I have noticed something interesting that has been recurring in my search for various muzzleloaders. That is, the person selling it does not offer their load data. I have heard "its shoots round-ball" or "it shoots this ok but that better" (when referring to projectile). I've also heard "you'll have to work up a load". Rarely will someone give the load data. Why?
I think if someone took the time and effort, not to mention expense of developing a load for a particular gun that information should be passed to the new owner. I did buy a rifle from a man that told me specifically 3 loads that the rifle seemed to like best and he provided photos of a target shot with each load and the other relevant info. I paid more than I wanted to because this information was valuable to me. When the gun (a rifle in this case) arrived I opened the box, checked it over and loaded as he said. Bang. Bullseye.
On two occasions I loaned a muzzleloader to someone going on a hunt. I showed them what to do, tested their competence and let them take it on their hunt. Of course I provided the exact load information that the gun is sighted in with. Why wouldn't I?
I understand if you are a vendor or retailer and have not fired the gun personally. However, in a private sale what is the pros and cons of sharing load data? My guns have from 5 to 40 hours of work in them for load development and sight-in plus the expense that comes along with that. If I sell one I am going to pass on the exact load it is sighted in with and what I found to work best in it. If the new owner wants to experiment that's his/her prerogative.
For my uses I don't want a gun that needs a maximum charge every time to achieve best accuracy if it is going to recoil more than I am comfortable with. If I want a PRB shooter I don't want one that works best with a conical. If I have an abundance of .490 for example, I'd prefer a rifle that will use them - not .495's.
Am I missing something? If a potential buyer asks, wouldn't you give them all the info you have?
Thanks in advance for the opinions and suggestions.
I think if someone took the time and effort, not to mention expense of developing a load for a particular gun that information should be passed to the new owner. I did buy a rifle from a man that told me specifically 3 loads that the rifle seemed to like best and he provided photos of a target shot with each load and the other relevant info. I paid more than I wanted to because this information was valuable to me. When the gun (a rifle in this case) arrived I opened the box, checked it over and loaded as he said. Bang. Bullseye.
On two occasions I loaned a muzzleloader to someone going on a hunt. I showed them what to do, tested their competence and let them take it on their hunt. Of course I provided the exact load information that the gun is sighted in with. Why wouldn't I?
I understand if you are a vendor or retailer and have not fired the gun personally. However, in a private sale what is the pros and cons of sharing load data? My guns have from 5 to 40 hours of work in them for load development and sight-in plus the expense that comes along with that. If I sell one I am going to pass on the exact load it is sighted in with and what I found to work best in it. If the new owner wants to experiment that's his/her prerogative.
For my uses I don't want a gun that needs a maximum charge every time to achieve best accuracy if it is going to recoil more than I am comfortable with. If I want a PRB shooter I don't want one that works best with a conical. If I have an abundance of .490 for example, I'd prefer a rifle that will use them - not .495's.
Am I missing something? If a potential buyer asks, wouldn't you give them all the info you have?
Thanks in advance for the opinions and suggestions.