--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just started muzzle loading the middle of December. I have hunted deer all my life, but never with a muzzle loader. I shot several bullets and finally settled on the SHOCKWAVE 250 grain .50 caliber. I have a Thompson Encore 209X50 mag. I got a chance to go hunting for the first time with it yesterday. There is a one week either sex here in my part of Louisiana (Area 2). I shot a large doe at 110 yards right at dark. I know that I will be shooting the SHOCKWAVE next year. I shot the deer walking away at about 45 degrees. I shot a the last of the rib cage on the left and the bullet exited at the point of the right sholder. Heart, lungs, and liver were destroyed, the sholder meat was slightly damaged. She traveled about 10 yards. I had never shot a muzzle loader that close to dark, all I could see was fire and smoke, I had no idea which way she went, but with that bullet it matters little, as they aren't going to be far, and what a blood trail. I was using 90 grains of 777 powder.
Here in North Louisiana the Wal-Mart stores are putting them of close out just to get rid of them. I just bought 10 boxes of 15 with sabots for $5 a box. Can't beat that.


swatts