Before anyone gets his knickers in a twist, let me say that I don't care what anyone else shoots. It's a big country and a free one, and we are accountable to no one for our legal choices. And there is certainly nothing inherently wrong about improving the muzzleloader, After all, we've been doing it for centuries.
Up to now I have been a pistol shooter, and as far as black powder is concerned, that is largely a traditional sport. The situation is exactly the opposite in rifle shooting, where in-liners dominate. Since I am thinking of entering the field, my question is--"why?"
It's easy to understand wanting a rifle like the one great-granpappy used to whup up on the bluebellies at Fredericksburg. I feel the urge even though I have no idea whether any of my ancestors fought there on either side Figuring out why I should buy an in-line is a bit harder. Here are some possible reasons:
1. The challenge of using a single-shot. That won't wash; there are single-shot breechloaders.
2. Because the propellant and/or ignition mechanism are traditional. Nope, the propellant is rarely black powder and the igniter is usually a modern shotshell primer--or even electric.
3. The challenge of using a weapon with a higher trajectory and shorter range. Naw, I could get a .44-40 lever action.
4. There is just something romantic about loading from the muzzle, like great-granpappy did, even if nothing else is the same. But I could pull the bullet from a rifle cartridge, chamber the case, and push the bullet down the spout, and--voila!--I have a muzzleloader. (This was common among target shooters prior to World War I.) The fact that smokeless powder is used is no objection; there are smokeless muzzleloaders.
5. They are more efficient, effective weapons than, say, an 1853 Enfield. Absolutely. So is a Remington 700.
The fact that muzzleloaders are overwhelmingly in-line means that a lot of people have found a reason. So, fellas, help me out. Why should I join you and not the traditionalists?
Cal
c
Up to now I have been a pistol shooter, and as far as black powder is concerned, that is largely a traditional sport. The situation is exactly the opposite in rifle shooting, where in-liners dominate. Since I am thinking of entering the field, my question is--"why?"
It's easy to understand wanting a rifle like the one great-granpappy used to whup up on the bluebellies at Fredericksburg. I feel the urge even though I have no idea whether any of my ancestors fought there on either side Figuring out why I should buy an in-line is a bit harder. Here are some possible reasons:
1. The challenge of using a single-shot. That won't wash; there are single-shot breechloaders.
2. Because the propellant and/or ignition mechanism are traditional. Nope, the propellant is rarely black powder and the igniter is usually a modern shotshell primer--or even electric.
3. The challenge of using a weapon with a higher trajectory and shorter range. Naw, I could get a .44-40 lever action.
4. There is just something romantic about loading from the muzzle, like great-granpappy did, even if nothing else is the same. But I could pull the bullet from a rifle cartridge, chamber the case, and push the bullet down the spout, and--voila!--I have a muzzleloader. (This was common among target shooters prior to World War I.) The fact that smokeless powder is used is no objection; there are smokeless muzzleloaders.
5. They are more efficient, effective weapons than, say, an 1853 Enfield. Absolutely. So is a Remington 700.
The fact that muzzleloaders are overwhelmingly in-line means that a lot of people have found a reason. So, fellas, help me out. Why should I join you and not the traditionalists?
Cal
c