Post by: D-Angler on May 17, 2015, 07:05:42 AM
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.
Post by: D-Angler on May 17, 2015, 07:43:04 AM
Post by: jackelope on May 17, 2015, 08:28:34 AM
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=153019
Post by: teanawayslayer on May 17, 2015, 08:43:16 AM
Post by: shorthair15 on May 17, 2015, 09:24:25 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 17, 2015, 09:47:34 AM
Post by: syoungs on May 17, 2015, 09:52:24 AM
Post by: syoungs on May 17, 2015, 09:54:14 AM
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on May 17, 2015, 10:14:46 AM
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. :tup:
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.
Post by: tbotts on May 17, 2015, 03:22:41 PM
Post by: D-Angler on May 17, 2015, 05:47:16 PM
Did you see this?
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=153019
Thanks J-lope. Some good info, did not see that one.
Post by: huntnnw on May 18, 2015, 01:54:14 AM
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.
Post by: jeffitz on May 22, 2015, 09:23:16 AM
Post by: bobcat on May 22, 2015, 09:58:19 AM
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Harvester-Crush-Rib-Caliber-Sabots-Per/740770.uts
Post by: jeffitz on May 22, 2015, 12:39:58 PM
Post by: The100Road on May 22, 2015, 03:35:56 PM
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. :tup:
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.
Same load for me with the same gun. Shoots good but have you found them to be as difficult to load as i have?
Post by: HntnFsh on May 23, 2015, 07:01:24 AM
Post by: Sabotloader on May 23, 2015, 09:47:16 AM
Post by: HntnFsh on May 23, 2015, 10:02:19 AM
Post by: huntnphool on May 30, 2015, 05:42:32 PM
Post by: Damnimissed on May 30, 2015, 07:46:02 PM
100gr. Triple7 FFG, 295gr. Powerbelt at 98 yards.You must not have hit bone.
Post by: jeffitz on June 01, 2015, 04:54:10 PM
Post by: MountainDevil54 on June 01, 2015, 06:39:15 PM
I'd up it to the 348gr flat point, thats a hell of a bullet.
Post by: duckmen1 on June 01, 2015, 08:23:26 PM
Post by: The scout on June 01, 2015, 08:32:16 PM
Post by: huntnphool on June 01, 2015, 10:26:56 PM
Damn nice muley !
Thanks. ;)
stiff load for the all lead series but it did the job nicely :tup:
I'd up it to the 348gr flat point, thats a hell of a bullet.
It was my first muzzy tag hunt and I borrowed the rifle from M-Ray. We hit the hills one day for him to teach me how to load, clean, repair in the field and shoot. He told me the gun shot fantastic groups with that load and not to change anything. My first shot was at 100 yards and he spot on about the accuracy, a couple inches from center of a paper plate. I loaded and shot it twice more at 100 and all three were within about 6 inches, and I had never shot a muzzy before. I loaded and shot the next target 125 and hit the plate at that distance too, I was then confident anything within that distance was in trouble, I just needed to get within that range.... :chuckle:
Like he told me, I guess there is no reason to change anything. :dunno:
Post by: jjhunter on June 02, 2015, 06:57:43 AM
Post by: Z_rock01 on June 02, 2015, 08:24:55 AM
anyone using the platinum powerbelts? I just got a package of the 300 grain platinums, just curious how they perform on animals
Yes I have.. I also have them in 300 gr. I don't prefer PB due to penetration problems in the past on elk. I switched to a 300 gr Barnes EZ. not one animal has gone more then 30 yards after getting hit. :twocents:
Post by: huntnphool on June 02, 2015, 10:13:20 PM
295 Powerbelt (all lead). 90 grns 777 (3Fg). Knight Bighorn. 117 yards, 98 yards, 223 yards. The whitetail ran about 75 yards. The muleys peeled right over.
