SAVAGE SMOKELESS MUZZLELOADER

[Grizzly Adam]

Hey, Guys ...

I noticed that a couple of you stated in another thread that you're users and fans of the Savage Model 10 ML-II.

I am familiar with this arm through research; I've read lots and lots of reports and reviews ... just about everything that will come up on search engines.

I am interested in trading my dedicated slug gun in on one, to use for out-of-state gun hunting in a non-rifle state, and perhaps on our refuges, which don't allow rifles either.

I would greatly appreciate and highly value any personal comments or reviews you guys might offer.

What can you tell me from your own experiences?

Note: If I get one, I can go hunting with my 1760 flintlock fowler, or my Savage Smokeless! LOL

Thanks in advance, y'all.

[Boo]

Speak to Wes (limbs and bolts). He knows more than I do about muzzle loaders than most here. He really does do some testing for the bullet maker Cecil Epps. When you are done with Wes then move onto the PR bullet website, after that call Cecil Epps.

[Boo]

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[the elf]

Hey Griz----look up-----randywakeman.com-----site deals very thoroughly with the Savage muzzleloader---helped me make up my mind.

[Norlander]

The Savage ML 10 certainly is an interesting shootin' iron. I've often wondered what type and brand of smokeless powder you can use in them.
I've been handloading rifle ammo for about 35 years and there's a world of difference in burn rates among the several brands of powder available to handloaders.
If they will use SR 7825 it might be worth my while to pick one up. I have more of that powder than I'll ever use in shotgun loads.
Jerry

[Limbs and Sticks]

With out a doubt the savage has it all, accuracy with the right bullet and can reach out and touch you, how ever there is something every one should know the breech plug can and will fail. I think you can shoot them with BP, lower pressure verses smokeless and be safe just my opinion . GO TO HIGH PERFORMANCE MUZZLE LOADING read what Toby has seen and got to say about the savage


Wes

[crazyfarmer]

Grizz, a buddie of mine has 2 of them up the road. He also has a encore and loves that. But the savage is very deadly out to 300 yards. Its basically like shooting a rifle if you have the right combo

I debated getting one back and forth between the pro hunter, but I just hated the feel of the savage.. regardless, I wanted something that felt good in my hands.

The savage flat out shoots!!! But I just didnt like the balance.. I dont have any of the specs on that combo he shoots, but he's big on markmanship and he's getting insane groups out to 300 yards with a solid rest! To far for me, but he likes seeing the limits of any gun. I was amazed by how the thing shoots! Its a totally different setup from blackpowder. I think the savage only takes like 40grains of powder?

[Boo]

Here is an article to which Wes is refering to.
http://www.hpmuzzleloading.com/Alert.html
Keep in mind that the rifles in question have several thousand shots through it. The whole thing is rather bizarre in that on one hand the accusation is rather severe and the other side of the coin is Savage has not seemingly responded publicly. I have contacted my seller and he contacted the distributor and they apparently know nothing about it.
I will probably only put a couple of thousand shots total on this gun and I am going to replace my breach plug anyways so I am not worried. I am also using the 260 gr Dead Center which means the pressures are lower and peak duration has got to be much lower.

[Grizzly Adam]

Thanks, guys!

I think I've read everything Randy Wakeman has written about the Savage! I've read about everything on the PR website, too, and I've been on the two popular forums. I'm even familiar with the Henry Ball interviews, and the Toby Bridges controversy, too!

I was interested to see what your experiences are, if any.

I've long been a blackpowder shooter, and sometimes hunt with the period arms of colonial settlers in this area. Have been wanting to get a matchlock for a long time! It would be cool to deer hunt with one.

I am eclectic in shooting tastes. I'll shoot 'em all. No snobbery from me!

That's why the Savage interests me.

[crazyfarmer]

grizz, I havent heard any complaints from anyone thats shot one either if that helps

[animal]

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[SPITFIRE]

Grizz, I have been shooting the Model 10- ML-11 for four years now. Never had a problem it is one very excellent made gun. It will kill deer out pased 200 yards all day long if you do your part. Don.t try and make a 1000 yard varmit rifle out of it like some people did. That's where they got into trouble. Do not over load the rifle ,use tested loads and everything will be ok. Keep the breech plug clean and change the vent liner after a 100 shots or more, depending on which powder you use. I use SR 4759 and my gun will shoot 1" group at 100 yards all dy long. The trick is to make sure the barrel is cool between shots otherwise accuracy goes to hell.If you work up the right load the gun will shoot with target accuracy. Much easier to clean then a regular black powder gun. And I belive safer too.

[Esox]

Being a bit (some people say more than a bit) ecletic in my ML shooting toys I also have the Savage ML-10, along with T/C Encore, several flintlocks and others, but unfortnantly the gun sits more than the rest simply because most states will not allow ML hunting with smokeless powder....I'm told by Fish and Game folks that the big fear is guys using smokeless like black powder and blowing up the guns in their hands... So they feel it's better to not allow anyone to use it... I don't buy the argument but they make the rules....

My question is, where in the States or Canada CAN you use smokeless MLs?.... If there's enough places I may be interested to bring her out and take her for a trip.....Mine shoots like the devil and I'd really love to take her off the range and out in the field.....

[wabi]

My question is, where in the States or Canada CAN you use smokeless MLs?.... If there's enough places I may be interested to bring her out and take her for a trip.....Mine shoots like the devil and I'd really love to take her off the range and out in the field.....

As far as I know they are legal in Ohio. All our regulations say (for allowabe equipment for deer hunting) is:

Muzzleloading rifle - .38 caliber or larger

I've thought about a Savage, but the opportunities where I hunt are usually well within range of my TC Hawken (w/Green Mountain 21" Long Range Hunter barrel (fast twist for sabots). I just hate to invest that much $$$$ for one week's hunting and know I probably won't even need the range it's capable of.

[Limbs and Sticks]

My question is, where in the States or Canada CAN you use smokeless MLs?.... If there's enough places I may be interested to bring her out and take her for a trip.....Mine shoots like the devil and I'd really love to take her off the range and out in the field.....

As far as I know they are legal in Ohio. All our regulations say (for allowabe equipment for deer hunting) is:

Muzzleloading rifle - .38 caliber or larger

I've thought about a Savage, but the opportunities where I hunt are usually well within range of my TC Hawken (w/Green Mountain 21" Long Range Hunter barrel (fast twist for sabots). I just hate to invest that much $$$$ for one week's hunting and know I probably won't even need the range it's capable of.

I don't know where it wouldn't be allowed, the savage is a muzzleloader,some states don't allow scopes but you stuff everything down front of a savage, it's a muzzleloader


Wes