Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Muzzleloaders MZ regulations and which to buy

I'm thinking about buying a muzzleloader, but I would want it to extend my season and use in the BP seasons and to increase my chance at draws.

So, question is, what should I be looking at if I want it to qualify for all the extended seasons and the like.

I was planning a Rem700 smokeless, but I hear that will not fly.

If you're planning on hunting in multiple states and using only one gun, you should check the regs in each state and pick something that meets the most restrictive rules you'll encounter. Definitely get something with iron sights available.

The only maker I know of that makes rifles that accept 209 and cap ignition systems now is Knight ( may be others, but I just don't know). Converting one would require a new breech plug and bolt, likely costing you $100 or so.

The simple answer would be to get a good sidelock gun, fit it with a detachable scope system, and use it for everything. Again not cheap, but very classy and, done right, very effective. Toby Knight has done a lot of work with a Pedersoli fast-twist Hawken that looks very cool and shoots great.

Or buy two guns.

First of all Remington does not make a smokeless muzzle loader. You would need to modify either a Rem700ML or modify a new Rem Ultimate.

Luke at www.smokelessmz.com has all the parts you need for the conversion.

Second, just because a muzzle loader such as a Savage MLII is capable of using smokeless does not mean you cant use Blackhorn or whatever smokey powder you wish to use. I know plenty of guys with non smokers that use Blackhorn when they hunt in states that prohibit smokeless.

Blackhorn is quite capable of 2200fps-2300fps with a 275gr-300gr bullet in one of the 45 conversions without sabots.

I think PA M-L hunting regulations are rather restrictive, if you plan to hunt there during the m-l season.

The 1st order of business is to check the regs where you plan to Hunt.

I used a scoped Knight with Blackhorn 209, though not a legal arm in all States.

PA used to be flintlock only, very late in the year, but they have more options now. Nearby MD has very liberal seasons and rules these days, I believe. WV has only a week-long season, either sex in many areas.

Nothing to keep you from using one in rifle season, though.

Like the man said, start reading the regs for where you want to go.