Best .50 muzzle loader for the money?

R

rcase1234

New member
Looks for the best .50 muzzleloader for the money for a friend of mine. I am not a fan of muzzleloaders so I don't know much about them. I own two but they are rarely used. What should I look at? Specific brands? Models?
 
By FARRRRRR - T/C Omega Z5. The Z5 is the bare-bones basic model with blued barrel and cheap looking composite stock but it has the same action as the Omega's costing twice as much. Normal price at Wallyworld is around $250 but I've seen them for less than $200 when they go on clearance after hunting season.
 
I second the T/C as a great starter. I am also a big fan of the Knight rifles. I would stay away from the CVA, I am not big fan of those.
 
If one of today's plastic guns doesn't catch his eye, and frankly, even if one does, Lyman's Great Plains Rifle is an excellent traditional long gun at a very good price. There are less expensive traditional guns readily available, but the GPR is by far the best value.
 
best value BP .50

I would suggest your friend come on here. Talk to us about his experiences as a shooter.
What he wants from the rifle. What he wants to do with the rifle.
What he expects to shoot.
He want traditional styling or the (ichh) new inlines with plastic.
Does he want to target / plink or hunt or re-enactments.
Squirrels or pronghorn or white tail or muley or Elk etc.
Does he want round ball, conical or newer sabots?
If all you look at is price he is bound to be disappointed.
 
Too many choices

Doyle; By FARRRRRR - T/C Omega Z5.
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I'd go with this or at least I don't have a problem with it. You will be restricted to the 209 primer but for what you are wanting to do, good choice. When it comes to in-lines, there are just so many choices and it would be easier for me to list the ones to shy away from than what to buy. Currently my only In-line and it's a good performer is a TC Black Diamond in SS.

Be Safe !!!
 
I'll vouch for the T/C Black Diamond too.. I've got two, a .45 XR and a standard .50. Both are accurate rifles and dead simple to learn to operate and clean. I spotted my .50 on gunbroker and picked it up for $150.00 shipped with both nipples and a set of wrenches. You can't beat that bang for your buck.
 
In a side lock, the Lyman Great Plains Rifle is the best bang for the buck.

If shooting patched round balls, make sure the barrel says "Great Plains Rifle" - if shooting conicals, look for "Great Plains Hunter". (different twist rates) These rifles have two barrel wedges and quite often, one will have pressure on it and one won't, so it falls out easily and gets lost. Take the barrel out and peen the slots closed just enough to grip the wedge.
 
http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/muzzle-loaders-buckstalker.php

I bought one of these at Wally World at the end of last season. It was in a Starter kit. The kit had everything you needed to get started except powder. They had it marked down to 99.97, well with a 35 dollar Christmas gift card I walked out of there with a Brand New inline for under 70 bucks :eek:. It is what got this whole black powder addiction started for me. I tell ya what though that is a FINE shooting rifle. Loves Hornady low drag sabots and 100 grains of loose Pyrodex. It is built tough, has an awesome trigger, is break action like I like, has fiber optic sights out of the box, and is scope ready. Don't shy away from a traditions inline. Best sub 70 dollar purchase I've ever made! :D
 
These rifles have two barrel wedges and quite often, one will have pressure on it and one won't, so it falls out easily and gets lost. Take the barrel out and peen the slots closed just enough to grip the wedge.
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Jbar,
Thank you for posting this I'm going to check mine out tonight. Good Info!
And everyone is right about a GPR, these guys here recommended one to me, and well the things are a put a ball in the SAME HOLE kind of rifle :D! I love the big old heavy beast!
 
Right now you can get a NIB Knight 'Elite' 45 cal off Gunbroker for $320 shipped. The seller from PA has several, he or another may have a 50 cal. Set that 45 up with 200 grn SSTs or 195 grn Barnes bullets & you are set.

I can't imagine a better M-L for your $$$.
 
In-Lines don't have wedges but;

Jbar,
Thank you for posting this I'm going to check mine out tonight. Good Info!
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Also, don't forget that you can also slot or key, your wedges. .... ;)

Be Safe !!!
 
when i wanted to check out m/l i wasnt sure i would like it, so i bought the cva wolf. i love this gun, cheap, fun and very accurate to shoot. shot a yote @ 155 yds. this fall.
 
Orangello, that model was my first ML. Very accurate but a pain to clean and almost as much of a pain to seat the primer (and I don't have oversized fingers either). Still, it's a viable option.
 
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