So, my Triumph loved the 250gr TEz over 100grs BH209. Excellent groups (1" or less ), but I'm out so I've switched to the 300gr, .430 xtp's, cause i have them and if I load them with 100-110grs of Bh209 I can get those same groups. But, dropping down to 80grs only sacrifices 1/2" at 100yds. Dead dear regardless. Also along time since i've shot a deer past 100yds, 75 for that matter.

so, why so much powder?

What do you mean "we" fella?

Most of my hunting loads are in the 85/95 grain range of GOEX, Pyrodex RS or Triple 7. And except for the round ball loads, they are just fine out to 150 yards. I pretty much limit round balls to 100.

Well, ah, besides you!

Because we want to, why not? It is my experience that with most bullet sabot combinations there are two loads that will shoot good this is due to the circle motion of the barrel when it whip or if you prefer vibrates. the some time exception is the 44 bullets in a thick sabot in a 50 caliber barrel. I do not know why I just know that it is my experience that that combination don't usually shoot well with heavy loads.
It is also my experience that for long range the heavy loads group better.
It may be like conical the rainbow arc makes it harder to place the bullet accurately with out a great deal of practice.

I shoot whats most accurate in my rifle which normally is 100-110gr BH209. Actually the 110gr charge shoots the same as the 100gr charge, i just figure that extra 10gr helps the ponies out and gives me a touch less drop.

Im the same, everything I shoot shoots the best between 100-110 grains, groups are about the same. I Like the extra 10 Grains for them a little a Bit longer Shots.
(BP)

Well then, there are several possible answers. Pick the one you like best.

1. Because we can.
2. Because we think we should.
3. Because we seek cartridge rifle performance from a muzzle loader, or as close to it as we can get.
4. Because slick advertisements have convinced us we need to.
5. Because it's fun to be able to say "my gun shoots faster than your gun".
6. Because we like getting beat up by recoil.
7. Because whitetail deer are darn near impossible to kill without a zillion pounds of energy.
8. Because that particular load happens to be unbelievably accurate.
9. Because our friends shoot that load.
10. Because we want to.

All of the above.

My hunting load is 80gr fffg Goex in a 21" .50 cal barrel pushing a bullet in the 240 - 300gr range.

And me...

My deer load for my Knight is 80grs FFF Goex and a .429 Hornady 300gr XTP inside a Harvester green sabot...

My .54 flinter 80grs FFF Goex and a home cast .530 ball inside .018 ticking lubed with Stumpy's Moose Snot...

My squirrel load with my .40 flinter is 25grs FFF Goex with home cast .390 ball and same patching as the .54...