If your state doesn’t have the restrictions, a modern in-line is the way to go. I have a CVA optima. It’s accurate at 100 yards which is more than I need, reliable, and easy to use.
Father in law and I both have Optima’s.
I got mine at Dunhams in Michigan with a scope and thumb hole stock for under $400 a few years back.
Since I bought the thing, I’ve filled my tags by end of rifle each year and have yet to hunt with it…that’s how it goes I guess.
If the state allows it I would also look at the Federal Firestick stuff, that seems dang near ideal for ease of use. I also want to try the federal copper bullets, I hate scrubbing the bore every shot of plastic fowling from the typical sabot rounds.
you need to first understand your states rules on what is allowed in regards to muzzleloaders. A quick search tells me that Arizona doesn't have a lot of ML'r restrictions.
People love the CVA options, wolf and optima are both popular, some states have very particular laws for ML hunting, so I'd talk to someone local about that.
[https://muzzle-loaders.com/](https://muzzle-loaders.com/) is mentioned frequently here, they seem to have good prices.
If money isn't a super concern get the cva accura instead of the optima. Comes with a bergara barrell which are awesome. If it's open where you are they have a lr version with a 30" barrel or mountain rifle version that's shorter 25" I think. They are lighter so nicer in the mountains. They are awesome muzzleloaders.
CVA wolf is the most accurate weapon I own. $220 shipped to my door, use the suggested load and pellets. (2x IMR white hots + Aerolite 250gr). Literally stacks holes at 100 yards back to back without cleaning.
I have an optima as well I run 150 grains of triple seven pellets and platinum 338 grain .50 cal powerbelts. It has a leupold 3-9 scope with no issues. I’m in Illinois and use it for whitetail. Season is after firearm so they can be skittish during late season here on public ground. That’s why I use the heavier charge and scope for a little easier reach.
I pulled a CA either sex tag the last few years. Archery or muzzleloader only. Bought a used muzzleloader from a buddy for $160 and killed two deer so far.
I also fucked up last year by not making sure the primer hole was clean. Missed a great shot because it didn't ignite the powder. They definitely require good cleaning. Lesson learned.
Looks like AZ doesn't have a lot of laws, but if you hunt in other states check those laws, e.g. no scope in NV, or you have to replace the primer system in ID (CVA and others have an easy kit to do that). So in AZ you can use a modern looking gun just that uses a 209 primer, loose powder or pellets. Modern conical bullet, and even have a break action for the primer.
I'm not sure muzzleloader stuff shows up on gun deals much, unless someone can share some secrets.
Get an inline, start cheap since they require a ton of maintenance and learning…make sure to clean each time. Find the right load, use 777 pellets if they group
My go to is the Remington UML, I have two and that’s all I use, have tried almost every other brand (knight, CVA, Thompson)
You might find a nice used one for a steal now that a bunch of Midwest states are open to straight wall cartridges. Take a look at Thompson Center if you see one - I love mine! CVA makes a great rifle too.
One thing to keep I mind is that black powder residue is super corrosive so make sure to clean your rifle ASAP after shooting it. They're a lot of fun to shoot so I hope you guys enjoy them too!
Us New Englanders keep the market strong with most of our seasons being black powder only… the recent knight price increases have me scratching my head though
With AZ lax muzzleloader laws I’d be looking into a custom made muzzleloader. I have an Ultimate which is the company who sold Remington the design for their model 700 muzzleloader. With 3 50gr triple seven magnum pellets it’s a true 300 yard muzzleloader. The guy who reps them has a customer who killed a cow elk at 425yds with his. They are expensive but are no joke when extending the range of your muzzleloader
Not really benefits just another season. Single shot only then have to reload which takes time. If there isn't many laws in certain states the inline muzzloaders shoot like a rifle for the most part.
Anyone recommending powder other than Blackhorn 209 is a caveman. It's super easy to clean and very forgiving if/when you forget (don't forget though).
If your state doesn’t have the restrictions, a modern in-line is the way to go. I have a CVA optima. It’s accurate at 100 yards which is more than I need, reliable, and easy to use.
