An open letter in Support of House Bill 4554
by one_shot
"Smokeless powder", or nitrocellulose-based powder, employed in firearms designed for its usage, represents a significant advantage for today's hunter, over black powder or black powder substitutes. But not in the way one might think. Smokeless powder does not extend the effective range of today's muzzleloaders. It is not inherently more accurate than our current legal black powder substitutes. It certainly doesn't change the rate of fire. In short, it does not make our muzzleloaders akin to "single shot centerfire rifles". No more so than our existing options. A 45 or 50 caliber projectile can only be expected to fly so far, so flat, regardless of the propellant pushing it. We are bound by the laws of physics, not Hodgdon Powder Company.
What it does provide is safety - both in storage and transportation due to its significantly higher flash point and stronger kernal structure. And cleanliness - it burns nearly completely. And because of that efficiency, it produces far less recoil - making it a joy to shoot. It results in clear sight pictures after the shot, allowing us to keep track of our quarry after the shot. It is far less hygroscopic, making it much less susceptible to hang-fires and mis-fires. And in today's economy, it buys me nearly 2.5 times the number of shots per pound of powder. A substantial cost savings.
Incidentally, our DNR has added a number of counties to the list allowing a "late season" firearms hunt this year. Its the advantages listed above that will get hunters in the field during December to keep our ever-growing deer herd in check - not the prospect of using a firearm that requires a thorough cleaning every time it enters the field.
It bears repeating - smokeless powder offers no ballistic advantage over today's black powder substitutes. And yet, there are those in our ranks that feel it makes the weapon too modern. When examined closely, however, the type of propellant used is a moot point. We've legally been afforded the use of sealed inline ignitions, optics, sabots, and conical bullets for decades. These are the advancements that "modernized" the muzzleloader. More importantly, they make for a superior firearm, less prone to failure.
Whether we hunt with a primitive or modern muzzleloader, we're all bound by "one shot". We still load from the muzzle, by pouring powder and pushing bullets. I daresay that there is something far more intangible that connects us to our past than the chemical composition of the powder charge we carry.
If you liked this article you may like the following products:
|
