Range question 50 cal.
 

Hi friends,
I finally got drawn to hunt my first BP hunt.It's 2 days. My hunt begins next Sat.I scouted today.
The range I shoot at is only 50 yds. I'm shooting in a 2inch circle shooting a 50 cal. 150 grains of pellets.{ 3 of them}

If my shot is 100yds will the round drop any?? The gun is a Conneticut Arms. Magnum load.
Thanks
C7
Here are my scouting pics. I'll be in a pine tree over looking the water area. What should be the longest shot I should take.I've got a range finder. The deer was shot today by a teenager. 50 cal. BP 2nd 8 point in 2 days.

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

chuck, what projectile are you shooting? Perhaps I could run the load through a ballistics calculator and give you some idea of bullet drop.

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

All you need for 125 yard shots is two pellets Chuck. You really need to shoot the gun to get the correct ballistics at 100 yards & beyond. Every ML is a different character Chuck. The gun built immediately after yours - plus the one built immediately before yours may all shoot differently than yours. Powders afftect where the bullet travels - so do different lubes - so do different primers - so do different bore diameters - so do different bullets - so do different plastic sabots.

The only one that knows where your bullet hole will occur is your gun. You cannot find out where that bullet lands unless you are present to witness it's impact. This fine sport is alot more umpredictable than centerfire or shotgun world Chuck. You really need to build your own load.

Let us know how you make out. But if you are only pursuing shots out-to 100 yards, there's no need to punish yourself shooting those shoulder-brutal 3-pellet loads. You can knock-off one pellet & still have plenty of energy & speed to get the job done.

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

Thanks fellows...

The bullets are called Power Belt Bullets.295 HP Copper Clad
The rifle is a Blackhorn Magnum with a Bushnell scope
The gun shop man told me to keep a oiled gun patch in teh muzzle all year to keep out moisture..which I have.
Thanks again,
C7

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

That's a lot of powder you are putting under a Powerbelt. I shoot a CVA Staghorn Magnum which your rifle replaced. When I shoot a powerbelt I shoot 90 grains of loose powder. I would not even worry shooting a deer at 100 yards with that load.

If you're sighted in for only 50 yards, you can expect some definate drop in the powerbelt. Actually a trip to the range would be in order but 3 inches would not surprise me. I sight my scoped rifles in for 70 yards. That way they are a little over an inch high at 50 yards and almost 2 inches low at 100 yards. So it is a matter of what part of the kill zone I aim at. At 50 yards, I aim for the lower center and at 100 yards I aim above the center.

If you think there is a chance you might have to shoot out to 100 yards might I suggest a trip to the range and try some shots out that far. Again, 150 grains is a lot of powder.... Good luck with your hunt.

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

Thanks alot for the reply..I teach school so I'm at a loss at goingto a rangethis week. I should of checked with you guys earlier. There is a 100yd range but cost 10.00 The 50 yd range is only 5.00

I know you guys know much more than I do. I love the pellets because of their convience and perfect measurement. I would like to down grade though to two pellets {100 grains of powder} What sized Power Bullet would you recommend and up to 100 yds.
Thanks sir,
C7

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

2 pellets and the one your shooting should be fine for deer. Put that in the right spot and the powerbelt will do the rest. I shoot 90 grains of loose Goex 2f and a 245 grain Aero Tip. I can not report on how they bring deer down as so far no deer has been willing to be a test subject. I use a RED DOT scope on my CVA Staghorn Magnumrifle. Most my shots are 50 yards and under. So I sighted in at 50 yards with the RED DOT. With my scoped muzzleloaders I sight in for 70 yards and one I sight in 2" high at 100 yards. This is my hay field rifle during the modern season.

Two pellets and a 295 grain Powerbelt will get you 1555 fps. That's moving pretty good for a almost 300 grain projectile. I can't tell you want three pellets will give because it is not a recommend load. If your dead on at 50 yards, aim for the upper part of a deer's kill zone at 100 yards. The little drop should put it right at near center. It is a shame you can not get to a range to try them out before season. I have some ordered but they are not here yet. Or I would run one back to 100 yards just to see what it drops..... sorry I could not help more.

