ORIGINAL: gleason.chapman
ORIGINAL: marshall9779
I am new to Muzzleloading. Just picked up my Optima Elite yesterday and will be trying the 200gr SW's at the range this weekend. I chose the 200 gr since it is plenty heavy for a deer and will shoot a lot flatter if I need it, and wont have to worry about the drop as much. I will let you now how they do after the early ML season next weekend.
You will find that most 200 and 250g bullets don't shoot thru deer, and therefore you don't have good blood trail. I like the 300g bullets since it shoots thru deer and has more energy at 150 to 200 yards. Your problem with the 200g will be energy after 150 yards.
Chap Gleason
I use a 110gr charge to push 200gr bullets and 90% or so exit on the far side. Blood trail is rarely needed as they don't run far and usually present anyways. Energy can fall off at extended ranges but I was surprised to find I still got a pass-thru at 338 yds last year. Previous shots in the 200-250yd range also passed thru. Deer were shot in the shoulders and DRT.