It's accepted among riflemen that finding the ammunition which groups best in a centerfire rifle requires test firing several brands. Even two rifles of the same make, model, and caliber aren't likely to digest ammo alike.

The same is true of muzzleloading rifles, yet few hunters take the time to fine-tune a powder charge and projectile for their smokepole. Experimenting with powder charges and bullets helps hunters determine the most accurate loading combinations and those most suitable for big-game hunting.

Propellant

Muzzleloading enthusiasts have but two choices when it comes to powder. Black powder and Pyrodex may both be used in front-loading rifles. In general, Pyrodex is somewhat cleaner (not clean) than black powder and hunters enjoy up to 30 percent more shots from a pound of Pyrodex as compared to black powder.

Pyrodex is a more consistent propellant that delivers better accuracy overall, but some muzzleloading rifles achieve excellent accuracy with black powder. To be sure which powder performs best, hunters must shoot test groups with both powder types.

The type of powder used can make a big difference in accuracy and so does the charge. Moderate charges of powder normally deliver the best accuracy.

Heavy loads of black powder and Pyrodex may be less accurate in some rifles. Hunters who are anxious to squeeze all the performance they can from muzzleloading rifles may want to try Hodgdon's new Select Pyrodex. This premium powder performs better than Pyrodex or black powder when heavy loads are used.

Projectiles

Muzzleloading hunters have more bullets to choose from than snowflakes to dodge. Round balls, molded bullets, and sabot encased modern bullets may all be used for deer hunting in most states. Sabot encased handgun bullets are the most accurate muzzleloading projectiles. Unfortunately, not all muzzleloading rifles can handle sabot ammunition.

Consult your owners manual to determine if your smokepole was designed to handle sabot ammunition. Many carbine models with barrels shorter than 24 inches have difficulty digesting sabots.

If your rifle will handle sabots, there are many excellent makes and models to choose from. Modern Muzzleloading, Thompson/Center, Nosler and Hornady all produce quality sabot ammunition in .50 and .54 calibers. Each of these sabots contains a fast-expanding handgun bullet encased in a hard plastic sabot.

The accuracy these sabot/bullet combinations provide is astonishing. My Knight MK-85 consistently shoots apple sized groups at 150 yards when loaded with 90 grains of Pyrodex and stuffed with a 260-grain sabot.

For deer hunting I recommend selecting a bullet/sabot combination at least 240 grains in weight. Muzzleloading projectiles are slow moving as compared to centerfire bullet. Added weight in a muzzleloading projectile helps to deliver deeper penetration and more shocking power.

When using molded type bullets commonly referred to as Maxi-Bullets, even heavier projectiles are in order. Maxi-Bullets ranging from 350 to 530 grains perform best on deer-sized animals.

When test firing and experimenting with bullets, sabots, and various powders, it's mandatory to clean your rifle barrel every three or four shots. After just a few shots the accuracy of all muzzleloading rifles starts to drop off. Also, cleaning the rifle barrel every couple of shots makes the final clean-up chore much easier.

Between shots I moisten a cleaning patch with Thompson/Center No. 13 Bore Cleaner and run it down the barrel. I follow up with a dry patch before the next load of powder is dumped down the barrel.

Sights

If your muzzleloading rifle is equipped with iron sights, give some consideration to purchasing a scope sight. If for no other reason, remember that deer tend to move primarily during low-light periods. A scope gathers light and makes it possible to shoot accurately right down to the last rays of shooting light.

For most muzzleloading rifles a fixed four- or six-power scope is ideal. The compact style variables also make an excellent scope for muzzleloading rifles.

A scope is the finishing touch to a fine muzzleloading rifle. This year spend a little more time on the bench with your favorite smokepole and see for yourself the amazing accuracy these rifles are capable of producing when fine tuned for performance.