I'd say you shouldn't change a thing either! :tup:
Post by: huntnnw on June 02, 2015, 10:20:34 PM
Post by: huntnphool on June 02, 2015, 10:26:55 PM
I couldnt imagine aiming at 223 yards with open sights
I couldn't imagine taking a 1000 yard shot on a animal with a high powered rifle/scope combo either, but there are those that practice, know their rifles and abilities that can do it without thinking twice.
He clearly poses all those skills. :twocents:
Post by: huntnnw on June 02, 2015, 10:32:06 PM
Post by: huntnphool on June 02, 2015, 10:34:02 PM
obviously:chuckle:
Post by: huntnnw on June 02, 2015, 10:40:28 PM
Post by: bobcat on June 02, 2015, 10:43:45 PM
Post by: huntnnw on June 02, 2015, 10:58:45 PM
Post by: jimbow on June 03, 2015, 05:15:30 AM
Post by: MountainDevil54 on June 03, 2015, 09:10:00 AM
Ive shot open on my muzzy at 150 and it covers the whole target more of an educated guess :chuckle:Sight in with the very tip of your sight and that wont be an issue :tup:
Post by: ctwiggs1 on June 03, 2015, 09:24:00 AM
Curtis
Post by: huntnphool on June 03, 2015, 09:25:16 AM
Would you guys use the 295s on elk?
Curtis
I will
Post by: bobcat on June 03, 2015, 09:46:12 AM
Would you guys use the 295s on elk?
Curtis
:bdid:
I can't imagine a worse bullet to use for elk. Why not use Bloodlines, Barnes, or Thors? Or if you want inexpensive bullets- Harvester hard cast bullets, Hornady Great Plains, Thompsen Center Maxi Balls, etc.
Why choose a bullet that's going to pancake almost immediately and is barely adequate for deer? ???
Post by: huntnphool on June 03, 2015, 09:53:01 AM
Would you guys use the 295s on elk?
Curtis
:bdid:
I can't imagine a worse bullet to use for elk. Why not use Bloodlines, Barnes, or Thors? Or if you want inexpensive bullets- Harvester hard cast bullets, Hornady Great Plains, Thompsen Center Maxi Balls, etc.
Why choose a bullet that's going to pancake almost immediately and is barely adequate for deer? ???
Barely adequate for deer? :chuckle: There are more than a couple pics on this thread that show its more than "adequate".
Why use a .243 on deer/elk when you can use a .338? :dunno:
Post by: ctwiggs1 on June 03, 2015, 10:28:08 AM
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Black-Powder/Sabots-Bullets%7C/pc/104792580/c/104701680/sc/104547780/Barnes-Spit-Fire-T-EZ8482-Sabots/740899.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fsabots-bullets%2F_%2FN-1100204%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104547780
Sorry.... :jacked:
Post by: zwickeyman on June 03, 2015, 10:52:23 AM
Post by: ctwiggs1 on June 03, 2015, 11:08:51 AM
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Black-Powder/Sabots-Bullets%7C/pc/104792580/c/104701680/sc/104547780/Harvester-Scorpion-PT-Gold-Bullets-with-Crush-Rib-Sabots-ndash-Per-12/1995700.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fsabots-bullets%2Fharvester%2F_%2FN-1100204%2B1000003605%2FNe-1000003605%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104547780%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253B%2BLNcat104442480%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU
Curtis
Post by: Sabotloader on June 03, 2015, 11:09:44 AM
I'm not opposed to using a different bullet, what do you think about this one?
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Black-Powder/Sabots-Bullets%7C/pc/104792580/c/104701680/sc/104547780/Barnes-Spit-Fire-T-EZ8482-Sabots/740899.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fsabots-bullets%2F_%2FN-1100204%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104547780
Sorry.... :jacked:
Barnes bullets are excellent bullets, although I am not real fond of the pointy style bullets. Shooting a bullet with ML speeds I much prefer a bullet with more frontal area to increase the felt impact on the animal. If I were trying to harvest out beyond 200 yards then the pointy style bullet with the higher BC certainly could have an advantage.
