Muzzleloader vs. Shotgun

Lately I've been shooting my 20 gauge rifled Remington for our gun seasons in IL (too many of them) anyways, yesterday I shot a T/C muzzle loader for the first time, I liked it shooting it except for the smoke.. Anyways I know many states now have muzzleloader only season and I feel as if it wouldnt be a bad investment to purchase one. Who prefers what?

 

bowhunting forum?

 

This is the right place for it since its the Whitetail deer hunting section. I prefer muzzleloader since I can shoot my late season muzzy tag with bow or gun lol. I have both types of guns tho.

 

The tab im posting under can cover more than just bowhunting cant it?

 

I prefer my encore muzzleloader over the rifle sometimes and it is nice to use the same gun for more than one season...the shotgun route may be good for multiple shots and close range but the newer muzzleloaders with the newer propellants and sabots have a better range these days...I wouldn't hesitate to take a 175 yard shot and even shoot out past 200 - 250 yds...you can also find nearly smokeless propellants -for a higher price.

 

I'm a huge ML fan, my rifled barrel Mossberg 500 12 gauge doesn't get touched anymore for deer. Now I rarely gun hunt for whitetails here in IN but when I do it's all ML! I use a T/C Impact, very affordable, VERY accurate and deadly.

 

Complain much?

 

I'm really in the same boat as you.

I'm hearing so much about the new cva accura v2. Sounds like it beats out the TC guns in nearly every category.

That's probably what I'll buy...

 

Ive heard alot of good things about the CVAs also. I guess they have stainless on the outside and inside of the barrels for more corrosion protection and I think both shotgun and muzzleloader are both more of a respectable weapon than a cartridge rifle. To me, beaming a doe at 400 yards with a 7mm mag is pussy but thats coming from a sole bow hunter. If I used any sort of gun then it would be a muzzleloader or shotgun. Its probably nice to have both just in case you get anxious to shotgun hunt again.

 

Totally the way to go....IMO

 

Yes ... just ignore the haters

 

In Indiana we have a late muzzleloader season, and a "firearms" season, which muzzleloaders apply. Therefore, it would be cost effective. Also, with some of your high end MLs, a 200 yard shot can be achieved. I've never had the need for that kind of shot but I guess I could find somewhere around me it applied.
I do have a really nice Marlin 512 bolt action shotgun that can take care of anything up to 150 yards, but I would be weary of that shot over one with a nice ML.

With todays propellents and bullets, the ML has rather outdone the shotgun IMO. However, I may still get the shotgun out for old times sake.

 

Yes it can.

The only ML I have a lot of experience with is my T/C Encore. Got it not long after they came out and have killed a lot of animals with it. I don't live in an area that I have to shotgun hunt in, but if I did, I would use the ML over the shotgun any day.

How much are you looking to spend on a ML?

 

Probably a good idea to have both. If I'm not mistaken, you can only use a shotgun for the first firearm season in IL. Second shotgun season is also the first muzzleloader season, then you get the second muzzleloader season about a week later. Gives you a reason to have another gun!

 

Actually no not much. asking the question does not make me a hater or a complainer. It was just to ask if this is the right forum for gun questions.. Other people have posted it is ok in a respectful manor maybe you could have done the same.

 

Well in the ball park of $400 with or without it being scoped.

 

In my experience the ML is cheaper to shoot and more accurate. But on the downside it is a higher maintenance weapon. You can shoot the shotgun and clean it a few days later and it will be fine. If you try that with a ML you may ruin it.

 

ML all the way....I have never been a big fan of slug guns as the always felt like a shot gun to me...pointing and not aiming. I have TC Triumph, its a tack driver with two pellets and a 250 TC Shockwave sabot. ML's have come a long way in the ease of use and cleaning department to....not like they used to be. Do a little research before you buy it and pick something that suits you.
Good Luck.

 

make sure its legal to use in your state. There are alot of states with some so pretty elaborate definitions on muzzle loader. Check on the sights too some states do not even alow night sights they require true iron sights and a sealed breach. All in all i love my ML and do not use my shot gun for deer any more

 

My wife says that I have to many bows and guns? What is up with that thinking? My Remington 11-87, with a Hastings rifled barrel is wicked accurate out to 175 yards. With either a Knight MK85 or a T/C Omega, 250 yards is very do-able for me.