I am going to try to draw for a New Mexico muzzleloader elk permit in 2010. I know nothing about muzzleloaders and need some suggestions. I will probably go with an inline of some type and would like to keep it at $500 or so for the rifle.Any suggestions to point me in the right direction?

Geez that is kinda like asking what rifle to buy for elk!

I've never hunted an elk but a search of this forum seems to suggest that many like something in 54 caliber. Of course the main thing is just buy something and start shooting it a lot....

I don't much about inlines, but I would suggest a .54 cal for elk also. What are the rules for ml's in NM?

Forget the .54 caliber unless you are going with a round ball traditional rifle. Any .50 cal inline will do just fine for elk. I have shot four so far with a .50 (some with powerbelts, others with sabot/300gr. bullets). As far as inlines, you can go with one of the most expensive (there are some custom rifles at over $1500) T/C Encore which is around $600 plus accessories and scope, or you can pick a T/C Omega or Triumph for a lot less (keep in mind that many of the T/C inline rifles will not shoot full bore conical bullets with any confidence). Personally I would select a CVA Accura as they are now coming with a Bergara barrel which is a very high quality barrel although coming out of Spain. It is definately as good as the best barrels made in USA. The Accura will shoot the new Blackhorn 209 powder which some rifles will not. The other options are Knight rifles which are great but the company is out of business at this time. Take a look at the Accura!!! I have several rifles and do not have an Accura but if I were starting over and only wanted a muzzleloader for a hunt with the least expense to get the most for the money I would select the Accura. Reports from owners are all super. As recommended, check the rules in NM if that is where you are going to hunt. Any other states that might be on your list should be checked also as some rifles are not legal in some states.

Restricted Muzzleloader (for certain deer hunts)

Any muzzle-loading rifle (including a smoothbore flintlock or musket)
using open sights in which the charge and projectile are loaded
through the muzzle. Only black powder, Pyrodex, or an equivalent
substitute may be used. In-line ignition, pelleted powder, sabots,
belted bullets, multiple projectiles and scopes are illegal

Muzzleloader Firearm

Include rifles and shotguns in which the charge and projectile
are loaded through the muzzle. Only black powder, Pyrodex,
or an equivalent substitute may be used. Legal muzzleloading
shotguns are those capable of being fired from the shoulder only.
Muzzleloaders may use in-line ignition, pelleted powder, sabots,
belted bullets, and scopes

http://www.wildlife.state.nm.u...rib/2008/BigGame.pdf

I went and read the rules and as best as I can figure it the limitation for no inline rifles ("restricted muzzleloader")is only for special deer hunts not elk. The normal "muzzleloader" definition that includes inlines is what fits in the elk hunts.

Thanks everyone. I am taking a hard look at an Accura and even found them on sale. With any luck I can see how it performs on some Texas whitetails and hogs. Since I am new to this I'm sure there will be many more questions. Thanks again

quote:

Originally posted by razor1:
Thanks everyone. I am taking a hard look at an Accura and even found them on sale. With any luck I can see how it performs on some Texas whitetails and hogs. Since I am new to this I'm sure there will be many more questions. Thanks again

Where on sale???? I don't have one yet either.

There is a guy who posts on here sometimes that has an Accura for sale on another forum. Send Underclocked a pm...

This one. $325 plus shipping - US only. Minty - excellent accuracy - includes bases but not rings and scope. Selling it because I have another Accura and just got this - http://www.sunrisearchery.com/Apex.htm

Thanks Doubless!

I think I saw it at Bass Pro or Cabelas. Can't remember which one.

The one from UC will be a good one also. He takes very good care of his stuff from what I know. I would buy this one but just don't have the money at this time.

I can't get my .50 T/C Encore to shoot anything reasonbly well except sabots. I got it to shoot elk in CO which does not allow sabots. Anybody got any suggestions?

Lee REAL's???

Relative to the T/C Encore. Some have had the QLA removed with good results shooting conicals. I am not sure I would go that far, but I understand some QLA machining was not good causing conicals to not shoot well. You might try a wad between the powder and the conical bullet of choice. I would pick something like a No Excuses bullet that fits the state requirements. Personally I would not pick a T/C rifle to shoot conicals. (before I get all the reports of guys that say they can shoot conicals in their T/C I will just say some T/C rifles will not shoot conicals as well as many other rifles but there are exceptions and if you have one that will feel lucky). If you have not tried them try the Thor bullet.

I know I am ignorant but what is QLA?

That is T/C's description of the relieved rifling at the end for easy loading. "Quick Loading Accurizer" thus QLA. Some were apparently machined off center and they also have a deeper one than most of the other rifles that use a relieved muzzle to help start bullets. I think the extra depth is a problem as well as being off center (more time for the bullet to be leaving the bore with less rifling contact and gas blowing by the bullet thus causing the bullet to be unstable. (just my theory) If you can check the muzzle after shooting and see if the gas residue marks are even at the muzzle. If one side has more than the other it is definately off center.

Can I send my barrel to Briley or somewhere and let them cut the barrel off and recrown it?

Get a GPR caplock in .54 - done deal - best for the money on the market and use round balls, they kill elk more effectively than bullets do.

I agree!

quote:

Originally posted by Daryl S.:
Get a GPR caplock in .54 - done deal - best for the money on the marker and use round balls.

Why limit yourself with a small-bore inline?
The .54 with roundball is a ripper with a proper charge of black powder.
Mine was super accurate (cloverleaf) at 75 yards with 110gr and very flat shooting.
I handed it off to a friend as a gift this holiday season.
It allows you to hunt both seasons too!



Cheers
Tinker

quote:

GPR

What is a GPR? (ignorant again)

Lyman Great Plains Rifle

this image from Lyman website
you can get it as a caplock too

quote:

From Lyman Website:
Originally designed and built by such famous makers as Hawken, Gemmer and Demick, Great Plains rifles were the best and most reliable designs and finest workmanship available. No other factory assembled rifle or kit offers the authentic style and design of Lyman's Great Plains Rifle. This classic muzzleloader offers such high quality features as a 32" barrel with 1 in 60" twist for patched ball and hunting loads, double set triggers, Hawken style percussion "snail" with clean out screw, separate ramrod entry thimble and nose cap, and reliable coil spring lock with correct lock plate. Available in .50 and .54 caliber flint or percussion. Factory assembled or kit form.
54 Cal. Percussion $674.95

Cheers
Tinker