I would still suggest that the Bloodline .458x275 is the best all around bullet (deer-elk) out there. But... in todays world not all rifles can load them - the new CVA's have very tight bores and there are not a lot of options for the sabots you might use.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.knightrifles.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F07%2FBloodline-50-Cal-275-Grain-Muzzleloader-Bullets.jpg&hash=cafc5d972cef0c42bf41002dbf4cc617193b170a)
http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Knight-Rifles-Bloodline-.50-Caliber-Segmenting-Expansion-Muzzleloader-Bullets-20-Pack/productDetail/Bullets-and-Sabots/prod999901366962/cat100013
Just something to think about...
Post by: HoofsandWings on June 03, 2015, 11:54:00 AM
anyone using the platinum powerbelts? I just got a package of the 300 grain platinums, just curious how they perform on animalsThat is all I use and found them to work great.
I tried sabots but could not find one that would fit in my barrel.
My powerbelt worked a little too good in my opinion. Shot a deer in front at 150 yards and bullet travelled all the way to the rear end. What a mess.
Post by: Mongo Hunter on June 03, 2015, 11:59:00 AM
anyone using the platinum powerbelts? I just got a package of the 300 grain platinums, just curious how they perform on animals
I used the 270gr Power belt platinum's with 150gr of powder for deer in Oklahoma a few years ago. they kill stuff good, I got a couple deer with them. the doe it blew through both sides at about 50 yards, my wife took one at 100 with my gun as well, both dead right there. however the buck I shot was a big boy and I think I hit a rib and the bullet separated and made a bit of a mess inside. but he died in about 50 yards or so down hill. they were also accurate as hell out of my CVA Elkhorn.
Post by: bobcat on June 03, 2015, 12:14:36 PM
Post by: zike on June 03, 2015, 12:27:23 PM
Post by: HoofsandWings on June 03, 2015, 12:55:56 PM
Post by: bobcat on June 03, 2015, 01:04:51 PM
Bobcat, does that barnes slide right down the barrel? If so, how do you keep it from falling out?
They have four different sizes: .500, .501, .502, and .503.
So you use the size that fits snug in your barrel, but that's not so tight that it's hard to load.
You can get a free sample pack so you can figure out the best size for your gun.
Post by: MarkyMark on June 03, 2015, 01:42:23 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F03%2Fc171bbd32887393e6c6e5e992b073f7b.jpg&hash=46e5070b782cf8fbfe1e61d075dfc9c96ec98219)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: MountainDevil54 on June 03, 2015, 02:35:57 PM
This is the bullet I'll be using for elk this year:(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F03%2Fc46b0f1a3e12a0530f0dbb3f44764504.jpg&hash=408cea23dddf456deddf8fbb2b3fb757020de673)
And a good one it is! Just remember that you can order the smallest size and size them up very easily yourself :tup:
Post by: The Gobble-stopper on June 06, 2015, 11:41:53 PM
Post by: MarkyMark on June 09, 2015, 04:57:22 PM
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: erk444 on June 09, 2015, 08:06:55 PM
This is the bullet I'll be using for elk this year:(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F03%2Fc46b0f1a3e12a0530f0dbb3f44764504.jpg&hash=408cea23dddf456deddf8fbb2b3fb757020de673)Hey bobcat, any reason why your using these and not a soboted bullet? I love my TMZs, but these sure look good too. Does it improve accuracy having a full bore bullet?
Post by: bobcat on June 09, 2015, 08:15:55 PM
This is the bullet I'll be using for elk this year:(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F03%2Fc46b0f1a3e12a0530f0dbb3f44764504.jpg&hash=408cea23dddf456deddf8fbb2b3fb757020de673)Hey bobcat, any reason why your using these and not a soboted bullet? I love my TMZs, but these sure look good too. Does it improve accuracy having a full bore bullet?
No reason other than I've heard great reports on the Thors, and it's also somewhat appealing to me to not use a bullet encased in a piece of plastic. Just seems kind of non-traditional. (As if a 100% copper bullet in an inline muzzleloader is traditional). :chuckle:
Post by: jpharcher on June 09, 2015, 08:18:09 PM
Post by: Sabotloader on June 09, 2015, 08:27:25 PM
Hunting CO this year, going to try the new Federal's, should be here next week, interested in how they do.
