Woodcutter,

Thanks for the input. I currently have 7 Remington 700's in various centerfire calibers, all of which I am perfectly happy with.

Does the 700 MLS use anything to hold the primer ie. a disk or primer holder like the Knight and others? Or, does the primer get held in place by the bolt?

Here is the article reviewing the 700 MLS that speaks of the blow-by of powder. For what its worth.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/remington700MLS.htm

Thanks again.

JumperPlains,

The conversion kit instructions says to remove the plastic shroud while using they 209 primers. I would imagine it is because of the blow back that the poor nipple design allows.

The 700 ML 209 nipples are a terrible design, they don't seal out the elements and they allow too much gas to escape which results in misfires and residue all over the scope and mounts.

While using the Musket Caps and #11 primers the rifle works much better and the Weather Shroud can also be used while using those two methods of ignition. I certainly wouldn't use 777 pellets while using #11s or Muskets caps but, Pyro pellets, Pyro powder, and 777 powder work great.

If you want the advantages of 209 ignition and Weather Proof ability, I would definitely go w/ a Savage, T/C, or a Knight rifle.

Good Luck!

Reloader

Interesting article. I have been using the Remington 700 ML since they came out on the market. I have never noticed any blow back of any kind and I have experimented with #11s, musket caps and 209 primers. They utilize a plastic shroud which fits on the end of the bolt and covers the nipple and cap. Smoke is directed out the side through a small hole. I don't recall ever reading anything from Remington about not using the shroud when repeat firing with 209 primers, but as mentioned I never noticed any blow back either. I agree that the idea of using a dime and a vice to dissamble the bolt is ridiculous. Remington did come out with a bolt dissambley tool, however, it does not seem to work (or maybe I am mechanically disadvantaged). The fact that the front screw on the trigger guard requires a different allen wrench is also annoying. I replaced the hex nut that holds the bolt in place almost immediately after buying the rifle...not because of any problems but because I wanted something I could remove with my fingers.

The cap fits on the end of the nipple and is held in place by friction. I had a problem with some caps falling off with the original nipple, however, I solved this when I replaced it (I can't remember what I replaced it with, a "Hot Shot" I believe).

My son has an older model Knight Wolverine. I actually prefer this rifle. It comes apart easier for cleaning and is much more accurate. It is more compact and I think it is a bit lighter.

A new muzzleloader isn't in the budget but if it was I would probably go with something different, the main reason being the manner in which the bolt has to be dissambled.