Muzzy Info/Tips

[KimberRich]

I'm new to Muzzleloader hunting and am wondering what bullet/load everyone likes to shoot.   
I've had a .50 Hawken in the back of my safe for about 8 years and have yet to fire it but was thinking about getting out this weekend and seeing what I can do and then maybe trying to kill one of my does in Montana with it next month.  My Dad says he got it to shoot best with 90 grs of FFF and a 300 grain conical bullet.. He couldn't remember what brand/style bullet though.  Thanks!

[Curly]

I'm betting that the Hawken has a 1:48 twist barrel.  Therefore, I'd say conicals would likely be your best bet.  I had good luck with Maxi-balls in 425 gr in my 1:48 twist Renegade; however I've heard that the quality of the Maxi-Balls are not what they used to be and I haven't used them for over 10 yrs.......    I'd try Precision Rifle bullets if you can find them.  http://www.prbullet.com/chart.htm  Probably the Keith Nose in 300 grain.

Another option would be PowerBelts.  My Renegade shot the 348 gr hollow point bullet well, but I didn't like how soft the lead was and how it pancaked on a deer.  Powerbelt makes a copper jacketed bullet that should work better than the all lead ones that I tried before.....(I haven't used my Renegade since the rules changed allowing jacketed bullets). 

[Dan-o]

What Curly said.

I bet his assumption on rifling is correct and given that you'd be good to go with 350 grain + bullets.