ORIGINAL: Pglasgow
Cayugad wrote:
"I disagree with you Phil on your belief of the roundball as being an inferior projectile"
I am surprised, very surprised, to see this. The last time I saw you comment on the round ball you wrote that there was a need to get "close enough and to put it in the right spot". I took that to mean that one must get closer and be more particular about the placement of the shot than one must be with a full bore conical or saboted bullet. I know that you meant that and that you wouldnever condone pinging a whitetail at 100 yards with .50 cal roundball possessing 450 ft-lbs energy.
I know you would never suggest that a round ball was just as good as any otherprojectile in regards to the energy it gets out of charge, how it retains energy down range,its secitional density,or its ability to pentrate game. We both know thatthe roundballneeds special consideration because of what it lacks in these departments. Wouldn't you agree?
I honestly apologizeas my statements about the roundball have offended you and some others. They were not directed youor anyone who uses the roundball but at the roundball itself.
Happy Hunting, Phil
First off.. no apology necessary. I understand what you were trying to express and took no offence. I was only wishing to point out that a roundball should never be sold short. I'd never argue the ballistics of a roundball compared to say a SST. All different there.
One does need to get closer with a round ball per say a XTP or SST. But the round ball still has excellent killing powder even at extreme limits of its range. And you're correct shot placement is critical, but no more critical then with a conical or sabot projectile. If you don't put the projectile in the right spot it can not do the job. That's why no one just simply shoots for a deer, instead they pick an area or a spot on the deer, no matter what the projectile.
As for the 100 yard mark and a .50 caliber I have a friend that has taken three whitetail at that distance with open sights and a roundball. One of them dropped in their tracks, the other two made but a short distance. My longest with a .50 caliber roundball is about 60 yards. I normally hunt with a .54 caliber or bigger when shooting roundball. I felt he was on the very edge of his range, although we practice to that distance all the time. With a couple of my rifles I can consistently place a roundball in the bottom lid of a #3 pound coffee can nailed to a stake stuck out in the snow. (well I did 10 for 10 one day which I was very happy with) Would I shoot out to 100 yards on a whitetail with a roundball? If it was a standing broadside shot, and I had a good rest, with no cross wind. You would hear me shoot. Any further, and I would let it go.
My furthest with a roundball has been 80 yards to the target and then another 15-20 feet after that to the second target. I had the misfortune of shooting a deer with a .54 caliber roundball and 80 grains of Pyrodex RS once at approximately 80 yards (according to the owner of the land. I felt it more like 70 yards). The ball passed through that deer knocking it deadflat. The ball went further striking a second deer and knocking that one down also, with a broken spine. The ball still had enough power to sever the spine of the second deer but was lodged against the skin next to the spine. I finished that deer off with a knife. So penetration is possible with roundballs. I also had plenty of tags to cover my mistake.
A poster on a different forum I read about, shot a moose with a .54 caliber roundball and 90 grains of Pyrodex killing it. I do not recall how far the moose went after being hit. But I do recall the fact the moose was 160 yards away. So a roundball will penetrate. Would I condone such a shot.. never. In my opinion too far. Was this shooter lucky? I would say yes. I do not know this person personally but have no reason to doubt them.
So yes, one should get as close as possible to their game if hunting with a roundball. Of course I do that with any projectile I hunt with. I try to limit my shots with roundball to 100 yards. I never did put a lot of faith in numbers or foot pounds of energy. I stress shot placement and let the ball do the rest. I still hunt with roundball from time to time although I am determined to get deer with a number of different projectiles. Since roundball and conicals are low on the list, I have been hunting with XTPs, SSTs, Expanders, Powerbelts, and No Excuse Conicals. Now if just the deer would cooperate a little more.
I'm one of these people that say, hunt with what you like. As long as you know the limits of the weapon and it is legal to hunt with it, then have fun and be safe...