Power Belts vs. other loads

[D-Angler]

After sifting through the options in the 2015 regs I decided to go back to muzzleloader after an 8 year intermission.  Last rounds I shot were .50 Hornady Great Plains in 385gr w/90 grains of ClearShot.  Reflecting back, I felt comfortable out at 100yds but never 100% "dialed in".  So, I am considering other options for loads. 

Some of my contacts are telling me to go with PowerBelts in the 295gr jacketed, and I noticed there is a heavier unjacketed version.  Would like to get one round down that would cover both deer and elk.  Know it will be a bit of a trial/error process to find the right load combo, but wanted to maybe narrow down to a selection of 3-4 bullets and run some comparisons on the range.

T/C .50 Black Diamond -- and ironically the T/C maxi-ball and maxi-hunters I started with years ago I could not get to dial in for me.

[D-Angler]

Sorry all to be "THAT GUY"......just did some searches (duh) and came up with a huge laundry list of bullets to try and think I came away with the realization -- just gotta trial/error until I find what works best in my gun for accuracy AND likely need to step up from 295 grain if I want to use for both deer and elk.

[jackelope]

Did you see this?
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=153019

[teanawayslayer]

I have found a deadly combo that I have been using for several years now. Lots of trial and error before finding the set up I like. Leigh high bloodlines 300 grain with 110 grains of tripple 7 3f.  If you play with different loads you will find the one that works for you.

[shorthair15]

im going with 275 leigh bloodlines but i use them both for elk and deer.

[BULLBLASTER]

I would not shoot all lead. The jqcketed or solid copper are far superior for on game performance. I shoot either. 250 or 290 barnes with 90 grains 777. Shoots awesome in my knight. My buddy sheets the exact load from his black diamond also.

[syoungs]

ive shot 250gr and 300 gr hornady sst's over 110g of 3f out of my optima v2, I prefer the 250gr, as I only hunt deer, and would feel comfortable shooting them on elk if needed. I can shoot a group into a pie plate at 125yds off hand no problem, just playing at the range I can smack a 300 yd gong pretty consistant, though I would never try to shoot game at those distances.

[syoungs]

Also pm sent D-angler

[Wolfdog2314]

I have found a deadly combo that I have been using for several years now. Lots of trial and error before finding the set up I like. Leigh high bloodlines 300 grain with 110 grains of tripple 7 3f.  If you play with different loads you will find the one that works for you.

Exactly what I'm using now too out of a disc extreme. Took a while playing with different combinations, but that's what it takes.

[tbotts]

I currently use the barnes bullets out of my knight.  I did use powerbelts at one time, years ago, but was very disappointed with penetration.  They seem to open up and flatten very quickly, producing very shallow penetration.  I did kill a couple of deer with them, but changed bullets due to the shallow penetration.

[D-Angler]

Did you see this?
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=153019

Thanks J-lope. Some good info, did not see that one.

[huntnnw]

I shoot the exact gun and use 90gr of triple 7 and 300 gr barnes...gun shoots great.

I too would not use all lead when you have the option to shoot much better performing bullets. Penetration tests I have done with all lead to Barnes isnt even comparable...its laughable to see how lead performs. Last year I bought some Hornady SST's 300 gr and they too shot great. I couldnt get the Barnes that I wanted,so I opted to try these after the reviews I read. My girlfriend shot a spike bull at 35 yards broadside with no exit..hit one lung. I am positive if I had loaded it with a Barnes the results would have been better.

[jeffitz]

Definitely agree on the all lead powerbelts flattening,years ago I shot big bull broadside heart shot at 40 yards and the 348 gr did not exit!They work fine at close range but i have no experience with them past 75 yards,my dilemma is i cant find a sabot that will load easily into my REM 700 muzzleloader.Any suggestions on sabots that are maybe slightly smaller diameter??

[bobcat]

Have you tried the Harvester Crush Rib sabot?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Harvester-Crush-Rib-Caliber-Sabots-Per/740770.uts

[jeffitz]

Thanks for the tip Bobcat, i will buy some for sure.Im goin back to muzzy for elk this year so its time to get dialed in