The Simple Truth about the 10ML-II
All too often lost in discussions about the Savage 10ML-II is how the gun really compares in practice, function, and use to other quality inline muzzleloaders. The closer you look with an unbiased set of eyes, the differences are not what the uniformed might have you believe.
The Savage 10ML-II is similar in performance to a number of other muzzleloaders. It shoots the same projectiles, at the very same velocities as other muzzleloaders. It is no center-fire, no more so than any other in-line muzzleloader. No muzzleloader shooting large diameter, relatively heavy projectiles will ever have the range of a 7mm STW cartridge firearm, for example. It just isn't in the cards, basic physics prohibit that.
Much frivolous banter has attempted to make issue of non-factory approved, "hot-rod" loads. To think that this is something new; or somehow exclusive to the 10ML-II requires vacancy of the cranium. Individuals have been hotrodding muzzleloaders for decades, whether the brand on the box is Knight, Thompson, or any number of el cheapo imported frontloaders-- those who elect to shoot other than factory suggested loadings have always done so. It is anyone's choice, and strictly their sole responsibility as well. Any number of today's muzzleloaders have been repeatedly fired with 160, 180, 200 grains of Hodgdon's Triple 7 propellant, for example. NO, I'm not suggesting that it is at all wise or safe to do so. That it has been done regularly, though, is something I have independent knowledge of. There is no particular limitation as to what muzzle velocity a Triple Seven powered gun can produce-- it is directly related to barrel volume, and muzzleloading barrels can be as large a diameter as one chooses, and as long as one chooses as well. Intolerable gun weight, recoil levels, or both get in the way of this becoming a standard, or even remotely salient in a sport where sub-100 yard game harvesting has always been the norm.
What sets the Savage apart is barrel quality, trigger quality, accuracy, ease of use, safety, ease of maintenance, economy of use, and cleanliness. It is simple by design, not by accident. The term "functional elegance" has been used to describe a fine firearm. That's precisely what the Savage 10ML-II is. If there is some tortured glory in using corrosive propellants that destroy equipment, or in filling the air with the same, $55 a pound water-sucking, barrel destroying synthetic powders-- it is hard to see it.
For those that would rather spend more time cleaning their deer than struggling to clean their gun, there is the Savage 10ML-II.
© 2004 by Randy Wakeman
