Muzzle-Loaders Podcast

What is the best scope or sight for your muzzleloader? In Episode 97 of the Muzzle-Loaders Podcast, Chance is joined by Darren Binder to break down muzzleloader scopes, open sights, peep sights, globe sights, 1x scopes, red dots, and other sighting systems available to modern muzzleloader hunters.The episode begins with muzzleloader scopes, including the popular 3-9x40 configuration and how to choose an optic based on your rifle, hunting conditions, expected shooting distance, and budget. Chance and Darren discuss several muzzleloader scope options, including the Muzzle-Loaders.com Genesis 3-9x40, Leupold VX-Freedom, Burris Fullfield E1, and higher-end optics for long-range muzzleloader setups.They also explain why the scope itself is only part of an accurate muzzleloader setup. Scope bases, rails, and rings play an important role in maintaining zero and creating a stable optic system, and lower-quality mounting components can cause problems regardless of the quality of the scope.For hunters in states with more restrictive muzzleloader regulations, the conversation shifts to open sights and peep sights. Chance and Darren take an in-depth look at the Williams Western Precision Sight system, including its rear peep sight, front globe, interchangeable reticle inserts, crosshairs, and fiber-optic options. They also discuss the Williams micro-adjust rear sight and how more precise windage and elevation adjustments can help shooters dial in their muzzleloader.Finally, the guys cover 1x muzzleloader scopes and red dot sights for states where non-magnified optics are permitted. They discuss the advantages of a 1x optic compared with traditional open sights, including a range test where a Muzzle-Loaders.com 1x scope produced a three-shot group measuring approximately 3/4 inch at 100 yards.Topics discussed include:Muzzleloader scopes and opticsBest sights for muzzleloader hunting3-9x40 muzzleloader scopesBDC reticlesScope rings, rails, and basesMuzzleloader open sightsPeep sights and globe sightsWilliams Western Precision SightsFiber-optic muzzleloader sightsCrosshair sight inserts1x muzzleloader scopesRed dot sightsLow-light sight performanceLong-range muzzleloader opticsChoosing a sight system for your hunting regulationsWhether you're setting up a new muzzleloader, upgrading your current optics, or trying to determine whether a scope, peep sight, open sight, 1x optic, or red dot makes the most sense for your hunt, this episode walks through the major options and the tradeoffs of each.

What’s the difference between a flintlock and percussion muzzleloader? In Episode 96 of the Muzzle-Loaders Podcast, Coulton and Chance take a deep dive into traditional muzzleloaders, covering flintlock and percussion ignition systems, loading, black powder, percussion caps, musket caps, barrel twist rates, projectiles, and traditional muzzleloader hunting.The episode starts with flintlock vs. percussion muzzleloaders and what separates the two ignition systems. Coulton and Chance explain how a flintlock uses a flint, frizzen, flash pan, and priming powder to create ignition, while a percussion muzzleloader uses a percussion cap and nipple to ignite the powder charge. They also discuss why percussion systems became popular for their reliability and ease of use.From there, they walk through the flintlock loading process, including flash-pan powder, 2F vs. 4F black powder, flint positioning, and some of the additional considerations that come with shooting a flintlock. They also discuss right- vs. left-handed flintlocks and why lock placement can matter for the shooter.The conversation then moves into percussion caps, with a detailed breakdown of No. 10 caps, No. 11 caps, and musket caps. Coulton and Chance explain the differences between the cap sizes, where each is commonly used, current availability, and why using the correct cap and nipple combination matters. They also discuss CCI and RWS musket caps and the role musket-cap ignition plays in some Northwest muzzleloader hunting setups.Finally, they take a closer look at muzzleloader barrel twist rates and projectile selection. The guys compare common 1:28, 1:48, and 1:66 twist rates and explain why faster twist barrels are generally associated with conical bullets, slower twist barrels with patched round balls, and 1:48 twist barrels can provide a versatile middle ground.Topics discussed include:Flintlock vs. percussion muzzleloadersTraditional muzzleloadersHow flintlock muzzleloaders workFlintlock loading and ignitionPercussion muzzleloader ignitionNo. 10 vs. No. 11 percussion capsMusket caps2F and 4F black powderRight- vs. left-handed flintlocksMuzzleloader barrel twist rates1:28, 1:48, and 1:66 twist ratesPatched round balls vs. conical bulletsTraditional muzzleloader huntingWhether you’re considering your first traditional muzzleloader, deciding between a flintlock and percussion rifle, or trying to better understand percussion caps, black powder, twist rates, and projectiles, this episode provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of traditional muzzleloading.