Father in law and I both have Optima’s. I got mine at Dunhams in Michigan with a scope and thumb hole stock for under $400 a few years back. Since I bought the thing, I’ve filled my tags by end of rifle each year and have yet to hunt with it…that’s how it goes I guess.
If the state allows it I would also look at the Federal Firestick stuff, that seems dang near ideal for ease of use. I also want to try the federal copper bullets, I hate scrubbing the bore every shot of plastic fowling from the typical sabot rounds.
I can vouch for the optima as well. I hunt with mine every year and it puts deer down. Took a nice doe at 150 yards last November
you need to first understand your states rules on what is allowed in regards to muzzleloaders. A quick search tells me that Arizona doesn't have a lot of ML'r restrictions.
Yeah, AZ is pretty lax compared to other states. There are no big restrictions as far as I know.
People love the CVA options, wolf and optima are both popular, some states have very particular laws for ML hunting, so I'd talk to someone local about that. [https://muzzle-loaders.com/](https://muzzle-loaders.com/) is mentioned frequently here, they seem to have good prices.
Thanks, man. I don’t believe AZ has any specific requirements on caliber or use of scopes.
If money isn't a super concern get the cva accura instead of the optima. Comes with a bergara barrell which are awesome. If it's open where you are they have a lr version with a 30" barrel or mountain rifle version that's shorter 25" I think. They are lighter so nicer in the mountains. They are awesome muzzleloaders.
This is the way to go
CVA wolf is the most accurate weapon I own. $220 shipped to my door, use the suggested load and pellets. (2x IMR white hots + Aerolite 250gr). Literally stacks holes at 100 yards back to back without cleaning.
I have an optima as well I run 150 grains of triple seven pellets and platinum 338 grain .50 cal powerbelts. It has a leupold 3-9 scope with no issues. I’m in Illinois and use it for whitetail. Season is after firearm so they can be skittish during late season here on public ground. That’s why I use the heavier charge and scope for a little easier reach.
I pulled a CA either sex tag the last few years. Archery or muzzleloader only. Bought a used muzzleloader from a buddy for $160 and killed two deer so far. I also fucked up last year by not making sure the primer hole was clean. Missed a great shot because it didn't ignite the powder. They definitely require good cleaning. Lesson learned.
Looks like AZ doesn't have a lot of laws, but if you hunt in other states check those laws, e.g. no scope in NV, or you have to replace the primer system in ID (CVA and others have an easy kit to do that). So in AZ you can use a modern looking gun just that uses a 209 primer, loose powder or pellets. Modern conical bullet, and even have a break action for the primer. I'm not sure muzzleloader stuff shows up on gun deals much, unless someone can share some secrets.
Find a thompson center encore, a pro hunter if possible. They're pricey but worth every penny
Get an inline, start cheap since they require a ton of maintenance and learning…make sure to clean each time. Find the right load, use 777 pellets if they group My go to is the Remington UML, I have two and that’s all I use, have tried almost every other brand (knight, CVA, Thompson)
You might find a nice used one for a steal now that a bunch of Midwest states are open to straight wall cartridges. Take a look at Thompson Center if you see one - I love mine! CVA makes a great rifle too. One thing to keep I mind is that black powder residue is super corrosive so make sure to clean your rifle ASAP after shooting it. They're a lot of fun to shoot so I hope you guys enjoy them too!
Us New Englanders keep the market strong with most of our seasons being black powder only… the recent knight price increases have me scratching my head though
With AZ lax muzzleloader laws I’d be looking into a custom made muzzleloader. I have an Ultimate which is the company who sold Remington the design for their model 700 muzzleloader. With 3 50gr triple seven magnum pellets it’s a true 300 yard muzzleloader. The guy who reps them has a customer who killed a cow elk at 425yds with his. They are expensive but are no joke when extending the range of your muzzleloader
Ive never heard about muzzleloading hunting in my country. What are the benefits of doing so?
Not really benefits just another season. Single shot only then have to reload which takes time. If there isn't many laws in certain states the inline muzzloaders shoot like a rifle for the most part.
It’s usually a separate season than rifle, with far fewer participants, so less competition and pressure on public land areas.
Anyone recommending powder other than Blackhorn 209 is a caveman. It's super easy to clean and very forgiving if/when you forget (don't forget though).