Since muzzleloading requires so many extras, you can be more efficient on the range and in the field when the equipment is appropriately stored, organized, and made ready for transport.
by Brad Fenson
If you are new to muzzleloader shooting and hunting, you’ve probably figured out that there’s a lot of stuff involved. With every shot custom loaded, the need for frequent bore cleaning, and the assorted tools and supplies required to load and clean a muzzleloader…these firearms require more support than any gun you will take to the range or the field.
The key to a productive time on the range or in the woods is organizational efficiency. In short, having everything you need and everything in its place where you can transport it easily and get to it quickly. No muss, no fuss.
To that end, we look to MTM Case Gard and their line of products dedicated to the muzzleloader enthusiast. Most shooters are already familiar with MTM’s broad line of intelligent shooting solutions for centerfire rifles, shotguns, handguns, and archery, but the company also has several items that make the muzzleloading life a whole lot easier.
Muzzleloader Dry Box
Dry powder is a critical component to accuracy and consistency with muzzleloaders. Black powder and any of its substitutes are hydrophilic, meaning they are attracted to moisture. MTM Case-Gard designed the Muzzleloader Dry Box (ML-1) to ensure your powder will burn as consistent as the day you purchased it, through storage and transport.
The ML-1’s roomy base interior shuts out moisture with a tight, weather-resistant, O-ring seal. There is plenty of room for all the powder you would need in a year, plus your primers or ignition caps. A large lift-out tray helps to organize gear, keeping smaller items on top and essentially creating a portable workstation or “possibles box” at your fingertips. The top-access lid compartment divides specialty tools into five sections for quick retrieval at the range. Thick side-wall construction, a heavy-duty latch, and padlock tabs ensure a secure barrier against accidents or rough use. The ML-1 measures 15” x 8.5” x 10” and should be in every muzzleloader hunter’s arsenal.
This box is also perfect for storing your speedloaders at the end of the season, so the powder is protected until the next hunting season.
Tactical Rifle Case
The word ‘tactical’ conjures up visions of extreme conditions. With all the work that goes into sighting in a muzzleloader and ensuring it is ready for hunting season, why not protect it with the best case possible?
The Tactical Rifle Case is MTM Case-Gard’s very first rifle case. The company has a reputation for developing rugged and reliable storage, which is precisely what hunters and shooters are looking for when transporting a favorite smokepole. The Tactical Rifle Case is 42 inches long and closes tightly with MTM’s recognized snap latch design. Inside, the rifle is securely held with internal tiedown straps between two pieces of foam padding. The Tactical Rifle Case delivers safe transport, accommodates most break-down rifles and muzzleloaders.
Cast Bullet Box
Muzzleloader hunters and shooters often have a diversity of cast bullets and high-performance bullets that use a sabot to engage the rifling in the barrel. Protecting bullets and sabots from being disfigured ensure \s accuracy and consistency. Those who cast bullets treat them like works of art and keeping them pristine requires proper storage.
The Cast Bullet Box from MTM will hold 150 to 200 bullets and is made of see-thru polypropylene to easily identify the contents. Every box comes with caliber labels for optimal organization and a strong snap latch to prevent accidental spills. The boxes measure 3.4x 3.4×2.5 inches and are sold in bundled stacks of two.
Shooting Range Box
The Shooting Range Box makes the perfect storage system for everything required to load, shoot, and clean a smokepole. The bottom base is big enough to hold bullets, speedloaders, and patches and most bottles of cleaning solvents will sit upright without leaking.
After shooting, the base has two inserts to create an instant cleaning stand. The pair of adjustable gun forks are finished with soft, over-molded rubber padding that protects the rifle and holds it firmly in place. The overall length of the Shooting Range Box provides excellent stability for nearly any size firearm, including a front-heavy muzzleloader. The unit measures 25×11/5×8.75 inches.
The Shooting Range Box can be fully stocked as a muzzleloader possibles unit and a self-contained, portable cleaning unit. The box’s top has smaller storage units to keep everything from bore lights to brushes, pipe cleaners, and replacement parts.
The extras required for muzzleloading are what makes using a smokepole fun and challenging. The challenge should be in shooting though, and not in figuring out how to store the gear and components required to enjoy a day afield. Stay organized and spend more time looking down the barrel instead of searching for the things you need to shoot and clean a muzzleloader.
