Pioneer2

In the Summer 2007 issue of Blackpowder Guns + Hunting a guy dropped a bull elephant with a powerbelt steeltip 530gr out of a .50cal ML and his partner killed a cape buffalo with the same bullet from a .50 Kodiak Pro both with one shot each.I wouldn't worry about being undergunned shooting bears over bait with a .50cal or larger just use the correct bullet......Harold

frontier gander

but powerbelts explode upon impact!

Pioneer2

I wouldn't know .[neither did the elephant and cape buffalo?]..Harold

frontier gander

I saw the elephant shot. that was amazing.

sabotloader

Pioneer2

Read the same article and was quite impressed.... but I do not think those would work all that well on a deer - would be just like shooting a modern solid bullet at them it would go right through - make a nice neat hole and the animal would be dead if your placement were right but I am not sure when the animal would know it.... But over there with those choices of animal pentration is everything and I guarantee you the bullets did not pass through...

Here is the video: http://www.powerbeltbullets.com/trophyden.html

This is the bullet - steel tipped but driven by lead behind the tip so it can still obturate to the barrel....

FG

And you are right some do...

cayugad

I think the powerbelt Harold is describing in this post is not your "average" powerbelt. I sure would not recommend hunting elephants or cape buff with the standard off the shelf powerbelt. For deer I am sure they would work fine. I've never shot a deer with a powerbelt but see no reason why it would not work.

Sharp Shooter

He was using a bullet made by powerbelt that is not expanding. It has a steel tip made for dangerous game.

Pioneer2

Yes , I think these were not regular deer bullets but rather steel cored for penetration on dangerous game...Harold [facing either animal with a .50 would sure get your MOJO going]

gleason.chapman

Some PB explode on impact when pushed to fast or when hitting bone. This was the Dangerous Game PB, which is really a CAST Bullet with a Lead core backing it up, not the kind fordeer and elk hunting.They are an excellent bullet for a bow type shot I.E. broadside shot, standing still, will little risk of hitting shoulder blade, 3 pellets in a PB is a no no since that is pushing them beyond their design limits, which is approximately 1400 feet per second for reliable expansionwith no fragmentation.

I know you know these things FG, and I know you know how to usethem right. This is for all the Fawns who are joining the Forum and trying to figure out the best bullet/load for their rifle. I have no problem with a PB if used properly, justas I have no problem with a bow if used properly. I personally would not use them myself, but I don't have a problem with others using them. Chap