Powerbelt vs Barnes
 

This is a test I never saw before. Some things don't make sense. Like the huge difference in fps between T7 and Pyro.

What I found interesting is no expansion for the PB at low fps, but killer penetration. I mean it's still a .50 cal hole.

The Barnes of course had great expansion, but i'm not to impressed with penetration.

Anyway, have a look at the bottom of the page.

http://www.barnesbullets.com/informa...alk/lab-tests/

I would have almost bet money that the Barnes would have penetrated further then that powerbelt. In all seriousness, I intend to hunt this year with 80 grains of black powder and a 295 grain copper hollow point powerbelt. I am impressed with their accuracy. But after I shave the sight on that Lyman GPH I might try 80 grains of 3f black powder. I just can see no reason why that thing should not kill a deer dead if placed right.

A very interesting post. Thanks for posting.

It seems like a PB needs the fps just right. Too fast and they expand too much, and too slow and no expansion.

Kind of a pain. How do you get the right fps at all distances?

I think too slow is better. At least it will penetrate, and it's already a big bullet. No need to expand too much.

used both this year and both kills deer perfectly without a glitch.

Wish they had shown pics of the powerbelt/barnes!

I wonder how the 300gr Aerolites will work with 80gr of BH?

Muley, any doubts about how a .250 barnes works on big tough animals, just go over to monster muleys and have a look through the M/L section. all kinds on folks bang flopping elk with the bullet. some out to 150 yds..personally i would go with the .290 TEZ, but the .250 is knocking the snot out of them!

Muley, i could certainly do some testing.

I understand, but i'm in Colorado.

I'll mess with sabots in rifle season, but i'm stuck with conicals in ML season. The bad part is I hunt elk in ML season. That's when I need the best bullet. I'm sure it will be a Thor.

See what you come up with. I still have that doe tag. It could be a long shot on the property I have to hunt. A 250gr should be fine for a doe. It worked for you.

I'd love to just shoot PB's. They fit so good. Something like a 300gr Aerolite for muley buck, and a 300gr Platinum for elk.

Oh heck in that case, 100-110gr BH209 with that 250gr or 300gr AL for that doe!

338gr Platinum for elk.

And don't worry, if things go right, i'll be right over your shoulder to help steady your shaky old arms to make sure you put that bullet right where she should go ;) :D