Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Muzzleloader Hunting => Topic started by: gotshot on July 26, 2020, 09:35:08 AM

Title: Where to start
Post by: gotshot on July 26, 2020, 09:35:08 AM: So I have a T/C black diamond XR and my best load for me is 3 50 grain pellets and a lead 395 grain powerbelt. I just bought my son a knight bighorn. So there are so many options now with loads and bullets not sure which way to go to get him tuned in. Anyone have any suggestions. Loose powder, pellets. bullets. Thanks
Title: Re: Where to start
Post by: MountainDevil54 on July 26, 2020, 09:59:23 AM: i personally would not shoot a 295gr powerbelt over 150gr of powder. :bdid:
Title: Re: Where to start
Post by: gotshot on July 26, 2020, 10:14:26 AM: Actually its a 348 grain powerbelt
Title: Re: Where to start
Post by: GASoline71 on July 26, 2020, 05:53:16 PM: When I got my first inline muzzleoader back around 2001, it was capable of handling 150 grains of pelletized powder. I shot Cabela's brand non-jacketed 345 grain hollow point sabots. After taking one cow elk with this combo, I then toned it down to 100 grains of pelletized powder and a Cabela's brand non-jacketed 310 grain hollow point sabot. I got another cow elk with that combo a few years later.

I now shoot 100 grains of pelletized powder and a 295 grain powerbelt. Muzzleloader is a .50 cal.

I got tired of getting beat to hell with the 150 grains of powder and heavier bullet. The 100 grains is more forgiving, and inside of 75 yeards is just as deadly.

Gary
Title: Re: Where to start
Post by: callturner on July 26, 2020, 06:30:05 PM: I shoot a Bighorn. 90 gr pyrodex select under a 400 gr harvester lead bullet in a black crushrib sabot, lit with a RWS musket cap.
Title: Re: Where to start
Post by: steeleywhopper on July 26, 2020, 06:43:55 PM: 2 pyrodex 50gr pellets and a Barnes T-Ez 290 gr bullet kill everything I have ever pulled the trigger on with my 50 cal Knight bighorn...
Title: Re: Where to start
Post by: RobinHoodlum on July 26, 2020, 09:32:09 PM: Huge Barnes fan. I shoot the 250 TMZ over 100 grains of FFG out of a Big Horn. Has been magic on deer and elk. Three recovered bullets are pretty much 100 % intact with razor sharp copper edges. Every gun is different, so you may need to tinker. And the TMZ are a tight fit in the barrel so you might opt for the TEZs
Title: Re: Where to start
Post by: Lucky1 on July 26, 2020, 09:51:03 PM: Quote from: GASoline71 on July 26, 2020, 05:53:16 PM
When I got my first inline muzzleoader back around 2001, it was capable of handling 150 grains of pelletized powder. I shot Cabela's brand non-jacketed 345 grain hollow point sabots. After taking one cow elk with this combo, I then toned it down to 100 grains of pelletized powder and a Cabela's brand non-jacketed 310 grain hollow point sabot. I got another cow elk with that combo a few years later.

I now shoot 100 grains of pelletized powder and a 295 grain powerbelt. Muzzleloader is a .50 cal.

I got tired of getting beat to hell with the 150 grains of powder and heavier bullet. The 100 grains is more forgiving, and inside of 75 yeards is just as deadly.

Gary
I like the 2 pellets and the 295 power belt too. We killed a couple deer with the 295 grain jacketed Powerbelts last year. I don’t think they expanded at all. Looked like a 50 cal hole in and out. Might switch to the ones that aren’t jacketed. I think they will probably expand better.
Title: Re: Where to start
Post by: callturner on July 26, 2020, 10:14:46 PM: Many people use pellets with good luck. That said a weighed charge of loose powder is more accurate than pellets. Put them on a scale and see for your self. Pellets also tend to take on moisture which can cause obvious problems. Just easier for me personally to use loose powder. Separate vials for each charge. Lots better options than power belts for a lot less money too.
Title: Re: Where to start
Post by: WSU on July 27, 2020, 05:36:32 AM: 100 grains 777 and a 290 grain Barnes tez. Has worked great on elk for me.
Title: Re: Where to start
Post by: Rem14 on July 27, 2020, 03:12:16 PM: I have had very good luck with the Federal Premium B.O.R. Lock Trophy Copper, 50 cal., 270 gr. , T/C Black Diamond XR , 100 grs. 777 FF. Easy to load, very accurate in my rifle. The recovered slugs were both frontal shots. Performed as advertised. Broadside shots were not recovered but all were drop on the spot kills. Half dozen total.
Title: Re: Where to start
Post by: usmc74 on July 27, 2020, 06:53:11 PM: I hunt with the Bighorn.

Last 2 bull elk were with T7-3F loose powder, with a 295 TMZ. I do use the Knight Blue sabots so they load easier.

I assume the TMZ would be good to go right from the start.

I do use the RWS musket cap.

Both elk shot bedded, neither elk moved after shot. 1 about 76 yards, the other 100 yds.
Title: Re: Where to start
Post by: gotshot on September 17, 2020, 06:20:19 PM: Thanks.