Originally Posted by
HEAD0001
I will not argue about PRB's. But there is no saboted bullet on the market that will compete with a 400 or 500 grain conical out of a 50 caliber rifle. And at distances way past 200 yards. That is what I was referring to when I was talkng about BPCR shooting. However my front stuffer shoots a 525 grain bullet that I cast. And I can guarantee you that bullet is substantially more effective on deer at 200 yards over any saboted bullet choice you can find, or is available. You just have to know how to shoot them. And when you shoot at distances past 150 yards you can not use bullet drop as a major difference. Because both heavy conicals and saboted bullets need to know the proper range for good shot placement. Yes the saboted bullet may be a bit flatter to 200 yards, but it is not as effective as that heavy conical. And BP will shove that heavy conical with no problem at all.
That is the only point I was trying to make. I don't think there is any magic powder. I think it is all in the shooter. And I also really do not think there is alot of difference between a heavy conical in a front stuffer, and a heavy conical in a 45-70 BPCR. If you know your rifle, your load, and you have the ability. I have seen too many people shoot long range with both rigs. And in both rigs they are shooting big heavy conicals. Not saboted bullets. Just an opinion.
Join the LRML forum. If you already haven't. And listen to those guys talk about long range shooting. You will not believe what some of those guys can do. And they are doing it with BP. Not some new fangled powders. An they are shooting heavy conicals. And few are shooting in lines. Tom.
If you go back to what I said originally. I said the PRB is limited, and it is.
Now you're bringing up 500gr conicals. I have no interest in shooting a 500gr bullet with the kind of charge it takes to make it effective.
Why would I when I can shoot a 300gr conical (Thor) with less powder that shoots flatter, and has way less recoil. I also want to use a bullet with good kill performance. I'll take the Barnes over your blob of lead. I prefer to not have lead in an animal i'm going to eat.
Listen, I love tradition. I've hunted with my Hawken with a PRB. It's a lot of fun, but I have to get much closer. That's not always possible in Colorado. I also go to club shoots and shoot the primitive competition. I also shoot CAS. Two 1860 Colts, Winchester 66 44-40, and DB Coach Shotgun 12ga. Everything with real BP. I burn two cases a year of BP.
I understand where you're coming from, but i'll stand by what I said.
BP and a PRB is limited. A modern inline, powder, and bullets extend those limitations.
Black powder is the most inefficient powder ever made. Pouring more down the barrel has it's limits. You can only develop so much power, and the rest blows out the barrel unburned.