What is the best muzzleloader for western hunting? In Episode 95 of the Muzzle-Loaders Podcast, Chance and Coulton break down what western hunters should consider when choosing a muzzleloader, including state regulations, ignition systems, barrel length, rifle weight, versatility, and overall performance in the field.The discussion starts with several budget-friendly muzzleloaders, including the CVA Wolf, CVA Optima, and Traditions Buckstalker. Chance and Coulton discuss where these rifles fit for western hunters and what you can expect when choosing a more affordable muzzleloader.They then move into premium muzzleloaders such as the CVA Accura MRX, CVA Accura LRX, and Traditions Pursuit XT Pro, looking at the features and performance that can make higher-end rifles appealing to hunters who want to upgrade their setup.The guys also take a closer look at the Traditions ShedHorn muzzleloader and its combination of traditional design and modern features. They discuss why rifles designed around more restrictive muzzleloader regulations can be especially relevant for hunters in western states.Because muzzleloader hunting regulations vary significantly by state, Chance and Coulton also discuss why understanding the current rules where you plan to hunt is an important part of choosing your rifle and equipment. Whether you're planning a muzzleloader hunt in Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Washington, Montana, or elsewhere in the West, your state’s regulations can influence which muzzleloader setup makes sense.Muzzleloaders discussed include:CVA WolfCVA OptimaCVA Accura MRXCVA Accura LRXTraditions BuckstalkerTraditions Pursuit XT ProTraditions ShedHornTopics discussed include:Best muzzleloaders for western huntingBudget vs. premium muzzleloadersWestern muzzleloader regulationsMuzzleloader ignition systemsRifle weight and barrel lengthChoosing a muzzleloader for western statesTraditional vs. modern muzzleloader featuresBuilding a western hunting setupWhether you’re buying your first western muzzleloader, upgrading to a premium rifle, or comparing muzzleloaders based on your state’s hunting regulations, this episode provides a practical starting point for choosing a rifle that fits your budget, hunting style, and intended hunt.

How do you properly clean a muzzleloader, and how often should you clean it? In Episode 94 of the Muzzle-Loaders Podcast, Chance and Coulton break down muzzleloader cleaning and maintenance, from quick cleaning at the range to a complete deep clean before storing your rifle.Black powder and black powder substitutes leave behind residue that can lead to rust and corrosion when a muzzleloader isn’t properly maintained. Chance and Coulton explain why regular cleaning matters, when you should clean your muzzleloader, and how your cleaning routine may change between a day at the range, a hunt, and long-term storage.They walk through the process of cleaning key components of an inline muzzleloader, including the barrel, breech plug, firing pin assembly, receiver, and fire channel. They also discuss common muzzleloader cleaning tools and supplies such as cleaning jags, wet and dry patches, brushes, range rods, nipple picks, parts soakers, anti-seize, rust-prevention products, and water-based muzzleloader cleaning solvents.The guys also tackle some common muzzleloader cleaning questions, including whether you should swab your barrel between shots, whether products like Hoppe’s No. 9 or WD-40 are appropriate for muzzleloader cleaning, and what types of solvents work well for removing black powder residue.Finally, Chance and Coulton discuss muzzleloader maintenance during hunting season, including protecting your muzzleloader from moisture, handling a loaded rifle after a day in the field, and what to consider if you think your powder charge has been compromised.Topics discussed include:How to clean a muzzleloaderHow often to clean a muzzleloaderMuzzleloader cleaning and maintenanceCleaning a muzzleloader barrelHow to clean a breech plugMuzzleloader cleaning solventsMuzzleloader cleaning tools and suppliesSwabbing between shotsPreventing muzzleloader rust and corrosionCleaning the firing pin assembly and fire channelMuzzleloader maintenance during hunting seasonCleaning and storing an inline muzzleloaderWhether you just bought your first muzzleloader or have been muzzleloader hunting for years, a proper cleaning and maintenance routine can help protect your rifle from corrosion and keep it ready for the range and your next hunt.

Are muzzleloader muzzle brakes worth it? In this episode of the Muzzle-Loaders Podcast, Coulton and Chance take a deep dive into one of the most popular muzzleloader upgrades, explaining how muzzle brakes work, how they reduce felt recoil, and what shooters should consider when choosing one for their rifle.The conversation covers the different types and designs of muzzle brakes available for modern muzzleloaders, along with the advantages and tradeoffs of each style. Coulton and Chance explain how muzzle brakes can affect the shooting experience and why reducing recoil can be especially valuable for certain muzzleloader setups.They also discuss many of the leading manufacturers producing muzzleloader-specific muzzle brakes, highlighting differences in design and features to help shooters better understand the options available.Topics discussed include:Muzzleloader muzzle brakesHow muzzle brakes workReducing muzzleloader recoilDifferent muzzle brake designs and stylesBenefits and tradeoffs of muzzle brakesMuzzleloader muzzle brake manufacturersChoosing the right muzzle brakeMuzzleloader upgrades and accessoriesWhether you’re trying to reduce recoil on your muzzleloader, considering a muzzle brake for a new rifle, or comparing different muzzle brake designs, this episode provides a practical overview of what to look for and how to determine which option best fits your muzzleloader setup.