The "Best Component" of Any Load is.........

[Old No7]

Let's be honest...

There are literally dozens of combinations one could try in a muzzleloader by changing the bullets (brands, types or weights), the powder (brand, type or amount), or the ignition source too. We can't try them all, and we can't even use 2 or 3 at once, when you pull the trigger -- you only get to have 1 load down the bore despite all the combinations of components available.

But assuming that one has a solid rifle with a decent trigger and a well-mounted scope (or iron sights), I think the very best component one can have in any load is..................

* * C O N F I D E N C E * *

There's no use at second-guessing yourself as you line up on a large trophy of a lifetime, or a small deer to fill the freezer, just having the confidence that your chosen rifle and selected load shoots well -- if you do your part -- is what you need to really help make that 1st shot be true.

So based on that...

After spending several hours at the range over the last few days to sight in my TC Omega .50, I went to the range at lunch today to take two "cold shots" -- first taking one at 50 yards, and then another at 100 yards almost half an hour later. I sat out in the cold before and after the first shot to simulate c-c-cold hunting conditions and held off an informal rest, just like I would do in the woods. I was very happy with the results................

Omega - Cold Shots @ 50-100 (Small).jpg

...And not only happy -- but confident that the rifle will do well if I get a late-season deer in my sights one of the next 3 mornings.

Wish me luck!

Old No7

[GunnyMack]

GO GET EM 7!!!!

[gamekeeper]

That's good shooting, would certainly fill me with confidence......

[Ben_Rumson]

+1

[Ysabel Kid]

I like the way you think. Applies to a lot of things!

[AJMD429]

I agree - I've obsessed over a few firearms and loads that I wasn't confident in, even though I was pretty sure the load actually was accurate, and I was just having some flyers when I shot.

Until I get a couple really good groups off the bench, I am not confident at all.

Then if/when I get a couple first-cold-shot hits on the appropriate gongs, it is as if the load (in my mind, at least) suddenly becomes Magically Accurate...

[M. M. Wright]

Oh yeah! That is a confidence builder, accurate rifle and load. Gotta love it.

[Griff]

Oh yeah! That is a confidence builder, accurate rifle and load. Gotta love it.

+1!

[Blaine]

Oh yeah! That is a confidence builder, accurate rifle and load. Gotta love it.

+1!

+2

[EdinCT]

I agree 100%. I have a T/C Black Diamond that changes POI as I shoot it and it fouls. So I shoot 4 and clean it and if I'm hunting I leave it dirty for a week which I never did with a blued rifle.