Secrets of Modern Muzzleloading Review

I just finished watching the latest muzzleloading video by Randy Wakeman. As always, I'm impressed with his gun reviews. His testing methods use good common sense. The blowback tests once again are enlightening, as are the trigger pull tests. One small issue that wasn't covered that I would have liked to see was the actual lock up differences between the Optima and Encore. As I haven't actually seen an Encore disassembled close up, it would have been nice. Some may say that it's unfair to compare a $500 gun to a $200 gun, however CVA's ads do just that. I did get a peek later in the video at the .45 caliber barrel so that satisfied my personal curiosity. Overall, the gun reviews alone were worth the price of the video. I personally was amazed at the blowback on the Remington 700. And to think when I purchased my Extreme that I almost bought a Remington 700. It gives me the willies now how close I came to buying one.

The products reviews were very enlightening as well. The Black Ice coatings were well covered and possibly something I may do later on with my Extreme. I also enjoyed the piece on XS Sights Power Rod. I have one myself and feel it's the best ramrod for field use (I even use mine at the range for loading) bar none. It's really a quality product and is virtually unknown by many muzzleloading enthusiasts. The brief chronograph section where he discusses the merits of a chrono is good for those without a chrono. I purchased an F1 Shooting Chrony after viewing his last video. Well worth having for determining performance for specific loads in your gun. I liked his optics section with the scopes and rangefinders. Although I'm currently not in the market for a scope, his scope reviews are good information for those who are. I am however interested in a rangefinder. I found the information provided there invaluable. I'll keep it in mind when I decide to purchase one.

His section on bullets was informative. I'm pretty much settled in what I shoot, but for those who aren't it's definitely valuable. I'm certainly glad I'm not a deer after seeing the expanded bullets. He also made some good points on bullet weight and the differences in weight between different bullets. Weighing the bullets was good in illustrating that even with the same bullet, you will get variance in weights. That's certainly a factor in accuracy. The closer the bullets are to each other in weight, the less other factors there are to worry about.

Overall, I was impressed with the video. What I really enjoyed was his pouring water on the capped White 98 and firing the gun. I also was pleased to see him discussing working up loads. It wasn't the full coverage I would have liked, but I understand there were some time restraints there. I enjoyed his product reviews both guns and accessories and was glad to see him do chrono work again. I always enjoy his comparisons of guns regardless of brand. His videos are the only ones that do that. If you�re in the market for a new muzzleloader, muzzleloader/scope combo, or just want to see what's new this video's for you. It's a muzzleloading gun show in a box.

The price is $19.95. For dealer/purchasing info contact Randy Wakeman at randymagic@aol.com.

Patrick White
Perry, Illinois

Cool, thanks for the information. I'll have to check it out. I've never even fired a "modern" muzzleloader. I prefer the "older" variety. But I have chronographed some loads. And I can tell you the the published data (i.e....Sam Fadala's fine books and Lymans material) are pretty darn close to the data that I have. I may just have to try one (I need a new "toy" anyway).
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