I have become kinda bored with 'easy' bolt action .308's and have been taken with the idea of a single shot rifle or muzzleloader. I just wanted people's opinions and hunting experiences on different rifles, what works, what doesn't and what is just darn fun! I have never used or even shot a muzzleloader, however I have a rough idea or what is needed, but I'm not really sure what to look for in a muzzleloading rifle. Also, any experience with the Ruger No.1's would be good, as one of those in a big bore round tickles ma fancy.
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Hunting & Fishing Single shot rifles and muzzleloaders
- Thread starter aus_Rob91
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Re: Single shot rifles and muzzleloaders
I hunt during ML season with a front-stuffer. Its an in-line CVA .45. It shoots Hornady saboted SSTs fairly well out to 100 yards. Remember, it'll take 30 seconds to reload. Also keep the thing clean! Always clean your scope after shooting them, too. The residue will mess up the anodizing on the tube. Always remove the breech plug during storage!
I've kind of got my eye on a .50 break-open style ML for this year, but I don't think it'll happen. They are fun and will knock your teeth loose with magnum loads. I'll use them for the ML season, but I wouldn't the rest of the time if I can use a regular rifle. This year I'm thinking about using my .35 Whelen for firearms season.
I hunt during ML season with a front-stuffer. Its an in-line CVA .45. It shoots Hornady saboted SSTs fairly well out to 100 yards. Remember, it'll take 30 seconds to reload. Also keep the thing clean! Always clean your scope after shooting them, too. The residue will mess up the anodizing on the tube. Always remove the breech plug during storage!
I've kind of got my eye on a .50 break-open style ML for this year, but I don't think it'll happen. They are fun and will knock your teeth loose with magnum loads. I'll use them for the ML season, but I wouldn't the rest of the time if I can use a regular rifle. This year I'm thinking about using my .35 Whelen for firearms season.
Re: Single shot rifles and muzzleloaders
I currently have three Ruger # 1's in the safe and have used all three for hunting. A .220 Swift, a 7X57 Mauser, and a .375 H&H. I have used the 7mm on a lot of deer and have killed two elk with the .375 H&H.
I really like them, but they can at times be difficult to get to shoot well. The manner in which the forearm hangs from the barrel can create some issues. Make sure that the forearm does not have uneven contact with the receiver and you should be GTG. I have worked on mine to create an even gap that I can slide a dollar bill into.
Ruger factory triggers generally suck, but i think the # 1 triggers suck less. But I have replaced all of mine with aftermarket triggers.
Having only one round in the tube really makes you concentrate on the first shot, but with practice you can learn how to hold one or two extra rounds in between the fingers of the non-trigger hand. Elmer Keith describes this method when using a heavy double rifle and I have used it with the #1's.
Due to the short receiver length, you get a longer barrel in an overall shorter length. They are a little "barrel heavy" due to the short receiver but can be balanced with some lead shot in the stock. I did this to the .375 H&H mainly to increase the overall weight which it did with the added benefit of making the front end seem lighter.
I have enjoyed mine and had good luck with them.
I currently have three Ruger # 1's in the safe and have used all three for hunting. A .220 Swift, a 7X57 Mauser, and a .375 H&H. I have used the 7mm on a lot of deer and have killed two elk with the .375 H&H.
I really like them, but they can at times be difficult to get to shoot well. The manner in which the forearm hangs from the barrel can create some issues. Make sure that the forearm does not have uneven contact with the receiver and you should be GTG. I have worked on mine to create an even gap that I can slide a dollar bill into.
Ruger factory triggers generally suck, but i think the # 1 triggers suck less. But I have replaced all of mine with aftermarket triggers.
Having only one round in the tube really makes you concentrate on the first shot, but with practice you can learn how to hold one or two extra rounds in between the fingers of the non-trigger hand. Elmer Keith describes this method when using a heavy double rifle and I have used it with the #1's.
Due to the short receiver length, you get a longer barrel in an overall shorter length. They are a little "barrel heavy" due to the short receiver but can be balanced with some lead shot in the stock. I did this to the .375 H&H mainly to increase the overall weight which it did with the added benefit of making the front end seem lighter.
I have enjoyed mine and had good luck with them.
Re: Single shot rifles and muzzleloaders
You want a real challenge?? Shoot black powder?? Cast your own bullets?? Still be able to shoot accurately to long distances?? Try the rifle in the picture below. It will take you years to master this rifle. Ad when you shoot accurately from the line then the fellow standing next to you will say "Now there is a guy who can shoot"!! Tom.
You want a real challenge?? Shoot black powder?? Cast your own bullets?? Still be able to shoot accurately to long distances?? Try the rifle in the picture below. It will take you years to master this rifle. Ad when you shoot accurately from the line then the fellow standing next to you will say "Now there is a guy who can shoot"!! Tom.
Re: Single shot rifles and muzzleloaders
I shoot a 20" T/C Encore in 375 H&H and it is one of the handiest rifles I own. It also is a blast to shoot. I do not feel that it is an issue having only one shot when the shot is a 350 grain bullet hitting where I tell it to.
I shoot a 20" T/C Encore in 375 H&H and it is one of the handiest rifles I own. It also is a blast to shoot. I do not feel that it is an issue having only one shot when the shot is a 350 grain bullet hitting where I tell it to.
Re: Single shot rifles and muzzleloaders
Personally I dont see much difference between a TC single shot or a bolt gun since they both use modern ammunition. So if you are a good shot hunting only be one squeeze, click, bang, thump, dinner.
On the other hand a percussion cap or flint lock is a different game, to me it is one step more modern than bow hunting. You got to be close, gear has to be dry, and shot placement is everything. The right rig is super accurate.
But it boils down to do you love the hunt or the feed? And secondly are you going to track a wounded animal until you find it or have a want and waste issue.
For me its more about conservation and the way of life and I like nothing more than hunting (thats a lie, sex). I absolutely hate losing an animal. Thats why everything in North America from white tail on up I use a 300 weatherby mag with 200 grain nosler partition.
MN Short draw is right big is the way to go.
Personally I dont see much difference between a TC single shot or a bolt gun since they both use modern ammunition. So if you are a good shot hunting only be one squeeze, click, bang, thump, dinner.
On the other hand a percussion cap or flint lock is a different game, to me it is one step more modern than bow hunting. You got to be close, gear has to be dry, and shot placement is everything. The right rig is super accurate.
But it boils down to do you love the hunt or the feed? And secondly are you going to track a wounded animal until you find it or have a want and waste issue.
For me its more about conservation and the way of life and I like nothing more than hunting (thats a lie, sex). I absolutely hate losing an animal. Thats why everything in North America from white tail on up I use a 300 weatherby mag with 200 grain nosler partition.
MN Short draw is right big is the way to go.
Re: Single shot rifles and muzzleloaders
I have some muzzleloaders in .45 and .50 cal., a Ruger #1 in .45-70 and a Ruger #3 in .223. However, my favorite single shot is my Rem700 built, 6.5x.284 with a single shot follower installed. That is always an option, along with T/C products.
I have some muzzleloaders in .45 and .50 cal., a Ruger #1 in .45-70 and a Ruger #3 in .223. However, my favorite single shot is my Rem700 built, 6.5x.284 with a single shot follower installed. That is always an option, along with T/C products.
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