I am inexpirenced somewhat to muzzleloading. While I have shot them a bit, I am kinda ignorant when it comes to the newer stuff. I was curious if some of you could enlighten me.

I have an older CVA in-line. I cannot find a 209 primer conversion for but I do have a Musket cap conversion.

I know the reason for the 209 primers (hotter right?) But on the scale are the Musket caps gonna reliably ignite T7 pellets.

I have always shot black powder but want to try the newer stuff. I am assuming the newer stuff is cleaner and provides more velocity.

Also what sabot or bullet do you guys recommend for Elk. I was leaning towards a partition or some bonded bullet, if I could find partitions.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

For a little more than what a 209 primer conversion would cost (if one could even be found for your rifle) you could buy one of the newer 209 primer inline rifles that are on closeout all over the place. I have seen more that one at less than $100. That would not only allow you to shoot T7 but would also allow you to shoot the new Blackhorn 209 which must be ignited with a standard 209 shotgun primer. BH209 is so much cleaner that all the rest it is not even in the same ballpark. Velocity is also up for the same maximum pressure levels. Keep your old rifle for Pyrodex and the easier to ignite dirtier substitute and standard blackpowders.

"Black Mag'3 has been around for a while. It has been on and off the market with small improvements made each time. Powder works well in most rifles and is easy to ignite with even #11 percussion caps in sidelock rifles."

Here's a quote from a later posting. May want to give BlackMag3 a try. Sounds like it's made for your rifle.

I have decided on buying a new muzzleloader. I found some good prices on a NEF sidekick break open 50 cal with 209 ignition.

I also think will try it with some t7 pellets and some 260 Nosler Partions and see what happens.

Just not sure if I want T7 magnum or T7.

Pellets definitely work best with 209 ignition. They will work with musket caps but all the issues you hear about pellets in cold and damp weather is usually attributed to #11 or musket caps. I've never had a misfire with a 209 but can't say the same with #11 and musket caps.

Give a 250 grain SST or Bonded SST a try. I've killed plenty of moose and elk with them.

Hey Earl
Lets hear a report on that load you are working on in your NEF.............................

Earl: If you got the NEF you might be interested to know that the new Blackhorn 209 powder does not work well in that rifle so don't be tempted to buy that expensive powder. It is great when it works but your rifle will not like it based on others experience with it. You might also want to get in touch with HubbardOutdoors and order the replacement ramrod which is worlds better than the original wimpy one. It extends longer is much stronger and has a relieved tip for pointed bullets and the correct threads for adding accessory brushes etc. The original is pretty much a joke. If you do not exchange it never try to seat a bullet with the rod extended. Seat it with the rod compacted and when it will not go any further then extend the rod to finish the seating or you will likely break the original rod.

Keith
What powder/bullet/loads work well in the NEF's?

I tend to shoot lighter loads than most due to the fact that I try to limit my shots to 100 yards or less and I do not like recoil. I also shoot 300gr. sabot style bullets so about 80gr. of Black Mag'3 or Pyrodex P works just fine. The barrels are usually Green Mountain manufacture so they will shoot very well.

Haven't had the time or $$$ money yet to make the purchase. It has been 100+ degrees here the past month and that is way to hot for me to go shooting. I hope to make the purchase in August and start working up some loads.

I had heard about the poor ramrod and will order a good one for it. Thanks for the recommendation.

My hunt is not until mid November so I have time.

I think I am going with T7 pellets. The magnum is little harder to find right now.

I will keep you posted.

I understand the temperature problem. I am in Mesa. I still recommend that you look around before deciding on the NEF. I have one I bought used cheap but by the time I got it set up the way I wanted it (stock with rise for scope mount, new ramrod, .25ACP breechplug conversion and scope bases and scope I have some real money in it). Just found a CVA Optima Elite in stainless with camo stock with both a .50 ML barrel and a .270 barrel that looks unfired on a gun rack used for $350 out the door. Not a big fan of CVA but since they went to the Bergara barrel I couldn't pass this one up. I also love the .270 as a CF caliber. This one will likely also shoot the BH209 powder that Sportsmans Warehouse has on the shelf now in Mesa. The NEF has problems with the new powder.

Earl: If you want to talk about local stuff, contact me at klewisinc@msn.com. I did not get drawn for Elk this year or last as far as that goes but have harvested elk in 6A before. I used to have a house in Strawberry.

I am not totally sold on the NEF. I like the break open design and want to stay with that. I am also on a budget and want to stay under $250 for the gun. I have a scope already for it so I would just need the base and rings for whatever I buy.

I have just an old steel tube Weaver 2.5 power scope for it. Which will work great for a ML.

I saw some Remington's (break open). I do not remember the model a while back on sale somewhere for around $250. Not sure where I saw them. I think it was Jerry's sporting goods back east.

Hubbards also makes a real breachplug for the NEF that will make it work with anything.

don't think so (Hubbards). He made a couple then said they were too expensive and time-consuming to make a lot of them.