Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: Open-sights on January 20, 2009, 02:02:37 PM

Title: Blackpowder for Bear? And, What bullet?
Post by: Open-sights on January 20, 2009, 02:02:37 PM: I have a .50 caliber Black Diamond XR and I shoot 110 grains of pyrodex with a 405 grain hollow point, all lead Powerbelt; is this suffecient for black bear? If not, should I drop down in bullet weight and use a jacketed bullet? Any other hunters use their smokepole for bears? Any and all advice is welcome. Thanks in advance for your help.
Title: Re: Blackpowder for Bear? And, What bullet?
Post by: Curly on January 20, 2009, 02:14:43 PM: You can't legally use a jacketed bullet in your smokepole for hunting. I know it sounds ridiculous since you will be hunting during a modern season, but that is the way the law is currently written.

I don't think that powerbelt would be the best thing for anything bigger than deer. I shot a blacktail buck a few years ago with that bullet and it flattened like a pancake. You might try getting a hold of the 444 gr powerbelt flat point pure lead version and see how it shoots in your rifle.
Title: Re: Blackpowder for Bear? And, What bullet?
Post by: HawkenBob on January 20, 2009, 02:25:01 PM: Yep , all ML rules apply even though its a modern season.

Id try the 340 grain dead centers or the Hornady great plains. The Dead centers have great penetration as well expansion. Probably one of the best on the market this day and age for knockdown performance.