Author Topic: Hi from a new member  (Read 632 times)

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Offline Jal5

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Hi from a new member
« on: December 12, 2005, 12:33:36 PM »
I have been reading this forum for the past two weeks after seeing a SideKick at Cabelas and made the decision to purchase it yesterday.  I like the way it handles, and for the money $160 couldn't go wrong! I just hope it arrives before our Ohio ML season.

Couple of questions-
what loads and bullet type should I use with the SideKick 50 cal.? I plan on using pellets at least at first since I am new to ML.

What about scope type- don't want to spend a fortune but what would be a good combination for this gun?  Are the rings a special size in height to clear the hammer? I have a set of standard 1" rings from another firearm, they look to be about 1.25" from the top of the ring to where it would sit on a base.

this is a very helpful forum. Thanks!
Joe
S. G. G. = Sons of the Greatest Generation. Too old to run, too proud to hide; we will stand our ground and take as many as we can with us

Offline coop2564

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Hi from a new member
« Reply #1 on: December 13, 2005, 04:34:05 AM »
Welcome  :D  You should have no problems finding a good shooting load in your sidekick. You wont get your best accuracy with the pellets but they are easier to start with. And usually accurate enough to 100 yds or so. Its really not harder to load loose powder. A clear view volume measurer with spout and a cap pour spout for your bottle of powder is all you need wal marts carry's these and your good to go. I feel the sabots are the most accurate bullets out there but they are a little hard to load (tight) powerbelts are easy to load but I have had accuraccy problems with them I would get two great shots and then not even hit target when the plastic seal would not come off. If you choose PB's lube the metal post so this will come off easier. I sugest you try 100 gr powder 2 pellets with XTP 240gr or barnes spitfire 285gr. Sabots can be hard to load in cold weather being in Ohio you might try the PB's. I have a cablea's pineridge 2x7 32mm on my huntsman with weaver med rings(very nice scope for the money), if you go with a 40mm it will take high rings. The ram rod that comes with this gun needs a adapter see post Ram Rod.  Get this adapter and a jag made for pointed bullets and you will be able to load pointed bullets in field other wise you have to stay with flat hollow points or take a range rod with you. If you use pellets push bullet carefully seat snug on top but do not crush pellets accuraccy goes out the window if you crush them. If loose powder seat firmly. I wet patch between shots with windex just moisten the patch don't soak it or H2O will work as well. The breechplug do not tighten firmly or it may stick just snug up keep it lubed and or teflon taped and after every 2 or 3 shots loosen and snug up again. Clean with solvent,wet patch, dry patch when done shooting, pull breechplug soak ,clean and relube and your good. Goodluck!
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Offline mangulator

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Hi from a new member
« Reply #2 on: December 13, 2005, 06:45:45 AM »
:D Welcome, I found the combination that works for me is a 240 grain XTP Mag sabot by T/C with two 50 grain pyrodex pellets. I have friend that started using T/C Shockwave bullets and stated he has had good success with the Shockwave. Both combinations will put deer in the freezer. I use a Busnell Circle X scope variable 1x4 power, set at one power because in this state you can not use magnification on a muzzleloader.

Offline Jal5

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Hi from new member and questions
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2005, 11:30:12 AM »
thanks for the suggested loads and scopes guys.

I am confused though, the Cabelas people told me they don't recommend a regular rifle scope for ML, yet a lot of guys seem to be using them, like the Bushnell Banner or Nikon Prostaff series.  Cabelas recommends a shotgun type scope.  What is the difference if any?

Thanks.

Joe
S. G. G. = Sons of the Greatest Generation. Too old to run, too proud to hide; we will stand our ground and take as many as we can with us

Offline Busta

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Hi from a new member
« Reply #4 on: December 13, 2005, 09:04:22 PM »
Welcome Joe,

The main difference is parallex, shotgun scopes usually have the parallex set at 50 or 75 yards and rifle scopes at 150 yards. I think some scopes that have the muzzleloader designation have the parallex set at 100 yards.

Your going to want to get the scope base from H&R/NEF and depending on what scope you deceide on, either medium or high rings. Some scopes work out to where you can get the hammer to fall where the occular bell tapers back towards the tube allowing you to use shorter rings.

As far as bullets, my Huntsman likes everything, some better than others but I have not found anything other than the Hornady Great Plains hollow point / hollow base all lead conical that I wouldn't hunt with. I shoot everything from a 200 grain Shockwave to a 460 grain No Excuses conical out of mine with excellent accuracy.

Good luck.
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Offline Jal5

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Hi from a new member
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2005, 01:20:29 PM »
thanks for the explanation and suggestions.
I bought the Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32 yesterday after getting a second endorsement on it from another sporting goods store. I think I will like the clarity and since it is a shotgun scope I shouldn't have any problem mounting it on the Sidekick.  I have a set of rings Weaver type I was using on another gun, definitely not a high ring though. I hope I can use them on this gun.

Can't wait till the gun is delivered to try it out.
this is a great forum, thanks for all the help.
Joe
S. G. G. = Sons of the Greatest Generation. Too old to run, too proud to hide; we will stand our ground and take as many as we can with us

Offline jbtazgrabber

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bb
« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2005, 05:08:31 PM »
welcome,,,,glad to see new faces here let us know how it shoots,,,dont forget a range rod.......keep your powder dry,,,jb

Offline Busta

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Hi from a new member
« Reply #7 on: December 14, 2005, 07:53:19 PM »
Joe,

Make sure you get the scope rail and hammer spur. The one from H&R/NEF is best, it has 5 cross slots for more options. The Weaver base only has two cross slots and severly limits your options.

Here is the link, top right of the page.
http://www.hr1871.com/store/index.htm
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