Realistic expectations with a traditional PRB black powder rifle?

[Brutus]

In all honesty for those of you with much experience with similar primitive rifles, (.50 calibre hawken style with semi-buckhorn sights) what do you think my maximum range should be for harvesting deer using a patched round ball?

I myself believe this side of 100 yards and perhaps even better 80 yards should be self-imposed limit. And all the while striving for a closer shot BTW.
I have taken a deer with archery gear in the past, so I think I can be successful with this BP rifle.

Any thoughts on this before I actually do the deed?

PS: I will be cheating and carrying my rangefinder with me.

 

[vagrantviking]

As long as you can see the sights decently 100-125 yards is about as far as I would be comfortable. Thats assuming fairly hot 80gr+ powder charges behind a patched ball.

Most rifles from a rest should group less than 4 inches at that distance on a calm day and a dead-on hold at 100y should only be about 3-4 inches high at 50y. They drop fast after 100 though. Not a whole lot different trajectory than 22LR actually.

 

[Ol' Flinter]

Your self imposed distance limit should be determined by how accurately you can shoot - not by the power of the gun. As V. Viking said, with 80 or so grains of powder and a PRB you will have enough power for somewhat beyond 100 yd. The ball will most certainly pass through on a broadside hit from 100 yd., in my experience, even with a 45 cal PRB. So, at whatever range you have confidence that you can keep 5 shots in a 6" circle should be your self imposed limit, in my opinion. Good luck.

 

[Brutus]

Thanks guys........

 

[petew]

It is a close range game, not a shoot far one.
I won't shoot over 100 yards with a 30-30 Winchester 94 and 70 yards with a ML.

 

[pacobillie]

75 yards would be my self imposed limit for an off hand shot with a ML and a PRB. ( 50 or 54)

 

[41 Colt]

I would do 100 off a rest. Next year I hope to go hunting with my ML.

 

[Brutus]

I just shot it this morning at the range. Two shots 2" apart and 4 inches high (12 o'clock) of centre at 50 meters. At 100 meters, it's hitting 3" low and 2" right of centre. (about 5 o'clock) I consider myself GTG for a maximum distance of 100, from a good shooting position on a full broadside standing still poke at the deer's heart/lungs.