Learning to hunt using black powder

[plipscom@kent.edu]

Im fairly new to hunting and have only gotten one deer with a centerfire rifle (in 2021) and I'd like to take advantage of PA's muzzleloading season and flintlock season after Christmas but really don't know where to start. I've been researching and looking and could use some pointers, or a mentor.

What is a good rifle to get as a beginner in muzzleloading? What powder to get? Where's the place to get supplies in SC PA?

[rkrcpa]

Take a ride out to Kempton and talk to the people at Dixon's

[USMC3531]

Imo look at the pa pellet rifle and use pyrodex, real black powder is harder to come by. If you do facebook there are some good muzzleloading group on there Pa flintlock hunter

[LeftyDave]

Imo look at the pa pellet rifle and use pyrodex, real black powder is harder to come by. If you do facebook there are some good muzzleloading group on there Pa flintlock hunter

Black powder might be slightly more difficult to find, but don't waste your time with anything else in a flinter. The flashpoint of BP is much lower than pyrodex or any of the other substitutes. It's a lot easier to ignite and will prevent many ignition issues while using a flintlock.

[USMC3531]

Black powder might be slightly more difficult to find, but don't waste your time with anything else in a flinter. The flashpoint of BP is much lower than pyrodex or any of the other substitutes. It's a lot easier to ignite and will prevent many ignition issues while using a flintlock.

You know the rifle i sugested is designed for pyrdoex.

[LeftyDave]

Yes, I am aware they're all technically "designed" and can safely handle pyrodex but they're still flintlocks. I would highly recommend to just stick with BP - but that's my opinion. Thanks and be well.

[LeftyDave]

P.S. The PA rifle is a great starter rifle for anyone.

[heatheroo]

You know the rifle i sugested is designed for pyrdoex.

You suggested a pellet type ML. Assuming the OP wants to hunt the late season, he needs a flintlock. What do you prime a pellet loaded flinter with? Pyrodex is extremely unreliable as a priming powder, so at a minimum, he’ll need BP for his priming. Might as well just use BP all around (FFFg works well as a prime and main charge). The new Goex isnt available yet but Swiss and Schuetzen is plentiful.

[USMC3531]

You suggested a pellet type ML. Assuming the OP wants to hunt the late season, he needs a flintlock. What do you prime a pellet loaded flinter with? Pyrodex is extremely unreliable as a priming powder, so at a minimum, he*ll need BP for his priming. Might as well just use BP all around (FFFg works well as a prime and main charge). The new Goex isnt available yet but Swiss and Schuetzen is plentiful.

And 1 can of bp for priming will last a long time vs bp for main charge. My point is not many places even carry bp anymore plus the shortage over the past few seasons, better off getting something that can use more abundant powder. Getting started into muzzleloading you will use up some powder while you figure everything out.

[akley88]

id vote pa pellet as well. ive never had a failure to ignite. i use triple 7 powder not pellet in the barrel and FFFFg as a primer. the FFFFg was a pain to find 2 years ago when i bought more. i also have a inline for the early season since its easier for filling the freezer.