fired about 7 times. Orange fiber optic "iron" sights. Letting the whole ball of wax go for $300.

I have Traditions and CVA rifles, bolt action and breakover, 45 and 50 cal. If you haven't purchased yet you should consider the breakovers, much easier to clean. The longer barrell rifles seem to be a little more accurate to me. I started out shooting Powerbelts but am now using sabots. In my 50 I use a 250 gr. TC Shockwave with two 50gr pellets. b

Thompson Center Impact, barnes TEZ 250 grain bullets and 120 grains (volume) of Blackhorn 209. Use refular shotgun primers. Will go 200.
gun on sale new $ 219.00. Shot my doe in the eye at 50 yds last year. Super groups and 2100 + fps

T/C Triumph Weathershield with Barnes Spitfire TMZ 250 grain and 150 grains of Pioneer Gold Pellets. Will do really good group of 3" or less at 200 yds. But it takes a pretty good rest for me but the ML is highly capable of the group. If you want a long range very accurate shooter then check into The Ultimate Muzzleloader but the sticker shock will be quite a bit.

CVA wolf.. great gun with all the features you really need for a very good price..

Ive had mine for 8 years and its a great shooter. Just get 2 50 grain pellets of pyrodex and a 250 grain sabot bullet and you are good to go!

Guys, thanks a lot for the feedback. After a little research I have a TC impact kit ( with scope) on hold at BPS for $299. I feel with my limited knowledge that is a hard price point to walk away from especially considering the TC name. Any reason you guys feel I shouldn't pull the trigger? Thanks

That's gonna be a good gun for you to start with!

Wont regret it. I think it is the best entry level .50 out there. Follow up w the Barnes TEZ .250's and the Blackhorn 209. Tack driver.

If you havent already, look up Blackhorn 209's website and look at their recommended charges. But, no matter what they say, i clean my barrel well after every shot! Finally, TC makes a clear plastic powder measure. Get one and i got a brass powder dispensor.

You wont be sorry, have fun

Also, look up the Impact on Chuck Hawks website (if you havent already).

Gents, I picked the gun up yesterday and am super excited. Now I have to decide on the bullet and loading. Seems to be a lot of options. I also need to decide on some accessories. I am definitely a guy that doesn't want to buy something unless I absolutely need it, so I will be somewhat minimalistic.

I would go with loose powder, I could not get powder pellets to group worth a heck.