Powerbelt aerolite question

[huntnfmly]

I bought some .50 cal 300 grain aero lites for my daughters elk hunt
Was curious what you all think we will be hunting out of a blind if presented with a shot it will be about 20 yards
I seen some reviews about those blowing up  on impact if going to fast
Thanks in advance

[MountainDevil54]

At 20 yards, you are fudged.

My dads elk at 140 yards with 100gr bh209. Great performance on this elk, but at your distances, you're not going to be happy.

[duckmen1]

Just a thought. I was looking into a different line- powerbelt platinums this year and was recommended to look into harvester hardcast bullets instead. I am glad we did. They shoot amazing and reviews show highly rated on performance. We went with the 330s but depending on daughters ability they have 280s as well. I am very confident in these bullets and with the help of fellow members here my gun is ready to go. They were grouping 2.5 inches at 100 yards for a brand new shooter. They are very cheap to buy as well and if time is essential you can get shipping very quickly. My gun typically did not shoot sabots well due to twist rate but they were great in my gun on the harverste hard cast line. Hope this is helpful as it was to me. Good luck with what ever you choose and good luck this season. Have fun.   

Also Harvester is a great company with great customer service. They treat their customers well.

[Sabotloader]

I bought some .50 cal 300 grain aero lites for my daughters elk hunt
Was curious what you all think we will be hunting out of a blind if presented with a shot it will be about 20 yards
I seen some reviews about those blowing up  on impact if going to fast
Thanks in advance

While the Aerolite is probably strongest Power Belt - I still do not have a lot of faith

There might be a similar and better bullet available soon... you might want to consider the Hornady 290 Bore Driver

https://www.hornady.com/muzzleloading/bore-driver-ftx#!/



Really looks good

[huntnfmly]

Thanks guys looks like I might be swapping these out

[huntnfmly]

Hey guys how about the hornady  250gr sst bullets?
I have several boxes of those And they worked great on both daughters mule deer
Thanks again for the insight it’s very much appreciated

[Sabotloader]

Hey guys how about the hornady  250gr sst bullets?
I have several boxes of those And they worked great on both daughters mule deer
Thanks again for the insight it’s very much appreciated

Dang! If you got em - use them!  I am not the biggest fan of pointy bullets in a ML but again if they have worked for you - use em!

[MountainDevil54]

the aerolite is not the strongest powerbelt, it has the largest hp, making it the weakest as it was purposely designed for rapid expansion on impact. The powerbelt platinum would be the stronger made. The ELR powerbelt may actually be the strongest, but ive yet to see them in stores.

[huntnfmly]

Thanks again everyone
@Sabotloader what is it about the pointy bullets you don’t like in muzzy?
You have way more experience than I and have done a lot of testing and I always enjoy you write ups and findings

[huntnfmly]

I’m swapping them out for platinums 👍

[Sabotloader]

Thanks again everyone
@Sabotloader what is it about the pointy bullets you don’t like in muzzy?
You have way more experience than I and have done a lot of testing and I always enjoy you write ups and findings

First off need to say that FG is correct about PB bullets. I had the PowerBelt Platinum in mind when I made that statement.

Pointy bullets... Yes pointy bullets will tend to increase the bullets BC and will help its ballistic performance over a given range.  And that really appeals to rifle hunters.  For myself .. only... the BC is not as important shooting ML's as it is to long range center fire rifles.

I use a normal ML and my max range hunting is 200-250 yards.  Over that distance I really want a bullet that makes and felt impact on the animal and also continues through the body expending and creating internal damage.

Pointy bullets have a real possibility of passing completely through an animal, especially a deer, and not really get fully expanded before it is out of the body and continuing down range.  Not always! but, I am unable to predict when.  With that in mind I choose to use a more blunt nose to insure impact and expansion.

I am not a ballistician so I can not explain it in their language.  So in my simple way I suggest this: in your mind or in real fill a bucket full of water - then drop a pointy object into the bucket.  Then drop a blunt object into the water  which one creates the larger splash or disruption of the surface.

Several years ago when I changed Controlled Fracturing bullets I tried to create a short article for an explanation.  I will see if I can find it and add it to this response.

This is the write up:

The Hunting bullet should be the most lethal big game hunting bullet available.   The bullet design should allow the bullet to penetrate 2” to 3”, through bone or tissue, before it starts to expand the petals.  After the bullet starts to expand or shed it petals it should adversely affect all the surrounding internal organs.  The combination between the expansion of the bullet and/or release of the petals and the creation of hydrostatic shock produces a massive wound cavity within the vital area (internal organs) that can be 13” to 15” long.  I believe that in most case the bullet should pass through the body providing a secondary exit hole for blood and debris.  This massive wound cavity results in the animal dropping fast since most go into shock after such a tremendous blow.  Those animals that don’t go down immediately will soon succumb to blood pressure loss and/or organ failure producing a quick ethical kill.  Using a bullet matching this description will normally result in an animal that goes down fast so you can enjoy the results of your hunt without having to track the wounded animal after the shot.


I have several pics of the results... but not sure they would really show the true results.

[huntnfmly]

Thank you again