Harvester bullets

[JerryS]

Anybody have experience with Harvester Saber Tooths or Scorpion funnel points in their Sidekick?  Since getting my Sidekick in 2005 I have always used 295gr HP Powerbelts, which are extremely accurate with 85gr Pyrodex RS.  I am now considering using another "easy loading" bullet.

My reason to try something else is the bullet performance on the last two deer I've taken.  Both deer only ran about 30 yards before dropping dead but while butchering the deer I had discovered the bullets had disintegrated into many  fragments.  The one deer (shoulder shot) had small lead fragments in both shoulders, back straps, and one hindquarter.  Unfortunately some of these fragments were found at the dinner table.  On the other deer, the fragments were fortunately confined to the opposite rib cage. I have read this has been an issue on close range shots with the lighter Powerbelts.

Maybe I should just be happy with the quick kills the Powerbelts have given me but I worry the bullet fragmentation may negatively affect the kill someday.  Although both bullets did produce extreme internal damage. 

Has anyone found the Aerotip Powerbelt to have better expansion properties?

Thanks,
Jerry

[Busta]

Have you tried the Hornady FPB? They have had the 350 grainers for a couple years now, never heard a bad report on this bullet. I have used them for the last two seasons with great results. They are far superior to the PowerBelt IMO, and you don't have to deal with the plastic skirts.







http://www.hornady.com/store/50-Cal-350-gr-FPB/

I have witnessed a PowerBelt failure first hand at 28 yards. I personally wouldn't use one to shoot anything bigger than a coyote.

They are also going to offer a new 300 grain FPB in a few months as well.

http://www.hornady.com/store/50-Cal-300-gr-FPB

If you want an all copper bullet that is a full bore Barnes based bullet, check out the THOR.

http://www.thorbullets.com/

[Screwbolts]

The Bullet Busta mentions is sure to be a good killer.

The Harvester bullets you write about I believe are simply plated conicles, I would classify them as fragile as powerbelts.

I do have a lot of experience with a boolit that is identical to the Harvester Hard Cast. I have a LBT mold for casting them, the 320 gr HC. I believe this is a great Harvester bullet. Between my brothers, friends and I we harvested 23 deer with my 335 gr smooth sided HC this year.  They easily shoot o 1.5" at 100 yards and do well in 1x48 twist side locks also.  Longest shot this yr was 236 yards, this was fired with a load equivalent to 105 gr of BH209, out of a 1x24" rifled gun. Always complete penetration on broadside shots. I haven't taken photos yet of the one recovered boolit we have, it traveled the length of a buck and was found under the skin in the bottom of the neck. 47" + penetration.  It still weights 308.5 grains and is just slightly riveted. My alloy is WW water dropped.

Ken

Central, NY

[JerryS]

Thanks for the info Busta and Ken.  With all the reading I do on these forums I'm surprised I've never heard of the Hornady FPB and Thor bullets.  They seem to be perfect solutions to my question.  Seems like all I read about are the saboted projectiles.

 I will probably try the FPB first since I think it will suit my type of hunting the best.  I have had an interest in trying the Barnes MZ bullets but never wanted the hassle of finding the right sabot combination.  The Thor bullet solves this dilemma. 

Since I have no experience or knowledge shooting hard cast bullets I don't feel comfortable going that route at this time.  Though it sure would be satisfying  making your own.

Jerry

[Busta]

Your welcome Jerry.

If you get ahold of Terry at THOR, you can ask for a free sample pack to see which bullet fits you bore best. He will send you a bullet in .500", .501", .502", and .503". Just start with the smallest and work your way up until you find the bullet that gives you just enough resistance loading, but will stay put on you charge. Of course you would do this with an unloaded gun, with the breech plug removed.

My NEF barrels all slug out at .502", and the .502" or .503" should work best in most NEF's.

The Hornady FPB's swadge down to the land diameter when loading, and shoot outstanding in my NEF's. One size fits all with this bullet.

[Keith Lewis]

I have looked for both of these bullets and have not seen either at any of the stores that carry muzzleloading stuff. Apparently most commercial stores just buy what their suppliers have in stock and have no interest in getting the latest stuff. I will go online and look for Thor.

[Busta]

Keith,

Several stores carry the Hornady FPB around here, even Wally World. The THOR's are only available direct at the online link I posted above that I know of. Both of thes bullets are far superior than the powerBelt and Sabre Tooth IMO. AND you don't have to deal with the plastic skirts!

Jerry,

If you are looking for a Harvester product, their sabots are top notch, and the Scorpion PT Gold saboted bullets are as well. I have never shot the Scorpion Funnel Point Mag Bullets, so I can't comment on those. They may be as good as the PT Gold, but I don't know. The PT Gold is very accurate, and does a real good job on animals by all reports. I have only punched paper with them so far.

[Keith Lewis]

Not sure where you are that the FPBs are available. I suspect it is east of Mississippi. Apparently Hornady is not interested in the Western market.

[walmpus]

Jerry,

I used to powerbelts, and like you, really no complaints its just that I felt I could find a better bullet. This season I have switched to Harvester bullets. I am using the 300 grain scorpion PT Gold (its like the scorpion funnel point with a plastic tip) along with the rib crusher sabot. I wanted meat to fly when I pulled the trigger and I just didnt get that with powerbelts. I finally got to shoot at a deer with the scorpion PT Gold and it was instant death. I shot him out at around 110 yards and it hit him in the spine, broke his spine in half and exited completely through the other side. I could stick my index finger in the entrance and exit holes.

For the first time I got what I was looking for.........a bullet that would do a complete pass thru. I have 2 more tags for antler-less deer and I cant wait to see what they do. So far I am very pleased with the performance, accuracy, and customer service I have gotten from harvester. You can call them and they will send you a sample pack. Best of luck and hope this helps.........the only bad thing, at least where I live, is that I can not buy Harvester bullets at the store. I have to call and order them, and lead is heavy and shippings not cheap.

WCB

[JerryS]

WCB,

I have read nothing but good info on the PT Gold.  After reading your post I went to the Harvester website again.  I now think the PT gold is the same bullet as the funnel point (with a polymer tip).

If I decide to try a saboted bullet it will be a Harvester Funnel point or PT Gold.  It seems the main advantage of the PT Gold would be the better accuracy with a pointed bullet.  Since I'm not comfortable shooting over 100 yards (my limitations, not the gun) this would not be an issue.

Jerry

[walmpus]

Jerry,

I wasn't wild about the idea of using a sabot either, but the rib crusher is the real deal. They load super easy time after time with out cleaning the barrel (using blackhorn). That shot was a long one for me as well. Usually 50 yards or less is the norm where I hunt in ohio. Either way with the harvester or the fpb I think you will be happy and I wish you the best of luck in the deer woods.

wcb

[ftw]

All I have ever used in my Huntsman are the Scorpions with the crush rib sabot. I buy them online at Midsouth and get a 30 pack for $11. I am cheap and can not see paying a buck or more a bullet.

These hold a nice tight zero at 100 yards and the two deer I killed, one at 30 and one at 90 yards, both fell over dead.
I bought 90 the last time I ordered so I am stocked up for a while.