Black Powder Ignition. What's Going On in There?
When the firing pin strikes the percussion cap mounted on the nipple, the primer mix inside the cap ignites to create a small flame. The flame is then directed through a flash channel on the inside of the nipple and into the breech, thus igniting the main black powder charge. The hot burning gasses sealed behind the bullet exert enormous pressures to propel it through the barrel.
Effective Ranges.
Certainly, muzzleloaders will never achieve the distances and velocity reached with today's center fire rifles. However, at typical hunting distances of 50, 75 and even beyond 100 yards, the Remington Model 700 ML and MLS Muzzleloaders can achieve remarkable accuracy -- with more than enough power to bring down tough big game. Antelope, deer, elk, moose, even bear can be taken with a muzzleloader. The same overriding principles apply as hunting with a center fire: match the gun and load to the game, and shoot only when you can make a clean kill.
At typical distances, the Model 700 Muzzleloader is capable of accuracy rivaling many center fire rifles.
Which Caliber?
For as long as muzzleloading has existed, so have discussions concerning which caliber rifle is best for which type of hunting. Of course, like any gun, a muzzleloader should be selected based on the type of game you're hunting and the conditions you hunt in. Below is a brief look at common muzzleloading calibers and their most popular uses.
MUZZLELOADING CALIBERS COMPARED
.36 A light black powder rifle primarily used for small game like rabbits and squirrels.
.45 Used most often for deer and smaller game.
.50 Probably the most popular caliber for muzzleloading hunters. Favored for its versatility in effectively taking both medium and large game such as antelope, whitetail deer, mule deer and perhaps elk.
.54 An ideal choice for western hunters who prefer the additional striking energy to bring down big game like mule deer, elk, moose and bear.
Answering The Question of Safety
Muzzleloaders are, well, loaded from the muzzle. And when you're dealing with the business end of any firearm, the question of safety is sure to be a big one. Are muzzleloaders less safe than breechloaders? The answer is no. Do they require more effort to load? Yes. As with any firearm, loading is largely a matter of careful practice and common sense. Because the loading procedure for a muzzleloader includes a number of unique steps, it does require practice. But if you think back to your days in Hunter Safety, so did learning to load your center fire.
Always be a safe Hunter!
