Last x-mas I purchased a CVA Wolf Muzzleloader for my mother-in-law (I also helped giving her her first every grandchild in April of last year....I better get son-in-law of the year).

Anyways, It was quickly obvious 100 grain charges and a 295grain bullet were to much recoil for her to practice with and become efficient. I tried moving her to Blackhorn 209 to customize loads, but she was adament about staying with pellets. Last weekend, she sighted in using 1 50 grain T7 pellet + 1 30 grain pellet and a 200 grain yellow tip non bonded shockwave in the factory supplied sabot. She said kick was slightly heavier than her .410, but louder. Accuracy was 1.5" at 50 yards. She took two shots at 100 yards and although she said she could not hold steady, both shots were within 4 inches.

I thought the drop would be more at 100 yards and was wondering if anyone had some ballistic data or ideas.

The thought crossed my mind, are we simply pushing bullets to hard and fast for whitetails under 100 yards? Obviously, that has been the trend with the magnum centerfire rifles (who needs a 300 wby mag to kill deer at 20 yards).

Michigan's season opens tomorrow and we have been trophy hunting so far this season. Now it is time to fill the freezers. Hoping to report back with some pictures and kill details.