Killing power differences?

[Bowhunter57]

I'm considering the purchase of a H&R Ultra Slugger or an inline muzzleloader like a T/C Omega or CVA Optima. I've heard/read good things about the accuracy, range and reliability of both types of weapons.

Is there a killing power difference between these two types of weapons, past 100 yards?

Your opinions and experiences are appreciated.
Thank you, Bowhunter57

[flintlock]

It depends upon the powder charge and projectile used...It is possible to work up a 200 yard load for deer with todays modern muzzleloaders...But, it takes alot of range time and work...I am comfortable with a 150 yard shot with my Knight Disc...My load is 90 grains of Pyrodex and a T/C 250 grain Shockwave bullet...It groups under 2 inches at 150 and hits 2 1/2 inches high at 100 yards and 2 1/2 to 3 inches low at 150...I am not a big fan of shooting much past 150 with a muzzleloader so I set up so my shots will not be farther...

I have hunted with muzzleloaders over 30 years, and most of my kills (95%) have been under 100 yards...Frankly when hunting the woods here in NC, most shots are 50 yards or less...But, yes 200 yard shots are possible with todays components...I would look at an Omega and shot 120 grains Triple Seven loose powder and a bullet like the 40 caliber 200 grain Shockwave for that type situation...

[MI.sabot]

BOWHUNTER57:

Are you wanting to compare a ML to a  12 ga. or 20 ga. Ultra Slug Hunter?

[Bowhunter57]

BOWHUNTER57:
Are you wanting to compare a ML to a  12 ga. or 20 ga. Ultra Slug Hunter?

MI.sabot,
Definately a 12 gauge to an inline ML comparison. Understandably there are a mirade of different loads, bullets, etc. that could make for a wide spectrum of variables. As best as possible I'm attempting to get an apples to apples comparison for killing power past 100 yards, with off the shelf ammo for the Ultra Slugger and as near possible, the same for an inline ML.

Good hunting, Bowhunter57

[MI.sabot]

Bowhunter57:

Here's a link to a table I put together about a year ago of various shotgun slug/sabot ballistics.
All data was taken directly from the manufacturer's websites at that time.

www.soccerweb.org/dismalacres/sabotsweb.htm

Maybe others in this forum who are much more experienced with muzzleloaders than myself can provide you some ML data for comparison.
Like you said, there's a multitude of combinations of powder volumes and sabots of various sizes resulting in just as many combinations of velocity and energy.
It's going to be difficult to make an apple-to-apple comparison between a 438 gr (1 oz) 12 ga. sabot and a 250 gr. ML sabot.
That was my reason for inquiring if you were looking for a 12 ga. or a 20 ga.
It might be easier comparing a 20 ga. to a ML due to the similarity in the size of the sabots used.
All may be lethal but accuracy is key.

I have a 12 ga. USH and can attest to it's accuracy (and weight).  In the field.....2 shots, 2 dead deer.
My son has a 20 ga. USH which likewise is very accurate, a pleasure to shoot, but as of yet not tested in the field.
I have also purchased an in-line ML this year but have yet to shoot it.
Having said all that, I will withold any judgment as to which one I would buy if I could only buy one.

I will say that more and more hunters are now using ML in the firearms deer season and leaving their shotguns at home.
I take that as a testimonial to their accuracy and lethality and also allows for the extra opportunity to hunt in the ML season.

[simonkenton]

As I understand it, the muzzleloader will shoot rings around the shotgun. It is routine to get 1 1/2 inch groups at 100 with an inline. As I understand it, shotguns are not so accurate.
Also the muzzleloader has plenty of power to make the 200 yard kill. The rifle is easily capable of killing at this range, it only up to the hunter to do his part.