Original:Riverbottom Bow Hunter
After video/hunting with me this year a good friend of mine decided to jump into ML this year. He just bought a slightly used traditions Pursuit LT. I told him I would ask you guys that have one, what loads work best, since you helped me tremendously. Any ideas. BTW-- 50 cal.
Riverbottom Bow Hunter:
At the risk of being accused of promoting a full bore conical, he may consider 385 hollowpoint (Buffalo or Hornady) with 70 -80 grains powder.If there is any concern about the Spanish barrel's integrity, this kind of load gives one plenty of energy and momentum without having to go really heavy on the powder charge, all the while,keeping pressures where we know they are safe.
80 grains of pyrodex will propel the 385 conical to between 1450 and 1500 fps., which provides adequate trajectory to 120 yards (+- 2 inches elevation). It gives muzzle energy of 1800+ ft.lbs and energy at 120 yard of 1000+ ft.lbs. This isn't bad for such a light load of powder.One will generally get pass throughs, but if one doesn't, there is so much momentum at 120 yds that it will put an average sized deer in motion so it topples right there.
Just a thought. With a Spanish extruded barrel, it may be best to use projectiles which are extremely efficient at wringing energy froma smaller powder charge. My 2 cents.
Happy Hunting, Phil