«Return to Main Page

Ian McMurchy

Muzzleloading Basics

Reliability, accuracy, simplicity, quality and value have made Thompson Center the undisputed industry leader in the muzzleloader market today. In fact, muzzleloading has undergone more technological improvements in the last two decades than in the previous several hundred years. Thompson Center's Omega and Encore in-line rifles are the state of the art. Very simply - muzzleloading enthusiasts have never had it so good! Today's muzzleloaders are built to precision standards never dreamed of by the original side-hammer builders. Computer controlled milling machines make every part identical to the thousandth of an inch. In-line rifles are easier to load and maintain and increasingly accurate to longer distances. This accuracy has moved muzzleloading from a traditionalist hobby-sport to a wildly popular hunting technique. Let's face it, most muzzleloader hunters simply want an accurate, user-friendly rifle that kills deer cleanly out to one or two hundred yards. The secret to successful shooting is — keep it simple, do the same thing shot after shot. We must remember that every shot fired is a true "handload" — so continuity is essential for accuracy. A crucial activity is swabbing the bore between each shot. Swabbing is the key to accuracy, regardless of the projectile or propellant. One or two lightly moistened patches between shots reduces build-up of accuracy robbing fouling residue. Swabbing also makes seating the bullet much easier. Having touted the importance of swabbing between shots I admit there are situations that do not allow time for swabbing. Accurate shot placement minimizes the requirement for second shots. We must practice to ensure lethal accuracy. How far can we place bullets into a paper-plate with our first shot? The key to such accuracy is resting the rifle. Experienced hunters never shoot without the use of crossed-sticks, bipods, tripods or any field expedient rest. Accuracy and terminal performance are major considerations when selecting a hunting bullet. Although some bullets seat with varying degrees of ease and others tout knockdown power, the T/C Shockwave is the most reliable muzzleloader bullet for today's in-lines. The new Bonded Shockwave is also highly recommended for tougher game or close-range shooting. The Shockwave is designed to retain velocity better than any previous bullet. Coupled with reliable accuracy higher velocity results in killing power that puts animals on the ground! Reliable, accurate ignition, propellants, bullets and in-line rifles — muzzleloading is truly the sport of the future. Who knows where Thompson Center will take us in the coming decades!