RAH, this year the deer that I've shot ranged from 25 yds to that 167 on Sat. Depending on the property, the shots could range from 0 feet (straight down) to over double the range of the Savage.
Tracy, the Savage is the best production muzzleloader (IHMO), but they are out of production. If you want a "new" smokeless muzzleloader, go look here:
https://www.hankinscustomrifles.com/muzzleloaders/ They are shooting 300+ grain bullets at over 3,000 fps now.
Technology has surpassed the Savage ML now, the weak point is their breech plug and ignition system. Now the ticket is using a regular rifle primer in a piece of brass from say a .308 with a different designed breech plug.
To do one cheaper, get a short action centerfire receiver such as Remington. Swap out the trigger assembly for a good one such as a Jewell. Either send it to Hankins or to Luke at
Arrowhead Rifles and have him convert it to a Smokeless Muzzleloader. Do away with the sabots, use full bore sized bullets such as the
Pittman Aeromax. If you can legally do so, I would shoot for a .40 caliber. Here in Indiana we have to be .44 cal or bigger so .45 cal is the preferred choice if going to smokeless for distance shooting. Going with a bore sized bullet allows you to push it faster. A muzzlebrake and ear protection while hunting is mandatory to keep your shoulder in one piece and allow you to keep your hearing.
Going with the Rem action will allow you to have a larger barrel dia for the first 5"-8" and that will allow you to shoot the heavier powder charges not risk damaging the gun or you like would happen with the Savage if you shot those powder loads. Max is 70 grains of H-4198 behind a 300g bullet.
