Big6x6, Randy & Others

[sabotloader]

Question? In a normal world using a muzzleloader in a fall/winter hunter season, hunting with sabots, with the greatest shooting range being 150 yards and the normal shot occuring between 35 and 75 yards, in a normal western timberered hunting area; which caliber bullet would you tend to shoot from a 50 cal? and to make it a little bit more interesting, you are hunting in a dual season either Elk or Deer (muley's or whitetail).

A --->   .44, .45, .458

another assumption thrown, in you can shoot them all equally well.....

[RandyWakeman]

Question? In a normal world using a muzzleloader in a fall/winter hunter season, hunting with sabots, with the greatest shooting range being 150 yards and the normal shot occuring between 35 and 75 yards, in a normal western timberered hunting area; which caliber bullet would you tend to shoot from a 50 cal? and to make it a little bit more interesting, you are hunting in a dual season either Elk or Deer (muley's or whitetail).

A --->   .44, .45, .458

another assumption thrown, in you can shoot them all equally well.....

I'd shoot a .40 caliber most likely, but I've not had any gun that shoots them all "equally well." :cry:

[big6x6]

Well, first let me say that I have never hunting elk with a muzzleloader although I have killed several with a CF rifle.  I would STILL use the same projectiles that have been successful for me with whitetails/hogs.  Those projectiles being the Winchester 260gr Platinum Tip(.451), 250gr SST(.452), and a Swift 240gr A-Frame(.430).  They have all done their job as well as can be expected.  I believe these bullets to be somewhat tougher than your average ml saboted bullet.  I have been especially pleased with the Platinum Tip.  Entrance and exit wounds have been spectacular.  The A-Frame is also one tough bullet.  You'll never worry about driving this one too fast.  The SST will provide a little flatter trajectory but with 150yds max range, it really doesn't matter.

After accuracy, my first consideration would be downrange energy.  I'd want at least 1000ftlbs at 150yds.  Drive any of the above bullets to 1900fps and above and you'll have it!  This shouldn't be a problem at all.  If using a 26" barrel or longer, you should be in the high 1800s/low 1900s with only 100gr of loose 777.  Sight your rifle dead on at 150yds with any of these at 1900fps mv and your bullet will not vary more than 3 inches above/below the line of sight to 170yds!  

Of course there are many other fine projectiles out there that would be suitable as well.  I would expecially give the Winchester 260gr Partition Gold and the new Barnes 245gr Spit-Fire consideration.  

IF(When?) I were shooting an elk with a muzzleloader I certainly wouldn't try to shoot him facing me or thru the shoulder.  The best shot would be quartering away or broadside thru the lungs.

[sabotloader]

Big6x6, thank you for the very informative reply.  I think you covered the bases very well.

I have used Nosler Partitions since I began hunting, way back there.  I have followed through with that using 260 grain .452's in the muzzleloaders.  The 260 and the 250 grain Nosler's have been very effective on deer, I hate to say this but I haven't had an opportunity at an Elk yet, range hasn't co-opperated.  As you pobably know Nosler also produces 300 grain PP partitions in .452 and .458.  I was really curious about the .458 and it's performance as a rifle bullet in my A&H.  I have shot it over a Chrono but I am out of state right now and I cann't rember it's velocity...  I am sighted in for 134 yards dead-on.

Now the tougher question?  I have never shot a Plat Tip - can you provide a comparison between the Winchester and the Nosler without getting into to political trouble?

[big6x6]

SL,
I've never tried a .458 bullet in a muzzleloader as I've never felt the need.  A .458 bullet will penetrate less and have a lower bc than similar weight/style bullets of .429/.451 caliber.  I don't like that.  I can't imagine what a 300gr .458 caliber bullet WILL do that a .429 300gr won't.

"I have never shot a Plat Tip - can you provide a comparison between the Winchester and the Nosler without getting into to political trouble?"

Why not let your gun decide?  Load up with 100-110gr of 777 loose and see which shoots the best.  That's what I do.

[RandyWakeman]

I was really curious about the .458 and it's performance as a rifle bullet in my A&H.  I have shot it over a Chrono but I am out of state right now and I cann't rember it's velocity...  I am sighted in for 134 yards dead-on.

It was the .45 / 50 340 Dead Centers and .45 / 50 360 Extreme Elites that got my A & H's into the 1/2 MOA arena.