Muzzleloaders - which one for 200 yard range

david1289 · Aug 26, 2019

I currently have a Remington 700ML that I have had since the mid 90s. I’ve been wondering about the new 700UML (the ultimate one) and debating if I should upgrade. They are hard to find for sale and appear to be quite popular. My current 700ML can only load up to 120 gr of Pyrodex. The new Ultimate can go to 200 gr and has a range of 300 yards.

So I’ve been thinking about extending my range as I feel like I’m limited to 125 yards or so with the current muzzleloader. I think I could possibly try 777 powder (100 gr) and see if it helps shoot flatter and maybe get to 150 yard range.

Is it worth upgrading or should I try something else with my current muzzleloader to make it effective to 200 yards?

I’ve been shooting 100 gr Pyrodex with Hornady ML SST and zeroed at 100 yards. I was wondering if anyone has insight or opinions on whether my current 700ML is capable of shooting flatter or to upgrade to 700UML.

Bowhunter · Aug 26, 2019

Muzzleloaders are a bi#$& to to find what works in them. Once you find the right combo, stick with it! I have an Older TC .45 Omega. Took a lot of shooting different things until I found what it liked. I now shoot the TC Shockwaves with 100 grains of pyrodex. It’s lights out and have downed deer at 225 before. I usually only have to shoot 3 times to sight in every year now.

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Okie4570 · Aug 26, 2019

If you're going to spend some money on an upgrade, go smokeless. Find a used Savage or any of the converted 45-70 barrel models.

david1289 · Aug 27, 2019

I hadn't considered the idea of a smokeless. That's a good idea...

dlbleak · Aug 27, 2019

There’s a couple shops in the country that convert the 700’s too.
I’ll ask @Okvet03 to hop in here and give some more info. I bought a 700 with a little prodding from him to have converted at some time.

retrieverman · Aug 27, 2019

I’ve been shooting a New Ultralight Arms smokeless for several years, but the prices on them have gotten silly. Personally, I don’t think they are worth the current asking price.

I agree with the suggestion to find a Savage smokeless.

I’d really like to have an Encore that shoots smokeless, but the ones I’ve seen have been pricey.

swampratt · Aug 27, 2019

200 yards from a muzzleloader is not a huge leap.
If you have the right load that is accurate it will put the kill on a deer just fine.
80gr pyrodex with 295 gr bullet will get it done if you stick it in the right spot.
I have a friend that shoots 50gr pyrodex with 295gr bullet to 100 and deer do not get back up.
CVA Kodiak of my sons was dead nuts on at 200 with the above 295gr and 80gr of 777.

I have killed a few with the 80gr pyrodex load. 75 yards is the farthest and it almost removed the head of the deer.
Just a dollar bill size piece of hide keeping the head attached to the body, all meat and bone was blown out.
That is a 295gr power belt hollow point from cva bobcat rifle I paid $58 for at walmart many years ago.
I feel longer distance may have saved some neck meat.
Be careful where you point those.
One shot kills 200-300 yards with 30-30 handloads moving 2200fps from muzzle for 150gr.
Put the bullet in the right place.. the muzzloader will trump that in energy

Edit: I had my Zero on my 30-30 at 250 yards and it was 8" high at 100
Lot of pipeline and clear cut hunting

Oklahomabassin · Aug 27, 2019

Some guys are routinely shooting 1 MOA at 500 yards with smokeless muzzleloaders.

ElkStalkR · Aug 27, 2019

Okie4570 said:
If you're going to spend some money on an upgrade, go smokeless. Find a used Savage or any of the converted 45-70 barrel models.

Agreed! I believe if you buy a CVA Hunter 45/70 and get it converted to smokeless you can get it done for right at $600. The hardest part is finding someone to drill and tap the barrel for the breech plug. The two guys I knew who were doing it quit. I believe there is someone outta Missouri doing it now.

Anyway. All you need is a single shot break in half 45/70 and a savage breech plug or a similar one available from arrowheadrifles.com

Okvet03 · Aug 27, 2019

You could send your 700 ml to Luke at arrowhead sporting goods. He does nice work on the conversions. I had him put on a .45 cal Pac-nor barrel. I'm shooting .40 cal 200 gr Barnes MZ over 48 gr of H4198. Not sure of chrono numbers but it's been an effective deer gun. Clean up is a breeze. You will spend some cash but buy once, cry once. My buddy had a Savage 10ML and the barrel bulged, as far as I know he never fired anything but factory loads. It was fairly accurate, but not as accurate as mine.

Muzzleloaders - which one for 200 yard range

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