While out working in the yard today I came across a real supply of lead. These were the 500 gr Bullshop Conicals that I shoot. I was amazed at the pristine condition of the bullets.

I found all of them in an area not more then two feet square. I am guessing these were all fired when I was sighting in my new Thompson Center 1X scope. I had moved the target up and in front of deep snow, so these conicals must have entered the snow bank, slowed down, and finally came to rest under the snow. After the snow melted of course, they they sat right on top of the ground, plain as day.

They averaged in weight from 492.4, 494.2, 494.2, 494.2, 493.8, 493.8, 494.8, & 495.8= for an average weight of 494.15 gr.

I then got to wondering how the unshot Bullshop weighed. So I got the following readings.. 493.6, 495.6, 495.4, 495.6, 496.8, 496.8, 495.0 = equals an average weight of 495.54 gr

The rifling marks are apparent on the spent conicals but actually other then that, and missing the lube they look almost as if they could be fired again. They lost nothing compared to the new ones, as far as diameter. So if you get enough snow, you can stop a large conical. It only took about a 8 yard thick snow drift..

I decided to increase the shooting distance my range allows. So what better way then to walk the area I need to log off, and brush out. The amazing thing is some of the projetiles made it out of the trap through the cracks, or after a plate was knocked out of place until discovered. Some of these projectiles traveled as far as 100 yards behind the trap. I found trees that were shot clean through. More trees actually then I ever dreamed. So much for my thought of being safe with a bullet trap in place. Looks like I need a new trap or a big dirt pile to shoot into.

Anyway, looking around on the ground on the back side of some of the trees shot through, I found conical bullets on the ground.



I suspect a roundball had made it back there and a maxiball as well. All of these conicals and chunks were laying on the ground on the off side of some of the trees. If I cut all the way back to where these were found, I would have close to a 170 -200 yard range.

This also brings up a important aspect of our sport. Know what is behind what you are shooting at. If these conicals still had enough steam to penetrate a 6" - 8"Balsum or popular tree, what do you suspect would have been the case if a person was back there on my property? It sure made me think...

Nice observations Dave.

I guess you better make sure you don't have 3 or 4 deer in line behind the one your shooting at. Unless you have enough tags of course.

that's happened before. Thank goodness I had tags.

We only get one tag here. Do you think I should start using Powerbelts? I think I read somewhere that they don't have this "pass through" problem.

They do sell an Annual poaching license over the counter you know.Just kiddin lol.

I wonder what Mr. Warden would say to, "I just shot one time and 4 of 'em fell down!!!"

"Put your hands behind your back please."

No kiddin. I was watching a hunting show and this warden busted a guy that shot a nice 5x5 one day before the season opened. $7000 fine, 1 year in jail and his hunting license will be held for 7 years in 22 states!

"It only took about a 8 yard thick snow drift.. "

My goodness 24 feetto stop thatchunk, what power. What can you get to stop that other than a wall of gel filled goop?