Actually, I'm not sure what the attraction to saboted bullets is anyway, though they seem to be the norm these days. Those darn things are expensive! My sons and I have used various conicals in the .50 Huntsmans with good results - the T/C 370 gr. maxi, a custom short maxi that weighs 285gr. and the Lee REAL bullet. All are cast of pure lead. Loads ranged from 70 through 100 gr of Pyrodex RS, Goex FFg and FFFg. Best accuracy was with the short maxi and the REAL. We usually test 3 shot groups with a couple wet patches and dry patch between groups as it simulates hunting conditions. Final sight in is always from a cool, clean bore. The first shot from a dry clean bore has been in the group with all these bullets which is nice. The scoped rifle grouped 1 1/2" to 2" at 100 with the best loads, both mentioned bullets grouping pretty much the same. There were a number of ragged hole groups at 50 yds. as long as loading and bench technique were consistant. In the end, they preferred Sierra .44 240 JSP's in sabots to hunt though the REAL bullet shot much flatter to 200 yds. than did the saboted bullet.. Less recoil and they figured performance on game would be better, storebought must be better - right?. The boys just aren't believers in lead yet but I guess they will come around (maybe when they have to buy their
own bullets
) Last year my oldest son had some problems with one of the jacketed spitzer "super" bullets in that penetration was very poor with the bullet coming apart on the ribs. 2 deer went quite a long way. Did they die? Sure, but we try hard for 1 shot quick kills. Besides, who wants a bunch of meat all pumped full of adrenalin? This year he used the Sierra JSP with 90gr. loose Pyrodex RS. A close lung shot shot resulted in a 50-60 yard trail with massive damage, bloodshot meat in the shoulders and an exit wound. A similar shot at 160-170 yards resulted a 4ft. trail and minimal damage with an exit wound. Now he knows why I like my old .58 Huntsman with heavy minies and moderate velocity, neck shots when possible. They rarely move much, even heart/lung shots, and there is minimal wasted meat.
BangBoom/flop - no muss or fuss. They mentioned that they might try the REAL bullets for the late season. I'm anxious to see how they perform on deer. I don't know how 777 or some of the newer powders work with lead as I've not tried them. Good luck with your search!
