At the heart of every custom rifle build is the action, the same is true for custom muzzleloader builds. Pure Precision’s Summit Muzzleloader Action, and Defiant Outcast are both excellent choices. Both of these actions feature fly cut bolts made specifically to hold brass primer modules, and used in conjunction with a special breech plug such as those made by Jeff Hankins at Hanks Precision Gun Parts. Both actions have 20MOA 1913 Picatinny rails available that are pinned, and utilize 8-40 screws.
Every action needs a good quality barrel, and we tend to go with Brux Barrels in most of our builds, but there are other quality cut rifled barrels as well, like Krieger, and Rock Creek. In both .40 and .45 caliber, these manufacturers turn out very accurate barrels. Barrel profiles are another consideration, and the barrels we use have a unique profile, specifically in the chamber area. Due to the long powder column, and higher associated pressure, we use barrels with a 1.25”x5” shank to handle this pressure. Otherwise, the profiles are the same as centerfire barrels. A Brux #17 is a popular heavy varmint profile for those that want a heavier build (13+ pounds depending on optic and stock choice). We also use a Brux modified Sendero profile that is the same as the popular Remington Sendero profile, except with the modified 1.25”x5” shank. The modified Sendero barrel with a light stock such as a McMillan Game Warden 2.0, and a light scope will come in under 2 pounds. Brux also has a #6 profile that is a little slimmer yet than the modified Sendero. There are also carbon wrapped barrels, and lots of different barrel fluting options depending on your personal taste, and what you like.
If you want a .45 there are two twist rates that cover most of the bullet weights. If you’re wanting to stay in the 250-300 grain range a 1 in 20 twist will cover it, and may stabilize the 325’s as well. If you want to push the 350 grain bullets, then a 1 in 18 twist will be the better choice, and will also be good with the 325’s. For the .40 a 1 in 14 twist covers the lighter bullets, and a 1 in 12 gets the nod for the heavy 350’s.
Stocks are more personal preference, and as long as it’s a good quality stock, the performance will be there. There are a lot of options in stocks, from weight, to grip angle, to what type of finish, adjustable comb height, and more. We use stocks from Grayboe, McMillan, AG Composite, Manners, and HS Precision to name a few.
Bottom metal depends on stock choice and whether the stock is inletted for BDL or M5. If its BDL we use Hawkins Precision, Redhawk Rifles, or Pure Precision. For M5 inlet we use a Grayboe M5 floorplate that is similar to BDL, but is specific to the M5 inlet. The reason for using a floorplate at all is to facilitate the use of a trigger guard as most nice stocks come in BDL or M5 configuration. The floorplate serves no real purpose other than having the trigger guard built in, but it does make a handy little cubby to stash and extra powder charge, bullet, and primer module.
Trigger Tech, and Bix’n Andy are our most popular choices in triggers. Both offer different models with different pull weight range, single or two stage, and trigger shoe shape. Pull weight is a personal preference, and is also dependent on what the primary use of the rifle is.
When it comes to scope rings we have found that Hankins 6 screw cap rings are the best bang for the buck. They come in a lot of different heights in both 30mm and 34mm. They grip the scope tight without slipping, hold up to the recoil, and look good doing it. We will use others like Seekins, Nightforce, and Vortex, but Hankins rings offer a lot for the money.
When it to scopes, the big boom of a smokeless muzzleloader will put one to the test. Sending a 350 grain bullet down range at close to 3000 fps generates a lot of stress that can be hard on a scope. We have put a lot of shots down range with Arken scopes without a failure yet. We have used the Arken EP5 on heavier builds, and the EPL-4 on lighter builds with good results. Arken has definitely earned our respect when it comes to holding up to these big boomers. Nightforce is also an excellent choice, known to hold up to recoil, has better glass, but also comes at a premium price. Sightron, higher end Vortex models, and others like Leupold may work.
Muzzle brakes help greatly to tame the recoil. Unless you don’t mind pretty heavy recoil, a muzzle brake is needed. We use Hankins Master Blaster, Hankins self-timing Tactical Brake, and American Precision Arms Fat Bastard. If you want the most recoil reduction when shooting the heavier recoiling 325’s and 350’s, in our opinion, the APA Fat Bastard brake offers the most felt recoil reduction.
If you like to use a bipod, take a look at Accu-Tac, we’ve found them to be very well built, and they are one of our favorites for personal use. Atlas is another popular choice, and if you’re on a budget there’s always Magpul.
You’ll want a good case to protect your investment. In soft cases, we’ve found Bulldog offers good protection with thick padding, robust zippers, and tough materials throughout. Allen Company, Boyt Harnesses, and 511 Tactical are also worth a look for protection in a soft case. If you need a hard case, Pelican offers top protection and features. There’s also Plano, SKB, Condition 1, and several others.
Hopefully this gives some insight into some of the choices that you’ll need to consider when you’re planning your build. We are more than happy to help with the decision making process, and also open to exploring other options you may be interested in.
