MUZZLELOADER MODS, TWEAKS, AND HACKS

Meddling means interfering with something that is not one’s concern. Modern inline muzzleloaders are designed for ease of use, maintenance, and consistency with every shot. Smokepoles today are intentionally manufactured to alleviate meddling. Drop preformed propellant down the barrel followed by a bullet neatly housed in a plastic sabot, place a 209 shotgun primer in the ignition port, and feel it go boom!

There have been thousands of deer that fell victim to a well-placed muzzleloader bullet designed for propellant pellets and a sabot/bullet combination. But is anyone asking if there are better options for accuracy, consistency, or even specific bullet performance? Modern muzzleloader designs eliminate the need for meddling, but here are a few things to consider if you are a diehard DIY gun enthusiast looking for greater performance.

Let me give you an example.

Several years ago, I set out to hunt a mountain lion with my Traditions muzzleloader (). The rifle was more than adequate to kill the cat, but my worry was the exit hole on the thin hide. The cat would be considered a prized possession, and ultimately a rug in my den. I did not want, therefore, a gaping