The T/C Omega .50 calibers are a new version of a formidable sporting rifle of a bygone era, the percussion cap and ball rifles of probably circa 1820.

This invention allowed the reliable firing of muzzleloader rifles in all kinds of weather.

Any hunter with any experience will tell you that the natural dilemma of using black powder rifles is moisture.

Rain, snow, humidity or any type of wetness can cause a failure to fire issue with muzzleloader flintlocks that required powder in the pan to fire. That’s where the expression “keep your powder dry” came from!

Anyways, I had promised a hunting friend that I would tune up his rifle for him prior to hunting season.

The rifle wasn’t fired off from the last time he was using it and I wasn’t sure what the results would be when I slipped on a percussion cap and tried to fire the rifle at the range.

It likely isn’t the best idea to leave any load in your black powder rifle for very long due to many issues that can cause you a lot of dirty work and extra efforts.

However, the rifle was kept in a dry place and to my chagrin was successfully fired and hit the target.

It shouldn’t have surprised me that the rifle hit the target, but it did require some walking of shots with each successive shot. In the third adjustment it was hitting bullseyes and firing readily at each reload.

The difference between shooting consistently with a percussion rifle over a flint lock rifle is a vast improvement.

Using the percussion rifle was definitely closer to a modern rifle than the primitive firearm.

That is why the percussion muzzleloader in October is a very popular hunting season.

You still only get one shot … but that shot can be pretty reliable with a skilled marksman.

Part of the skill set is in the practicing of loading, shooting and reloading your rifle. The more you do it, the better you will get at it.

My pal Leroy has always been an advocate of the early muzzleloader season and got my interest piqued in the sport.

He frequently talked up the reliability and accuracy of the rifles and encouraged me to try them out.

One hunting trip on a sunny fall day had me in the woods ready to try out his inline muzzleloader. Sure enough some squirrel hunters booted up a small troupe of deer and I had my chance.

A perfect shot had to be made by an inexperienced shooter of inlines. I remembered my mentor’s words; Aim the rifle just like you would your regular modern firearm and you will hit your mark.

When the smoke cleared, I walked out about 75 yards and found the deer where I last saw them. I was pretty proud to have harvested a deer on my first hunt using a black powder rifle.

The modern hunters of today can use highly improved percussion caps, bullet projectiles that are vastly superior as well as black powder pellets for shot load and uniformity. Hunters have the option of using a number of sights including scopes that make your shot even more precise.

Inline rifles are actually less expensive than flintlock rifles, but come in prices from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.

Thompson/Center makes some really nice choices as well as Traditions, CVA and Lyman rifles.

You can also get into custom rifles that are made of the finest materials by craftsmen that only make custom ordered rifles.

The accuracy and effectiveness of an inline muzzleloader is pretty impressive. My .50 caliber will fire a 250 grain sabot bullet right in the bullseye at 100 yards.

Many of the more accomplished shooters will shoot out even further with much success.

When you load your rifle, you can decide the total grains of powder you want to shoot. For example, 100 grains of black powder will be the right load for my rifle to shoot accurately at 100 yards.

A magnum load of powder of 150 grains will increase the velocity and power out for longer shots. Never exceed the limits set by your rifle manufacturer for a safe powder capacity.

Once you find the right recipe for your rifle stick to it and practice …practice …and practice some more!

In the early muzzleloader season, you are only allowed to harvest antlerless deer with your proper muzzleloader permit, general hunting license and an antlerless license for your WMU.

The rules for safety orange apply and you must report your harvest.

Remember, in the early season it can be warm so get your deer field dressed and cooled off as soon as possible to avoid spoilage.

Until we meet again keep your powder dry and keep your percussion caps handy!

Jay Hewitt is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle