Anyone that has been following my testing of the testing of the .40/200 grain Lehigh bullet knows I have always shot them with a significant powder charge to reach an increased velocity. Further, my tests have been conducted from a 45 caliber muzzleloader. My testing indicated increased velocity significantly improved the accuracy of the bullet. Other shooters, testing the same bullet in a 50 caliber muzzleloader are not achieving the same accuracy. Using the feedback, I immediately called Dave at Lehigh and to discuss the difference in accuracy. Dave calculated the numbers, with the 1/28 – 1/30 twist rates, the 200 grain Lehigh should be shot at velocity of 2300+ fps to achieve the best stabilization for extended ranges. The bullets are physically to long for a 1/28 -1/30 twist rate without shooting them at the higher velocity. Actual testing in the real world appears to verify this calculation. As a result of this conference, Dave is going to redesign the bullet to reduce the length of the bullet. With the reduction in length the bullet will provide the accuracy and terminal performance needed at a lower velocity rate and allow the bullet to be shot from a 1/28 twist. This reduction in length, at first indication, will reduce the projectile weight to about 185 grains. These new bullets should be ready in May for field testing.
The current 200 grn. bullets shoot and perform AWESOME in the 45 Knight Disc Elite at 2300 feet plus per second. Shooting these same bullets at 2000 fps and less from a 50 cal. White Muzzleloader (1/24 twist) and a .451 White (1/20 twist) also produces outstanding accuracy. Testing conducted by Sabotloader and Cayugad has confirmed this.
It should be pointed out, I believe the 200 grain Lehigh remains a viable bullet. If you are shooting a 45 cal. muzzleloader with a 1/24 or higher twist rate or if you reach the 2300 fps velocity shooting the .40/200 grain Lehigh is not an issue. Remember, the 45 cal muzzleloader is more adapted to this as bore allows greater pressure with a given charge of powder.
A second group of rifles, rifles with the higher twist rates, either 50 or 45 cal, will shoot the 200 grain Lehigh with outstanding success.
A goal of Lehigh is to provide the best possible performance from each of their bullets, but this performance must be achieved within the normal equipment ranges of the hunter.
I do want to take the time to mention the .452/250 grn. Lehigh is an excellent alternative for the 50 cal. 1/28 twist muzzleloader.
