Bullets for Inline Muzzle loaders

powdergun

powdergun

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Not sure if I chose the right forum but I thought I'd get more info here.

Just wondering what those of you who are hunting with inline muzzle loaders are using for bullets. I've been using 45 cal Hornady XTP's for years but a few bad experiences have caused me to have some doubts about them. I know shot placement and all that but my observations a made on deer I have dropped. After about 100 yards they essentially no longer expand. I know my ranges because I hunt from a blind and I use my range finder on almost every shot.

Do any of you have some direct experience with some of the offerings from barnes etc with their bullets. I've read that the Hornady SST's can be problematic just wondering if the higher priced bullets are worth it ?

Thanks for all your input
 
I've used xtp's and sst's, and found they didn't always seem to expand but I've shot a couple deer with them. Others may know more but like I said my expience is limited.
 
Barnes Expanders hands down are my favorite. Every single one I have pulled out of a deer has opened the same way. The last one I weighed was 298 grains so they are right on the money when they say 100% weight retention after expansion.
 
I wouldn't worry too much about the SSTs. I used the XTPs and Barnes for years with decent success, the big limiter on muzzleloader killing power is velocity loss as range lengthens. Start with as much as you can get, and place your shot well.

If I ever recover a 300 grain SST I'll weigh it to make sure the animal is dead.

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That's for sure. Under 100-120 the the XTP's hit like a sledge hammer but once you cross that line they drop like a stone and totally run out of steam. I was just wondering if some of the higher end bullets might give a fellow a bit more range.

A side question. : If anyone has a Savage ML that takes smokeless I was wondering if you have some loads with some good velocity.
 
Doug's Savage board is the place to find non-book high velocity loads for the Savage. I was doing 2650 fps with 265 barnes and H4198, but the load needed a little tweaking and I was out of time. I went back to SR4759 for a hunting season and ended up just staying there.
 
I use powerbelt platinum 338gr plastic tipped bullets. Very accurate. I've never recovered a bullet from aa deer. I've put one thru a does chest at 225 paces. I've had bad luck with the sst bullets for muzzleloaders
 
Hey are in Anola, Manitoba. Just google their website. They do mail order.

The .40 260gr dead center uses an orange sabot. I do not know what brand it is This bullet was made when they were testing te savage smokeless ML. 2300fps with a 260gr bullet that has a BC somewhere between .35 and .375 is a wonderful thing.
 
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I managed to dig up a picture of an Expander I recovered out of a buck. The blades are a little deformed from where it clipped the shoulder bone.
 
Is anyone casting pure lead pistol bullets to use in a sabot? I have been thinking of trying a 240g or so swc and a green harvester sabot for next year. I think all the bullets for inlines are just too expensive.
 
sawatzky said:
I've used xtp's and sst's, and found they didn't always seem to expand but I've shot a couple deer with them. Others may know more but like I said my expience is limited.
Click to expand...
Same here, they have seemed to not expand but do pass through. This equalled dead deer mind out.

ontario said:
Barnes Expanders hands down are my favorite. Every single one I have pulled out of a deer has opened the same way. The last one I weighed was 298 grains so they are right on the money when they say 100% weight retention after expansion.
Click to expand...

I have switched to the Barnes as they they group better, no on game experience yet.
 
My wife shoots 250 gr Hornady SST's with 150 grains of pyrodex. This is a bullet I recovered from her mountain goat. No expansion issues so far!

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RC
 
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