Knight Rifles Muzzleloader Q&A
Q: I left my muzzleloader loaded since last season. What do I do? Is it ruined?
A: Tony Smotherman, Knight Rifles Born To Hunt TV show co-host, says he gets this same question over and over during seminars. Here's what he has to say: "In most cases, the muzzleloader is not ruined, but will likely be pitted in the powder column or lower portion of the barrel because blackpowder and blackpowder substitutes are extremely corrosive. First, remove the breech plug and push out the old charge. Then, the cleaning regiment can begin by using a brass brush to dislodge any debris that might be in the barrel. Thorough muzzleloader cleaning with solvents and patches is a must, and do it until the patches come out clean. If the user notices pits, nothing can be done, but remember that this portion of the barrel does not make or break accuracy. The accuracy is completed at the front of the barrel or crown. Oil it heavily and learn from this mistake. The life of muzzleloaders depends on keeping them clean. Keep it clean and it will last you a lifetime."
Q: Why do some hunters continue to use loose powder when pellets are so convenient?
A: Mike Mattly, marketing manager for Knight Rifles, has been with the company for 16 years. He's seen first-hand the transition from loose powder to pellets, and has this to say about it: "There are several reasons to continue using loose powder. One, you can play around with your powder charge when using loose powder and find the best load for your gun. Pellets limit you to 100- or 150-grain equivalents. We've found that 110- to 120-grains actually provides tighter groups most of the time. Two, pellets cost twice as much as loose. Three, if you push too hard on the bullet when seating it, the pellets crush and that translates into poor accuracy. Finally, loose powder seems to ignite easier, especially in cold, damp weather."
Q: What's the effective range of a muzzleloader for deer hunting?
A: Branch Meanley, founder of Green Mountain Rifle Barrels who now works as a manufacturing engineer for Knight Rifles says that this is a tough question because every hunter has a different level of shooting ability. "If you pick a load of, say, 120 grains of loose Triple 7 and Knight's 290-grain PBT, you have plenty of energy and very good accuracy - 5-inches at 250 yards. The main problem will be the accurate estimation of range. Plus or minus 25 yards makes a difference. If zeroed at 100 yards, you will be 12 to 16 inches low at 200 yards and add another 6 inches between 200 and 250 yards. It's very easy to undershoot or overshoot at that range without a rangefinder. On top of all this, you must know your load and rifle and possess the ability to consistently perform at that range. Don't take that shot unless you are capable of hitting a six-inch circle consistently at that range."
Q: Knight's KP1 shoots centerfire, rimfire and shotgun, but there's still only one shot. Why would I want to shoot a single shot when I could use a bolt action or semi-auto and have more?
A: A hunter's task is to provide a quick, clean kill, and that takes only one shot. A single-shot rifle puts the emphasis on getting it done right, the first time, and single shots are inherently more accurate than other styles.
Q: How often should I take my muzzleloader apart for a thorough cleaning?
A: The Knight Rifles website suggests giving your muzzleloader a thorough cleaning after each shooting session, but that statement remains open to interpretation. Black powder substitutes remain corrosive, but not as much as the original. When getting ready for hunting season, when zeroing a scope or practicing, always pull the breech plug and clean it and the barrel afterward. When hunting, however, hunters can get away without a thorough cleaning until the task is complete – either a filled tag or the end of the season – as long as only a few shots have been put through it and the barrel swabbed. Prior to putting the gun away, however, always give it a thorough cleaning and oiling. Also, any time the gun has been used in wet conditions, pull the breech plug, push out the charge and clean everything.