The .40 cal 200 XTP launched at around 1800 fps has worked just fine for me. I've taken several deer with this load or slightly higher velocity with no issues. My first muzzy deer was with the 200 XTP launched at about 1850 fps - deer was taken at 103 yards, boom-flop with a golf-ball sized exit hole. I suspect that the 180 Deep Curl will have similar performance, though it is just my opinion with no real-world experience to back it up. Nice shooting!

I was thinking you were the one that was using 200 grain XTP's and I thought Semisane used them to harvest a deer. I thank you for that opinion. I too, feel that if that was put in the right spot with enough velocity, there should be no problem with the wound channel.

Ive seen quite a few loads that IF its tight with a CR, they tend to shoot really well. Using the black one in a 50cal but with a .458 bullet works great in lots of guns. I may try a few in the .450 bore and some 180s tomorrow but the smooths seemed like a perfect fit.

I don't see why that load wouldn't kill fine either. They work fine in 10mm hunting loads.

I agree GM54. Handgun hunters consider the 10mm Auto with 180 grain bullets perfectly adequate for deer out to fifty yards. My 85 grain GOEX load is still traveling at handgun muzzle velocity all the way out there at 150 yards.

I would still prefer to see Speer offer a 200gr "Unicore". 10mm isnt that popular so 200s are a little limited. One designed just for MLs would be a big hit IMO. I bet even the 180gr with just a polytip would get some interest from 45cal ML shooters.

Im going to try a few this weekend in some reduced smokeless loads so i dont blow the sabots. If i can get them to shoot i will takes some pics and jug videos next time out.

My shooting time today is a bit limited since im getting a late start and lots of kids are at the property today so im just going to find out what does and doesn't work before dialing it in. Maybe if tomorrow looks promising i will try to get out again tomorrow.

BTW if you like shooting 40-180gr JHPs, i can get some nice Montana Gold 180gr JHPs. The jackets are a bit tougher (brass alloy) and the HP is a bit smaller.....Plus they are only about $16/100 locally from a reloading friend and weight variation is excellent. They can be bought direct in bulk for $147/1000 with shipping.

The problem with bullets design specifically for muzzle loaders, is that they cut them down to 15 - 20 per pack and charge you 2 to 3 times the price.

Dave
I did have to take just a bit off but not two much. I use a GM 54 smooth bore in my Lyman Deer slayer flint and it works well also I have a 21 in 1x28 GN in 50 cal that I use both in the Lyman and my Penn Hunter .

thanks John. It looks like it should fit, but I was guessing a couple strokes with a file on both side should do it.