A story that could help some shooters.
I have a black powder story that may help some. I recently bought a CVA Optima Pro. .50 cal. It has the camo covering that as I now am accustomed its weaknesses if I had to do it again I would have not gotten the covering. It gets banged up very easily and will wipe off if any harsh cleaners touch it. But I like the gun.
I was zeroed in at 75 yards, I would have gone further but the range was very busy. I am a Marine and shoot for a living so I figured I was good to go. I killed a spike last week at about 80 yards through the heart but I was aiming at its neck! I figured a pulled shot, and brushed it off. The 295 grain power belt didn’t penetrate completely as I found the jacket under the skin about 90 degrees from the impact area. If this was a good broad side shot I may have had to track that deer due to the Power Belt. I was using 90 grains of ffg 777.
The next 2 days I missed 2 bucks one that was a nice 8 point neither was hit and both shot were at about 90 yards. To say the least I was mad and frustrated so Sunday at the range at 100 yards I missed the target twice and was on target the third time?
So to the trash with the power belts and I tried using 250 grain TC Shockwaves and 2 Pyrodex pellets. After a few adjustments I was in a 2.5 inch group with 7 shots. I know that the loose powder or pellets from 777 may have worked or been the problem I will need more experimentation to find out.
I have to say this as this may be a trend, I don’t see a lot of muzzleloaders at the range. But I “hear” and see a lot of smoke poles in the woods and no one bringing out deer as we on base have to check in all kills. I think there is a lot of missed shots from muzzleloaders because people are not sighting in and finding the best combination in there gun. I hope this helps someone, as I was a victim of not shooting enough.
If anyone has any advice I am open to hear it also.