Muzzleloader question #2 – What Scope

Now that I’ve pretty much decided to switch to a .45 cal this season I’ve got to decide what scope I want to mount on it. My original plan was to probably just move the scope over from my current 50 cal. After some thought I think I’ll just go with a new scope on it. My old scope ( Like early to mid 80’s ) Is a bushnell banner 1.5-6 with a light sight. Its been a real good scope and I’ve shot a ton of deer with it on 3 or 4 different guns. I just feel like since I’m getting a new gun and Muzzleloading is now my primary deer hunting season I might as well go with some updated optics on it. Doing some research I really like the Vortex brand of scopes. Just not sure what model would work the best for a muzzleloader. Other than the Vortex what other scopes would you suggest I take a look at?

Vortex makes a great scope if you can find one with the standard plex crosshairs. The ballistic crosshairs can get confusing and aren’t needed for 100yard deer hunting. or two hundred yard deer hunting. I have a Bushnell Pro Staff 4 X 12 X 40mm on the .45 and have zero issues with it since the recoil is far less than a .50. Standard ring height with any scope 40mm or less at the objective end.

Here’s a location for your sabots….. http://www.harvestermuzzleloading.com

Natchez has a couple scopes on sale right now that would be good ones for a .45 cal

Vortex Diamondback Tactical, 3 X9 X 40. Least intrusive of any of the ballistic scope’s crosshairs. $189.49

Busnell Trophy, 3 X 9 X 40, standard plex crosshair. $114.49

Nikon Pro staff, 3 X 9 X 40, standard plex crosshair $149.99, just be mindful that Nikon no longer makes scopes. Great scope though.

diamondback. no questions asked warranty

I put the Nikon 3-9×40 w/BDC on my muzzleloader 8 years ago and it has served me well. Not sure about today’s offering though:
https://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products/scopes/muzzleloader/index.page
If you’re inclined to the BDC function, be sure and read the directions (I know that goes against everything we stand for as men, but it could be the difference between and hit and a bad miss).

I shot my buddy’s with a Zeiss mounted on it. I’ve never been more impressed by glass in my life.

buckybadger wrote:

I shot my buddy’s with a Zeiss mounted on it. I’ve never been more impressed by glass in my life.

Zeiss makes a excellent scope. Some of the best glass in the industry – A little more $ than I’m willing to spend on a muzzleloader scope though.

Take a look at the Leupold Ultimate Slam, it’s designed for muzzleloaders.

If you stick with burris, leupold, or vortex you’ll have quality and a great warranty

I run a Vortex on my Optima V2. Cant recall the model. Very nice scope for the money. Anyone who shoots it has commented on how nice it is. I have one with a single cross hair and like it compared to the busy yardage scopes that I’ve tried in other muzzys. I’ll probably never shoot anything further than 200 yards though.

I have a Leupold VXII 3-9X40 on all of my rifles, including 2 muzzle loaders and love them.