ORIGINAL: Catus Magnus
Which brings a question: I'm all in favor of More Power, but... how much is enough? Longest shot I've ever made on a deer - and with a .270 - was about 90 yards. Longest BP shot has been about 60yds. I figure 100gr Pyrodex behind a 240-300gr sabot, or 385gr conical, oughta be wholly sufficient for deer to a 100-130yds or so... whatsay those who've done it a lot? I've only killed half a dozen whitetail with muzzleloader (including a beautiful 8-pointer this last fall, my prettiest deer EVER)
You are making a great point Catus. There is a tendency to heavy charges. For most people, in most of their hunting situations, they are gainingnothing by going so heavy on the charge.A fast bullet and flat trajectory is"sexy" and "exciting" I guess. I am thankful for the push that way, though.Creating faster twist rates for the saboted rifle-type and longer pistol bullets also makes the modern inline better forthe heavier conicals.
BTW 100 grains RS and 385 conical is "more than you need" to 130 yards. You could go to 80 grains, if your rifle shoots well there, and get alot more milage from your powder and still have plenty of killing power.
Happy Hunting, Phil