BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[Bullbuster]

I picked up a .50 inline thats never been shot. I put a 2.5-8x40 scope on it. Being it has never been shot. What would ya'll recomend a scope/gun zero distance? I need to work loads for it but wanna have a base zero first. I have some 250g cheep shot sabots for it currently. I was thinking 50g powder and a target at 15y. Once I'm on then move out to 50y re-zero and again at 100y for my final zero. Then actually work loads and modify zero as needed. This is my first time doing a M/L scope zero. My others are open site and I plan to keep them that way.

[Old Professor]

I would start with 90 to 100 gr of Pyrodex or Triple Seven, either pellets or loose powder and a 250 gr bullet. Start at 25 yds. If you adjust sight to be dead on at 25 yds, you should be a couple inches high at 100 yds. I do not know how far you intend to shoot but that sight in is good to 150 yds. if you increase to 130 to 150 grs of powder, you would be good for 200 yds.
I would reccomend a book by Toby Bridges, titled: Muzzleloader Hunting: Then and Know. Published by Woods N' Water, Inc. PO Box 550, Florida , New York 10921

[Bullbuster]

I've read a majority of that. Good read. I'm looking at a 100y zero and also plan to have that as my comfert distance.

[Sage of the Sage]

I'm not that familiar with the newer models of muzzle loaders, I shoot a .50 cal Hawken. Everything I've hear/read about starting out w/ a new BP rifle is start by using the same number of grains as the calibur of the gun, then work your way up. Various models will shoot differently. The same is true with ammo. I generally use 275grn conical bullets lubed w/ bore butter w/ 80grns of pyrodex. At 90grns my accuracy gets wonky. When using a ball and patch, the most powder I can use and still keep my groups tight is 70. I use open sights too and generally don't shoot much farther than 50yds, but my conical bullets do ok at 100yds.

[Bullbuster]

Hope to hit the range this weekend. Will see how it turnes out.