Not all states consider them a conical because of the plastic sleeve and base.
Post by: Camo on June 09, 2015, 08:47:39 PM
Post by: jpharcher on June 09, 2015, 08:58:05 PM
I focused on the sabotless, not the conincal.
I'll let you know what they say
Post by: MountainDevil54 on June 09, 2015, 09:35:36 PM
Post by: Sabotloader on June 10, 2015, 12:15:49 PM
the federal is colorado legal, they even state it in the hunting booklet.
If Colorado is OK with the Federal why would they not allow a sabot? Basically the Federal is wrapped in a sabot with plastic base - both the wrap and base stay with the bullet.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rchs61.org%2FIMG_0327.JPG&hash=44eba2d9ef4af1282f7000a97fe2e7f899031082)
Post by: Sabotloader on June 10, 2015, 02:34:46 PM
Hey Sabotloader, what are you shooting these days for Idaho muzzy specific hunts? I think I'm stuck with all lead and no sabots if I remember correctly? I'll send this in a PM so I don't hijack this thread.
We are still really a long ways behind the rest of the world so our rules are full bore lead conicals - loose powder - cap igniton - open sights.
I shoot a Knight Ultra Lite - Western Edition...
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv130%2Fsabotloader%2FKnight%2520Ultra-Lite%2FUliteView.jpg&hash=a916de41664c4e03bf9a55aa34d03816dba47124) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sabotloader/media/Knight%20Ultra-Lite/UliteView.jpg.html)
For the powder and load...
RWS Dynamit Noble 1075+ cap
90 grains T7-3f
Shot Card .125x503 from TOW
.503x460 gr. Bull Shop Conical
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv130%2Fsabotloader%2F460grBullShop.jpg&hash=b9ceeacb0129b0c11ac90fd25cd9d77c2338b9ab) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sabotloader/media/460grBullShop.jpg.html)
Hope this helps...
mike
Post by: MountainDevil54 on June 10, 2015, 08:42:54 PM
the federal is colorado legal, they even state it in the hunting booklet.
If Colorado is OK with the Federal why would they not allow a sabot? Basically the Federal is wrapped in a sabot with plastic base - both the wrap and base stay with the bullet.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rchs61.org%2FIMG_0327.JPG&hash=44eba2d9ef4af1282f7000a97fe2e7f899031082)
Post by: HoofsandWings on June 13, 2015, 04:54:54 PM
I drew a cow tag and looking forward to getting some meat.
From all these comments about lead, I better practice shooting the cow between the eyes. There should not be a problem of her running away.
Post by: MountainDevil54 on June 13, 2015, 07:14:07 PM
Just bought some 338 grain platinum powerbelts. I use 110 grain of triple 7 FFFG in my bighorn.
I drew a cow tag and looking forward to getting some meat.
From all these comments about lead, I better practice shooting the cow between the eyes. There should not be a problem of her running away.
The 338 is a pretty beefy bullet. Slip it behind the shoulder, into both lungs and it will go down.
You should consider the Thors however, they are priced right with the powerbelts. Give him the name Frontier Muzzleloading and Terry gives an extra 10% discount.
Post by: predatorpro on June 13, 2015, 07:22:30 PM
Post by: jeffitz on June 14, 2015, 09:22:05 AM
Post by: duckmen1 on October 22, 2015, 08:57:28 PM
quartering front shoulder shot at about 60 yards. went through shoulder fully expanding and mushrooming back breaking off two petal into the shoulder. rest went through chest cavity taking out heart, 1 lung, liver and stopping under hide toward mid rib area on body. tons of damage done to shoulder and lots of bloodshot on opposite rib side. 68 % weight retention. 96 % weight recovery. Recovery of deer was about 40 yards. died in sight and didn't get that far easily. it put a hurting on that deer.
Post by: MountainDevil54 on October 22, 2015, 10:14:48 PM
Post by: jjhunter on October 23, 2015, 08:37:08 PM