What load?

[Wash.hunter]

After many trips too the range and trying many different load combinations, I have found two that my gun likes the best, or at least group the best. 100 grains of Jim Shockey Gold loose powder and a 300 grain Powerbelt platinum, and 120 grains of the same loose powder and a 338 grain Powerbelt platinum. Both loads I can get under 2 inch groups at 80 yards with the 300 grain grouping 1 1/2 inch high, and the 338 grain grouping around the bullseye at 80 yards. I do not consider myself to be that great of a shot so this grouping is after lots of practice and numerous different load combinations, this is what I have found to be the most accurate at the range. My question is, wich load should I hunt with? I believe they both would get the job done but is there an advantage too one load over the other? I will be deer hunting on the westside. Thanks!

[gadwall]

Good accuracy.  I don't shoot the powerbelts but more lead is often times better with muzzleloaders.  I'd shoot the heavier bullet.

[bobcat]

Powerbelts are a pretty soft bullet, which would tend to make me choose the heavier bullet. The bigger the better! Only reason you'd want to go lighter is to reduce recoil. But I don't imagine it would be that bad with the 338 grain.

[gilson_muzzle]

I shoot a 385 grain great plains bullet with 90 grains of pyrodex rs powder. Been using this combination for a while.

[dvolmer]

This is a topic with lots of opinions.  Some will say that going lighter on the bullet is better because you get better down range ballistics and deeper penetration and some will say go heavy with more knock down power.  I know a lot of bow hunters that when they hunt elk will hunt with a 2 blade arrow because it will penetrate into the big body of an elk deeper and others that like the 3 and 4 blade arrows for more tissue damage as it travels through the body but as it does more damage the energy is absorbed faster and penetration isn't as deep.  When you talk about 300 grains verse 330 grains there isn't much difference.  I personally would use the same bullet for deer and elk whatever you choose so you are always using the same thing and it helps you to get to know what you can and cant do with the load you have chosen.  Its like the age old question, Whats the best caliber of rifle for deer and elk and you will have more opinions than you can imagine.  the best thing to do is get good at what you have and it sounds like you have spent the time and are shooting very well.  With all that said, for deer if I where you i would use the 300 grain bullet.  Cant tell you why but its just my gut instinct.  Take that for what it is worth (and probably not worth much) and have a great season!

[MuzzyHunter28]

Hello all, New to the forum so work with me. Im a HUGE fan of the Powerbelt Bullet being pushed by 70 to 90 Gr. of loose 2F Powder. Before the Powerbelt was brought to my attention I shot the 320gr Maxi Ball all lead conical shape. With 70Gr. of 3F. Was killing Mule Deer in Ea. Washington at 25 to 150 yrds. Started shooting the Powerbelt Bullets this Summer and have been looking forward to hunting with them all summer. I sighted my Rem. 700 50 Cal. with the 245Gr Aerotip with 80 Gr. of 2F: 2" High @ 50Yrds and 2.5" @ 100 yrds.  From what I read and researched the higher Gr. powder charges are having bad results on medium skinned game. Everyone who shoots the standard charges is having great results. Im very confident I can stop a Muley in his tracks with the light bullet and a good chance at a pass thru shot.