By the time I run out of ammo, we will be using lasers instead of bullets.
i feel like a bow would be much better than a muzzleloader
I personally don't think a muzzleloader would be a good SHTF weapon. If you ran out of convention ammo for modern rifles and pistols and want to make improvised bullets for a muzzleloader you would have to have a bullet mold, powder, and lead or something other to make a bullet. Black powder would be a pain to keep dry and carry around IMO. If this was the 1700's it would be excellent. But with today's technology it just makes more sense to me to use modern weapons. But a muzzleloader is better than nothing.
You shouldn't forget the lowly 12 guage pump shotgun... You can improvise a reloaded shell in the field if you have primers... Black powder is makeable, some card board, or wrag for wadding, some pebbles or anything like screws or tacks will do for shot and some more wadding material and some of natures glue to keep it all together.. Black powder corrosion shouldn't be hard to handle in a closed barrel system such as a pump and your still in the game even after most modern supplies are used up... Just my thought on the subject...
Could you clarify your post a little please. If you have convention ammo for a modern rifle, why do you have a muzzleloader? And, although I agree making ammo for a muzzleloader would be a pain, at least its possible. making convention ammo is impossible without a huge amount of support. Modern smokeless powder, primers, and casings are impossible to make in a backyard. Where as I can make black powder out of manure, sulfur, and charcoal and a little practice. Bullets can be made from polished rocks if need be. Just my thoughts.
i feel like a bow would be much better than a muzzleloader