Muzzleloader guys, need input on Traditions Buckstalker?

[firemedic2105]

I've been debating on a muzzleloader as another option for hunting and saw that BPS has the Traditions Buckstalker in their new sale ad. I've read a lot of reviews on a lot of different rifles, including this one, but I wanted to see if anyone on the GS has any real world, unfiltered input on it. Thanks guys

[Lungbustr]

If I had it to do over Id skip all the b.s. and just get a savage 10 ml2. It uses smokeless powder and is way more accurate and you dont have all the cleaning headache.

[Bowhuntamistad]

If I had it to do over Id skip all the b.s. and just get a savage 10 ml2. It uses smokeless powder and is way more accurate and you dont have all the cleaning headache.

But will be illegal to use in case you ever choose to hunt in another state's ML season.


Which would leave you looking for another ML, again.

[Lungbustr]

Thats a consideration, some states wont allow scopes, some wont allow inlines. I would just base my choice where it is going to be used most, here in Texas.

[rberg]

If you have a NEF shotgun or rifle send it in and have it fitted with a muzzleloader barrel.
Or they have a muzzleloader (Huntsman) that you can have a shotgun barrel fitted to later.

[jenningsshuter]

I have a CVA Wolf that performs well. It opens at the breech and has an easily removable breech plug. If memory serves, the Buckstalker does the same. Makes all the difference in the world on cleanup. I know there are higher dollar muzzleloaders out there, but they tend to be geared toward long distance shooting. For the money, as long as you shoot a good powder/bullet combination, you're probably on the right track.

[Oliedog]

I have that very some muzzleloader...it shoots great. I have it topped off with a Nikon BDC scope and I am very accurate out to 250yrds easy. The breach plug comes easy out the back after you break it.

[Razorback01]

I have two Traditions, one is the Thunderbolt- inline bolt action, and an older sidelock. No problems with either. The inline with the 1-48 twist doesn't like the PowerBelt bullets. I load my inline with two 50gn pellets. it has a scope for muzzleloaders, it's a Bushnell, I'm good at the range out to 100yds.

A Traditions is going to be a little cheaper on the hardware, fit-finish may not be as good but comparing the Traditions vs. Thompson (etc) IMO are like comparing a caddy with a neon, the neon will still get you to point b, a lot cheaper. Save the money for the tackle box of accessories you will need to also purchase.

[firemedic2105]

I have a CVA Wolf that performs well. It opens at the breech and has an easily removable breech plug. If memory serves, the Buckstalker does the same. Makes all the difference in the world on cleanup. I know there are higher dollar muzzleloaders out there, but they tend to be geared toward long distance shooting. For the money, as long as you shoot a good powder/bullet combination, you're probably on the right track.

The CVA Wolf is one of the others that I have been looking at, I will look at it some more also.

I have two Traditions, one is the Thunderbolt- inline bolt action, and an older sidelock. No problems with either. The inline with the 1-48 twist doesn't like the PowerBelt bullets. I load my inline with two 50gn pellets. it has a scope for muzzleloaders, it's a Bushnell, I'm good at the range out to 100yds.

A Traditions is going to be a little cheaper on the hardware, fit-finish may not be as good but comparing the Traditions vs. Thompson (etc) IMO are like comparing a caddy with a neon, the neon will still get you to point b, a lot cheaper. Save the money for the tackle box of accessories you will need to also purchase.

That's something else, what are some of the "must haves" to start with a muzzle loader? I've seen the ready kits, but I've also read that it's better to buy the stuff separately so that you get the right stuff, so I just want to make sure I get the right stuff

[TMiddleton]

muzzleloader basic supplies

Just quickly thinking about it this is what I came up with for must haves. The bullet and primer combo is just what my guns shoot well and are a lot more affordable to shoot than Powerbelts. You will get a bunch of opinions on bullets/primer/powder combo's, but this works for me:

Remington STS 209 Primers
Hornady XTP 44 cal 240 Gr HP
Harvester Crush Rib Sabot 50 caliber
Triple 7 Pellets ( I shoot 80 gr of powder. 1- 50gr and 1-30 grain)
Bullet Starter
Pink Teflon tape. (I don't use grease on my Breech plug. Too messy)
50 cal bore brush
2" patches
Foaming bore cleaner (You can use just water)
gun oil
For quick cleaning at the range I use: CVA Quick Clean Patches
CVA Rust Prevent Patches but you can use your regular gun oil.

I think this would be what you need to get started