Originally Posted by
BarnesAddict
In general, that means there's also a lot more deer lost to poor bullets than we think too. One only has to Google 'problems with powerbelt bullets' and you'll have all the reading you can stand. There isn't any other modern bullet that has so much bad press and from all areas of the country.
I'm sorry, but I don't consider that fair, by any means, to the hunter and definitely not fair to the game being hunted. This is what is completely disgusting to me about some of the western states, almost requiring these bullets be used. Thank goodness bullets like Thor can (should) be used.
Ron's testing, although some may not completely agree with how its done, is a good example of what should be shown to some of the wildlife managers (DNR-FG-WLD, etc.) in those western states which won't allow saboted bullets.
Ron, you should put together a single video of your bullet tests, using the 80grs of BH.
I agree somewhat, but it also means more success too. PB still claims it's the number 1 selling bullet. That's a lot of bullets.
A lot of the failures are the wrong load. Hunters are brainwashed into think that 150gr of powder is needed, because the gun is rated for it. A lighter PB like the 223/245gr with 150gr of powder shot close from a tree stand is going to give poor results. Hunters who don't come to forums don't know any better. Even the ones who do still shoot loads that are wrong.
I'm not claiming the PB is a quality bullet. I've never had the guts to try one hunting, but I go on a lot of hunts with friends to help out. Everybody in this area uses a PB. I've never witnessed a failure. I've never talked to a hunter who has had a failure. The gun shops are unaware that PB's fail, and it's all they sell. Jon has shot a lot of game with PB's, and his brother and dad have too. No failures.
Something is wrong when so many have success, and others fail. So, many have claimed a PRB fail, and have found three round balls in their elk after killing it with a CF gun. Yet, others have great success with a PRB. I shot an elk with a .54 PRB, so I know who I believe.
I'm very tempted to use a PB this year for my muley buck hunt. I'll use the weakest, easily expanding 250gr Aerolite with 90gr of BH. I don't expect it to be a pass through, it's not designed to do that, but I do expect a kill.