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

Two pellets and a 295 grain Powerbelt will get you 1555 fps. That's moving pretty good for a almost 300 grain projectile. I can't tell you want three pellets will give because it is not a recommend load.Wow I didn't know that.One of the Hunting.Net members gave me the rifle last year as a gift. That is what he shoots. His name is Strut. If your dead on at 50 yards, aim for the upper part of a deer's kill zone at 100 yards.Will do. and after the season I'll take your recomendations and shoot 100 grains. My shoulder is a thanking you. :)The little drop should put it right at near center. It is a shame you can not get to a range to try them out before season. School is a trip this year.:(. I have some ordered but they are not here yet. Or I would run one back to 100 yards just to see what it drops..... sorry I could not help more.

You have helped a ton. You folks on here are great.
Thanks,
C7

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

Just dropped in. Chuck - I'm always thinking about the ideal load, and more power more power... but I've found that a plain, modest load is lethal.

I've got a CVA buckhorn - same as yours? - and like it. Before loading to shoot, I run a couple dry patches through. I use 90gr pyrodex and a 240 XTP sabot; accurate and deadly on deer (three down and one got away, due to bad shot on my part). 295gr powerbelts grouped well in my old Staghorn, but they're expensive and balked at paying, hence my switch (and always looking for somthing else). The Powerbelts offer no substantial benefit over sabots, except being easier to load -and the sabot I use load just fine. In fact... for bullet weight, Powerbelts don't perform as well as XTP bullets, IMHO. But if you've already got them, they'll do.

See below - 240gr XTP recovered after going through shoulder & backbone at about fifty yards, and unfired version.

Good hunting!

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

Just dropped in. Chuck - I'm always thinking about the ideal load, and more power more power... but I've found that a plain, modest load is lethal. Sounds good ..save money and shouilder at the same time.;)

I've got a CVA buckhorn - same as yours? - and like it. Before loading to shoot, I run a couple dry patches through.thanks for the tip ..will do.Also is it really necessary to shoot a primer through it before hunting??I use 90gr pyrodex and a 240 XTP sabot; accurate and deadly on deer (three down and one got away, due to bad shot on my part). Very good man. This will be my 2nd hunt.with B.P.I did sit in a Missouri stand last year. I live in Florida. I took an 8 point with my 30-30. 295gr powerbelts grouped well in my old Staghorn, but they're expensive and balked at paying, hence my switch ...ok right now money is not a big problem so I stocked up on them and the pellets.I will change to 100 grain powder though after the weekend. Mine grouped very well too.(and always looking for somthing else). The Powerbelts offer no substantial benefit over sabots, except being easier to load -and the sabot I use load just fine. In fact... for bullet weight, Powerbelts don't perform as well as XTP bullets, IMHO. But if you've already got them, they'll do.
I appreciate you taking the time to reply.
c7
See below - 240gr XTP recovered after going through shoulder & backbone at about fifty years, and unfired version.

Good hunting!

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

Catus Magnus - that is an impressive projectile. Do you have any idea how much weight it lost after all that expansion? I also shoot them out of my Staghorn and I agree, they are an excellent projectile. In fact in my Knight Wolverine, my load is 85 grains of Goex 3f and a 240 grain XTP. It is a good hard hitting load and very accurate.

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

OK Guys,
I took my rifle now from the rack to see if I could see out of my scope at 6:20..no problem there.
BUT ..there is a problem...teh scout mount was loose. I tightened it up but I will have to go to the range .It;s opened till 5:00 PM on Wed.

With that in mind i'd love to covet my set up to 100 rrain as was suggested. The problem being ...the muzzle loader only allows me about 6 shots as everything starts tightening up ...you all know what i mean. Teh primers is tougher getting out ..Power Belts are tougher to push down the barrell.etc..
What do you all think

If I do go with the 100 grains. Would you all suggest I go 2 inches high dead center at fifty and ?? maybe dead center at 100yds..

