Picking a Muzzleloader for Backcountry Hunting

SHOW NOTES:  • From Tradition to Technology: Picking a muzzleloader for backcountry hunting • Exploding boundaries • From the beginning: Traditional muzzleloaders, common inline muzzleloaders, and uncommonly accurate long-range muzzleloaders • Traditional muzzleloaders: Why to hunt with them, and how to get the best out of them. What they shoot (blackpowder and patched round balls), caliber restrictions, barrel length, sight-in and effective range determination.  • World record flintlock elk: a first-hand account of the hunt • Common inline muzzleloaders: Why to hunt with them, and how to get the best out of them. Hunting history. What they shoot (blackpowder substitutes and saboted or belted conical bullets), configurations, and how to work up a great load. Determining maximum lethal range. Cleaning and maintaining.  • Long-range precision muzzleloaders: a burgeoning trend. Why to hunt with them, and how they are different. What they shoot (Blackhorn 209 blackpowder substitute, Parker bullets), how to set up a rifle, pick a long-range-capable scope, and maximize effectiveness with Remington's M700 Ultimate Muzzleloader. Ethics of shooting long: wind, time of flight, terminal performance, and more. How to determine maximum effective fully-lethal range.  • First-hand account of a big New Mexico bull elk taken at 407 yards.  • Attacking the ethical question: What's right, what's conditionally right, and how to deal with hunters that do things we oppose. Recognizing and accepting personal choices, and learning from other hunters.  • An old man, an alpine buck, and a clean, one-shot 631-yard kill.  • Questions, comments, & opinions: Please share on Instagram on the @backcountryhuntingpodcast profile--but be clean and respectful.  RESOURCES: Fine custom traditional longrifles: Tennessee Valley Manufacturing Inline muzzleloaders by Traditions Inline muzzleloaders by Thompson Center Inline muzzleloaders by CVA Long-range Remington 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader Long-range Gunwerks Muzzleloader Goex Blackpowder Blackhorn 209 blackpowder substitute Parker long-range muzzleloader bullets