Bullets & Loads

[Bow Hunter Derek]

I already know the answer to this question. This is like the "Best Bow" or "Best Broadhead" questions.

"Test many bullets and load combinations for your gun"

But, I've been really struggling with my muzzleloader the last couple years. One day it is on, one day it is off. So, I'm reworking things to improve the accuracy, like I just junked the old Simmons scope for a new Nikon (sweet scope). My gun is a Traditions Buck Hunter Pro 50 cal. w/ 209 coversion.

While I'm at it I'm going to re-evaluate my load/bullet combinations. I've been using 100 gr. of 777 loose powder with a 245 gr. Powerbelt Aero Tip. This is the load I kind of settled into with some trial and error a couple years ago, but I'm just not happy with the accuracy and the impact performance of the Powerbelts.

I'm wondering if switching over to a heavier bullet might be better (in terms of both accuracy and knock down), something in the 300 gr range. Also wandering what bullets some are having luck with. I was looking at the Hornady's or the Nosler's, but am open to suggestions.

Any thoughts from the powder burning experts out there?

[David_218]

Re: Bullets & Loads

[ QUOTE ]

using 100 gr. of 777 loose powder with a 245 gr. Powerbelt Aero Tip. This is the load I kind of settled into with some trial and error a couple years ago, but I'm just not happy with the accuracy and the impact performance of the Powerbelts.

[/ QUOTE ]

I also use "loose" "777" powder in my .50 T/C Black Diamond, however I use High Pressure Sabots along with a 250 grain .452" Hornady XTP bullet. My load is: 90.0 Grains (Volume) of FFG Triple 7, 250 grain .452" Hornady bullet in T/C High Pressure Sabot, my primer is a 209 shotgun primer. This seems to give the best accuracy in my T/C as if I go up to 100 grains then accuracy falls off. I've never had good accuracy with any "powerbelt" bullets but many have, so it might be that my rifle doesn't like them. You might start @ 80 grains (Volume) of 777 and work up to 90 to see which is most accurate.

[Guest 1TarheelHunter]

Re: Bullets & Loads

[image][/image]

240 gr powerbelts through a T/C .50 cal Encore using 100 777 pellets... 1" and 3/4" groups during scope site in at 110 yards.

[tedicast]

Re: Bullets & Loads

I'm shooting a TC Encore. 2, 50 grain 777 pellets, and 295 grain powerbelts. This has been the most accurate load for my gun so far. I swab between shots. 1 wet patch with windex, and 2 dry patches.

Here is a 100 yard group.

[AJ]

Re: Bullets & Loads

My Knight Disc Elite does not like the 245 gr Powerbelts at all. I tried it with a few powder levels and was not happy with the accuracy. I have had great success with the accuracy of Precision Rifle's QT40 and Dead Center bullets. I have gotten outstanding accuracy in TC Black Diamond, Rem 700 ML, Knight Wolverine, Knight Disc Elite guns using Pyrodex pellets or loose powder. I have not been able to duplicate the accuracy with 777.

[Guest longknife]

Re: Bullets & Loads

I use the TC 245grn sabot, 95grn's of loose rfpowder and at 100 yards i'am taking tangerins off the post without touching the post and this is with a TChawkins hammer lock.Try this idea use the TC maxi ball 275grn with 90grn's of powder, you have the hit power and good accuracy up to 100 yards.I have seen what it does to a rib cage at 110 yards not pretty.Hope i helped.

[too_pointer]

Re: Bullets & Loads

[ QUOTE ]

I'm shooting a TC Encore. 2, 50 grain 777 pellets, and 295 grain powerbelts. This has been the most accurate load for my gun so far

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm with John on my Encore also, just lucky I guess

It loves the load

too_

[wtnhunt]

Re: Bullets & Loads

Been shooting 240 grain tc xtp mag with 120 grains of loose pyrodex. My black diamond seems to like that load bullet combo.

[Guest kunegos]

Re: Bullets & Loads

My Dad's muzzleloader had a lot of trouble grouping consistently with Powerbelt bullets. We finally ended up using Knight bullets, which really tightened it up. I have heards other people have problems with the Powerbelts.