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Originally Posted by 74-911
Has the world of black power ever changed though. In-line rifles, pellets, sabots, Pyrodex powders, etc.
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Yup. The "gamesmen" have taken it over, at least to a degree.
Much of the renaissance of muzzle loading has been engendered by the bonus, or at least alternative hunting seasons offered in most states. Rules and regulations vary widely from state to state, reflecting for the most part the level of knowledgeable input that went into the writing of said regulations.
There are states that simply require "muzzle loaders" and don't get a lot more detailed than that. In these states, we see all manner of modern contrivance designed to meet the letter, if not the intent, of these regulations. Other states get far more detailed and specific in their regulations which, as we have seen elsewhere in our modern world, gets to be ever more important. It's all about "what 'is' is"...
Nothing like seeing modern muzzle loader hunters taking the field with stainless steel, plastic stocked, scoped, shot gun (209) primered, sealed breech, plastic sabot/jacketed pistol bullet shooting muzzle loaders that shoot everything but black powder. They adhere to the letter of the law, but have completely lost the spirit of it.
This seems to be the currently most profitable niche in the hobby. All attention seems to be focussed on this modern (not so) "primitive" hunter. There remains, however, a pretty hard core "traditionalist" segment that just won't go away. Folks who are attracted to the hobby as a means to learn about, and maybe even live (at least during hunting season) a bit of our past.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 74-911
but I think I will stick with the old school stuff.
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Good on you. Many of us have made this decision. Lots of different reasons for doing so. It certainly makes things a bit harder, but most don't seem to mind.