ORIGINAL: gleason.chapman
ORIGINAL: flounder33
Hi, you seem to have awealth of knowledge about different projectiles. I am looking to find the minimum and maximum velocities for maximum effectiveness of different muzzleloader bullets. I know powerbelts and other lead projectiles would be on the low end while all copper bullets like Barnes would be on the high end of the scale. While I know that bullet placement is the most important thing it would also be nice to know I am using the right bullet for the right powder charge.
For example, I am going to hunt a special muzzleloader season that I am planning on using my 22 inch Knight Wolverine for. It shoots Barnes Expanders really accurately with 85 grainsof Triple 7 but I am wondering if I would have enough zip for these bullets. Maybe I would be better off with the Hornady XTP's which also shoot pretty good.
Any info or sources of this kind of information would be appreciated.
Thanks, Art
The Barnes MZ hollow point are huge and expand well in FLESH and hold together in bone hit. 85g is a good light load for a 300g bullet. I like the 300 over the 250 cuse I have had Noslers hang up under the skin on the off side, but the 300g don't do that. Another bullet that is EXACTLY the same as the MZ is the Barnes 45/70 bullet called the TSX part number 45843, that is very accurate in my Savage and is cheaper than the MZ, same exact hollow point as the MZ.
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0003545843 (yep, $17.56)
Since it is a rifle bullet, the performance is better at the higher velocities, which won't be your case. I would perfer the Barnes over the XTP 300g since they don't fragment, and XTPs loose their jacket especially on close hit. I didn't say the don't kill and I didn't say they were a poor bullet, they are excellent, but Barnes are a bit better for oblique shots and shoot thru with great expansion and 100% weight retention. Try the 45/70 bullet, I bought them fro like $17 from Mid South and they were Available. Barnes Origonals are very hard to find now. You gotta get them in June and July to have a November supply, 2 boxes of 50.
Best Wishes on your selection,
Chap Gleason