Chap-

I did mention that I was able to get conicals to shoot well out of my Black Diamond XR. I also have had great luck shooting the 460 gr No Excuses that Dave makes.



This was shooting one after noon testing different powder with the Black Diamond XR and the No Excuse Conicals. At the time I had no range finder and used to put the distance in steps. Shows how off my steps are. I later shot that same 88 steps with my range finder and it was 70 yards according to the Bushnell Pro Sport. Needless to say I was pleased at how well the Thompson Center Black Diamond shoots conicals. In fact when I hunt with the rifle in the thickets, I use 80 grains of Triple Se7en 2f and now a conical. I will now be loading a .503 Bull Shop conical of course.

I was just wondering, but has anyone use the 385s or simular BS bullet on game? Pappy wants to give those 350's a try in his cabelas hawken for elk.

I know, everyone needs an X-150!
Chap Gleason

I agree GC.

Just got in, fired another 6 shots and was amazed, first 3 i shot the same as the other day and grouped 2" " hot outside today" shot 3 more but with a wad, first shot nicked the top right corner of the square and the other 2 hit just a tad bit higher but the 2 went almost into the same hole. So for cooler weather like last evening, they did great, but when it hot super hot like this morning " high 70s" they opened up a lot. So i'll just be adding a wad ontop the charge from now on. Also shot 2 350 grain BS conicals out of my dads cabelas hawken, first 2 With wads grouped 2", I loaded up the same load that i use in my x-150 and shot 2 385 grainer BS conical and the rifle was in business with under a 1" group @ 50. His bore feels a little looser, i think a .502 would be perfect for his rifle and possibly tighten the groups. I got 3 more 385s left so once the rain stops, im going to go out to 100 yards and give it a try. So far i got a new load for this hunting season and im gonna stick with it.
350 and 385s in pappys hawken, i am able to push in with my thumb and index finger. I think thats a little to loose.

Shots on the right side, 350-1 350-2 -- 385-1 385-2 are with the cabelas hawken.

On the left side is the X-150, Looks like i'll be close to center @ 100 yards, but needs to be over an inch and a half to be center.

Big lead going slow makes big hole, you've got the accuracy with these bullets. They look like an elk stopper to me. 385g is about right for elk, and if you can hit like your hitting at 100 with opensights it is just a matter of time. Just curious, whydid you go for a 385g over what the other folks are shooting like the the460 and 500g BS? Recoil?
Chap Gleason

Ive always shot 350-385 grain maxi hunters and great plains bullets and got great accuracy from them. I saw no need to use such a big bullet such as the 460 grainer. I also shoot up to 150 yards in the field and that would be to much drop with the heavier bullets. Recoil is also a thing i do not like.Makes it uncomfortable for me and then thats when i'll start flinching and messing everything up. I feel comfortable with the 385ers and it doesnt kick that much.