Does Anyone Hunt...?

[89Bronco]

...with a muzzleloader pistol? More specifically, does anyone use something like a Traditions Kentucky .50 caliber percussion? I would like to use it for deer, but don't know if it's possible (get enough BANG out of it to put one down). Thanks for helping a newbie.

[Neighbor_guy]

You should read the regs. I beleive a "muzzle loading" pistol is not legal to hunt big game with. I think it is one of the few regulations they kept when they deregulated last season.

I could be wrong, but I would say no.

[89Bronco]

If it's something new, then I'll have to check, but I know in the past the blackpowder revolvers are not legal, but the single shots are.

Yep, in the 2008 regs all it says is that a muzzleloader, long gun or handgun, cannot be loaded at the breech...so revolvers are out. A rifled gun must be at least .40 caliber and a smooth-bore must be at least .45 caliber.

BUT, if there is something new for 2009, then I'll have to look into it.

[PostFrontal]

One of my hunting buddies hunts with a single shot TC muzzleloader. Pretty sure 89B is correct.

[Archerysniper]

muzzleloader revolvers are not legal for big game in 2008 big game laws.

[Archerysniper]

My question for you is why you would think about useing a weapon that you don't no would put an animal down, not trying to hug a tree on you but you still have to be ethical on your weapon you are allready showing doubt it would work so why try.

[89Bronco]

What I'm looking for is someone who already does this who can give some guidance as far as how much powder, what type of bullet...(ball, sabot, etc.), before I go and spend time and $$$ experimenting on my own. Someone who could narrow it down a little.

Like I said before, I already know that it is legal, unless there is something different for '09, and I've hunted the last 20 years with a handgun during the regular firearms season, so that's not a concern of mine. I'm just looking for some knowledge from other muzzleloading people out there and thought this might be a good place.