gregorybraswell - this is the same thing I read too often about powerbelts. They will kill deer without doubt. Still it seems there are a lot of posts of the bullet hitting and fragmenting as yours did. I agree, it should have passed through like you also felt. I think as it has been mentioned and tested by other forum members, you were pushing the powerbelt too fast. When it hit, it simply exploded for better words. You're luck it blew such a large entry hole and passed through the heart.

The more I read of these projectiles, I start to believe that they should not be pushed more then say 80 grains of Pyrodex RS type powder. I shoot and have hunted with 245 grain powerbelts, but never had an opportunity to harvest anything with them. I think since my CVA Staghorn Magnum that shoots powerbelts so well also shoots XTP's and other projectiles, I might change over. I also am tired of paying a dollar a pop for those things.

I think I will try some of the Nosler Partition I bought in it. From Sabotloader's and others experiences with them, they are a true tested bullet that will do exactly what I want it to do. Granted they are expensive, but for hunting.. when I want to anchor a deer, a extra .50 cents worth of bullet means little to me.

Let me congratulate you on the taking of a doe. I am glad that you had the opportunity to test the powerbelt, and thanks for your report. You changed my mind in their use.. Nice shooting and good hunting in the future. My sister used to live near Statesboro and if I remember, her husband said they could shoot 6 deer a year down there, so your work has just started....