Muzzleloader bullets. What do you use????

After using Power Belt 245gr 50 cal. bullets for 2 seasons I’ve been impressed with ease of loading and accuracy. I’ve been VERY UNIMPRESSED with penetration and knockdown ability. I’ll start here deer 1. 3yrd shot almost straight down, perfect shot alongside spine through ribs and into lungs, deer ran off and he fell within sight. Snow was on the ground and I found 1 tiny spec of blood at point of impact NO PENETRATION, at that range I figure the bullet should have gone through. Deer 2 and 3 both great shots, 40 and 80 yrds luckly one dropped in it’s tracks and the other made it about 100yrds in the woods with a weak blood trail again NO PASS THROUGH. I’ve been finding alot of bad stories reguarding lack of penetration and bullets fragmenting into tiny peices with 150 grains of 777 which is why I’ve always stuck to 100grains of 777. What bullet or sabot are you others having with good penetration(pass through) There are a ton on the market, all claiming to be great. I’ve heard sabots can be harder loading but I’d happily sacrifice that for a good shooting, good penetrating bullet. Please tell me your experiences good and bad. I was thinking of giving the Noslers that Jim Shockey advertises a try????

I have always shot the Powerbelts that are one size bigger….I think 270 grains? I switched to the platinums when they came out. I use 130 grains of 777 in a CVA 209 Optima Pro. I read in a field test by American Hunter Magazine that this load performed best with this powder amount….and you can get the 30 grain pellets. The last 3 deer I have killed have been pass through shots and last years was right at 100 yards. this set up for me is So accurate…that I would have a hard time changing bullets at this point. Just my experiences with this setup.
Brian

I have always shot the Powerbelts that are one size bigger….I think 270 grains? I switched to the platinums when they came out. I use 130 grains of 777 in a CVA 209 Optima Pro. I read in a field test by American Hunter Magazine that this load performed best with this powder amount….and you can get the 30 grain pellets. The last 3 deer I have killed have been pass through shots and last years was right at 100 yards. this set up for me is So accurate…that I would have a hard time changing bullets at this point. Just my experiences with this setup.
Brian

I use the TC shockwave’s 200gr. The group excellent and are accurate at long range. my hunting partner use’s the same. I used to use the hornaday polymier tips but switch to a lighter bullet for better accuracy at longer ranges. Both bullets were good bullets for me wouldn’t be scared to use either one.

I use the TC shockwave’s 200gr. The group excellent and are accurate at long range. my hunting partner use’s the same. I used to use the hornaday polymier tips but switch to a lighter bullet for better accuracy at longer ranges. Both bullets were good bullets for me wouldn’t be scared to use either one.

Cabelas sells a swaged lead saboted bullet that is pointed, knurled and very good at what you seem to desire.

The ones I have experience with were shot in a .45 caliber in-line. Accuracy was outstanding and the penetration was just as amazing out to 150 yards. Not one of the very many deer shot with this bullet retained the bullet and the bleeding factor was never an issue.

I used pellets and 777 along with many other products, but 100 grains of 3x black powder served up the best accuracy and pushed that bullet along very well.

I have cut up two deer that friends shot with the Power Belt bullets and found the same results. Poor penetration and many bullet fragments. I told both shooters don’t aim for the shoulder on a broadside shot. I have been using the .44 cal 240 g. Hornady XTP with the sabot sleeve in my .50 cal. I have shot 2 deer and both shots passed through the deer leaving a good sized exit hole. I use 100 g of the American Pioneer black powder substitute.

I have cut up two deer that friends shot with the Power Belt bullets and found the same results. Poor penetration and many bullet fragments. I told both shooters don’t aim for the shoulder on a broadside shot. I have been using the .44 cal 240 g. Hornady XTP with the sabot sleeve in my .50 cal. I have shot 2 deer and both shots passed through the deer leaving a good sized exit hole. I use 100 g of the American Pioneer black powder substitute.

If you are deer hunting only, I think all you need is an all lead bullet. I use the T/C Cheap shot sabot in 240 grains. It is all lead, no fancy tip. Deer have a thin hide and don’t really need the extra tip for penetration. You want a bullet that will break up inside so it wrecks their insides in a hurry and then they bleed alot and they won’t go far.
Accuracy with them? I can hit a clay pigeon at 100 yards virtually every time.
I used the T/C Shock waves for a year. Shot a deer with it and all it did was pass through- the bullet didn’t break up or cause any damage inside. Luckily, it was one that was already wounded and we got him. I changed bullets for the next year and have been using the lead sabots for 2-3 years now.
I shoot an Omega with 100 grains (2-50gr. pellets) of pyrodex.
One other real nice thing…They are only $5-6 for 20 shots compared to twice that much for the shockwaves.

If you are deer hunting only, I think all you need is an all lead bullet. I use the T/C Cheap shot sabot in 240 grains. It is all lead, no fancy tip. Deer have a thin hide and don’t really need the extra tip for penetration. You want a bullet that will break up inside so it wrecks their insides in a hurry and then they bleed alot and they won’t go far.
Accuracy with them? I can hit a clay pigeon at 100 yards virtually every time.
I used the T/C Shock waves for a year. Shot a deer with it and all it did was pass through- the bullet didn’t break up or cause any damage inside. Luckily, it was one that was already wounded and we got him. I changed bullets for the next year and have been using the lead sabots for 2-3 years now.
I shoot an Omega with 100 grains (2-50gr. pellets) of pyrodex.
One other real nice thing…They are only $5-6 for 20 shots compared to twice that much for the shockwaves.

I use the all copper Barnes bullets in 240 grains and think they work awesome. They are available in other sizes through Knight as redhot bullet – have a sabot and accuracy seems to be very good. Toured the Barnes plant in Utah years back and was very impressed – the owner gave me a box to try and I haven’t had any reason to change since. Give them a shot – no fragments – great penetration – readily open and expend all their energy into the critter. Good luck with your choice, Chuckles

I use the all copper Barnes bullets in 240 grains and think they work awesome. They are available in other sizes through Knight as redhot bullet – have a sabot and accuracy seems to be very good. Toured the Barnes plant in Utah years back and was very impressed – the owner gave me a box to try and I haven’t had any reason to change since. Give them a shot – no fragments – great penetration – readily open and expend all their energy into the critter. Good luck with your choice, Chuckles

I have been using the TC shock wave 250 gr bonded. Great accuracy and all deer died quickly. I use the nikon omega scope on my encore so I use the formula that goes with the sighting system 250 grain bullet,150 grain of 777, and I use the 777 primers.

I have been using the TC shock wave 250 gr bonded. Great accuracy and all deer died quickly. I use the nikon omega scope on my encore so I use the formula that goes with the sighting system 250 grain bullet,150 grain of 777, and I use the 777 primers.

Thanks for everyones imput! I knew I could count on your “Hands On”

Thanks for everyones imput! I knew I could count on your “Hands On”

I use the 245 grain Buffalo Bullet Company ballet with 100 grains of triple 7. The first deer I shot went 30 yards and dropped. The second one dropped right on the spot. It’s the best bullet I have found out of the gun I shoot.

~SKINEBOY~

I use the 245 grain Buffalo Bullet Company ballet with 100 grains of triple 7. The first deer I shot went 30 yards and dropped. The second one dropped right on the spot. It’s the best bullet I have found out of the gun I shoot.

~SKINEBOY~