The range is a fifty yd range..

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

Chuck, I shoot a Knight Wolverine 50caland a CVA Eclipise 50cal. When I use pellets, I use 3 30gr, when I use loose powder I use Goex 2f or Pyrodex RS and use 85grs. I too use Hornadys 240 XTP's, have been using themsince the early90's.

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

.

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

.

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

Those very small car scent spray bottles filled with alcohol and/or plain Windex work great - and are easy to carry intravel pockets. So are several 2-1/2" to 3" patches. For range work-only, a medium-sized fishing tackle box is what I bring along - filled with everything I need/use most times ML-ing.

Like stated above by Catus, 30 grain pellets can help tweak your load... sometimes provide your load - like it does for him. Don't only depend on 50-grain pellets to get the job done. You may have to mix & match to get the best shot groups.

No one knows if 2" high at 50 yards will generate a bullseye at 100 yards for you. Only you & your gun have the say about that. These MLs are all different - unlike centerfire/shotgun world.... even the same make/models of the same caliber are different--each onehaving different DNA:D... so-to-speak.

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

I appreciate the feedback folks...I checked..the range is open Wed. and Fri. I'm going directly after school on Wed.
Question if i swab my barrel between shots..{ To keep my rounds from sticking}do I put gun oil on my patches?. PLease forgive the silly questions.but I'm very new at this??
C7

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

In most cases, folks using harsh solvents and oils is what creates the stickiness. Also creates possible future breathing concerns when inhaling the aftermath of burnt, harsh solvents.

Use rubbing alcohol and/or Windex for best results Chuck. They are mild & basically non-toxic when air-dispensed.

Lets stamp-out the stickies together...:D:D

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

I swab all my inlines with the alcohol/windshield wiper solution. Never put gun oil in the barrel when your shooting. In fact that same swab solution on a patch will remove any dirt and oils from the barrel before you load.

Work the patch in short strokes down the bore Then two dry patches and you're ready to load again. Also if you want to clean the 209 primer area on the breech plug, some simple Q-tips and that same solution will clean that out and make the 209 primers not so hard to put in and take out.

Like Triple Se7en pointed out, there is no way one can guarantee that if you shoot 2" high at 50 yards you will be on at 100 yards.

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

THANKS !!!!
Appreciate it .
c7

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

Cayagud - do not know weight of recovered bullet, except that it seemd about same as unfired in my hand.



Chuck7 - I'd say 1-2 high at fifty ought to do.... looking at chart, 1" high will have you zeroed at around 90yards, 2" zeros at around 125. Close enough, unless you're shooting waaaay out there

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

CATUS is right. The 240 grain XTP is a fine deer killer. A few years ago I took a shot at a 145 pound buck at 90-100 yards. The load was 130 grains of Pyrodex pellets and a 240 grain XTPbullet. When I got to the area there was a 100 pound doe lying dead. She was behind the buck at an angle and I did not see her. Almost immediately found the dead buck also.

The bullet went through the buck just behind the shoulders. It entered the first rib of the doe and angled back through her guts. The entrance hole in the doe washuge. Six months later my wife found the bullet when she cut up a doe ham for jerky. The lead had separated from the jacket and the two pieces weigh 158 grains. Luckily I was authorized to kill both a buck and a doe.

Tried toattach a photo of the bullet but the file is too big.

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

here's a tip for shrinking your photos: go get microsoft's free 'picture resizer' is available here - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx... along with a bunch of other useful tools. Good tools
[/align]
Then you can click on a bunch of .jpg files and specify screen size; it'll shrink a 1.5mb pic down to 90 KB and STILL fill 1024x768 screen

RE: Range question 50 cal.
 

Thanks, CATUS.
This bullet went completely through a buck behind the shoulder, entered a 100 pound doe at an angle through the first rib, angled back through the guts and came to rest in the off side ham.