PowerBelt "drop in" replacement : Hornady FPB

[JerryS]

Always liked the easy loading and accuracy I got with Powerbelts in my Sidekick.  Even though both deer I shot with the PowerBelts went less than fifty yards, I didn't like how both bullets disintegrated into many fragments at impact.  Just didn't give me confidence.

Last winter Busta suggested I try the Hornady FPB.  I bought a pack of 300gr this week and gave them a try.  My gun was sighted "dead on" at 50 yards with the 295 gr hp PowerBelt and 85 gr of Pyrodex RS.  With the same powder load, the first two shots with the Hornady FPB were in the 50 yd bullseye, 1" apart.  No scope adjustment needed.  I shot one more shot at 100 yds; 2.75" low of bullseye.  Good enough for me.

Thanks Busta.

Jerry

[Swampman]

I too have reservations about the PowerBelt.  Thanks for the report.

[Busta]

Your welcome Jerry, but the 350 gr FPB's are the BOMB in the Huntsman/Sidekicks. They are the best shooting bullets that have ever graced my Huntsman's bore. Several sub MOA's, and even quite a few sub 1/2 MOA's. Set that on top of 80 grains of BH209, and it is lights out!

[Zeak]

I also have better results with the Hornadys. I use the 250gr plastic tip ones on top of 2 50gr pellets of pyodex. get a 2" group at 100yds. Tried the powerbelts with different loads, and could only get around a 5" group.

[JerryS]

Busta,

I knew you liked the 350gr version, but I chose the 300gr because I'm not a fan of recoil.  I can just imagine the "pop" you get from shooting BH209 and some of the 400+ gr conicals you use.

Jerry

[Busta]

Busta,

I knew you liked the 350gr version, but I chose the 300gr because I'm not a fan of recoil.  I can just imagine the "pop" you get from shooting BH209 and some of the 400+ gr conicals you use.

Jerry

Never noticed any real recoil with any of my muzzleloading loads, now a 3-1/2" 12 ga turkey load? HELLO!

[coop2564]

[/quote]

Never noticed any real recoil with any of my muzzleloading loads, now a 3-1/2" 12 ga turkey load? HELLO!


[/quote]
I'll amen that!

[Swampman]

I don't even notice the 3 1/2" turkey loads.

[PAndy]

I have some of the 350 gr Hornady hollow base fpb bullets.  they are difficult to load in my Huntsman...since they fit tightly, they have been difficult to start.  Any suggestions?

[walmpus]

I guess I am gonna have to shoot some of those FBP's. I am shooting the 300 grain scorpion pt gold with a rib crusher sabot and I am quite happy with the accuracy and smack down power. Just gonna have to make some time for these FPB's to see what all the fuss is about.

I used to shoot the powerbelts as well. I like them but I just had to many mixed bag results in the field with them. I am just amazed how many people say the bullets just explode on impact. I never had that problem. I would dig the bullet out of the deers body and it was like I could load the bullet and shoot it again. Just weired

That 350 grain bullet has gotta lay the smack down........anybody have any field experience with it?

wcb

[JerryS]

PAndy,

I needed to use the short side of a bullet starter to start the 300 gr version.  The bullet starter should have the pointed bullet attachment installed.  While holding the bullet straight, a good rap of my palm on the ball of the starter would engage the bullet into the rifling.  Once engaged in the rifling, the bullet will easily go down the barrel with the factory ramrod (almost as easy as the powerbelt).

The PA inline season was last week.  No shots taken here.  Maybe I'll take it out rifle season.

Jerry

[JerryKo]

Left my inline loaded and ready too.  I have tried the FPB  in my encore with ok accuracy.  Let me tell you a 120 gr charge of BH209 and a 350 FPB  has noticeable recoil. 

I'm waiting for my huntsman to arrive and will try Bustas load.  80 grains should feel like an all day shooting load.  I really like the BH209 powder, but the price is high around hear. $40.  Where's the best price you guys have found for it?

Jerry

[t-reg]

Pardon my ignorance, but what are you guys using on your ramrod to push them down the barrel?

[Emptypockets]

 The first time I used Powerbelts I took a pretty nice buck at about 50 yards. When I took the deer to the deer cutter he was a little concerned that I was useing Powerbelts. Must of had some bad experiences with 'em I guess. Things that make you say,"huh".

[moorepower]

I was reading one of the sporting mags at the dentist a couple of weeks ago and the shot ml bullets in ballistic gel and the powerbelts looked like a grenade exploded. The FPB looked real good.

[Busta]

Left my inline loaded and ready too.  I have tried the FPB  in my encore with ok accuracy.  Let me tell you a 120 gr charge of BH209 and a 350 FPB  has noticeable recoil. 

I'm waiting for my huntsman to arrive and will try Bustas load.  80 grains should feel like an all day shooting load.  I really like the BH209 powder, but the price is high around hear. $40.  Where's the best price you guys have found for it?

Jerry

Jerry,

Don't even bother trying to shoot BH209 with the standard Huntsman Breech Plug with Primer Carriers, as it is not reliable. I use custom and aftermarket breech plugs for BH209 in my Huntsman and Sidekick's.

Cabelas and Bass Pro have BH209 for $29.99. It can be ordered from Powder Valley for $24 plus shipping and Haz-Mat, so it is only worth the added expense if ordering by the case, or several containers to spread out the SH and Haz-Mat.

Also not a fan of PowerBelt's. They may get you by on deer, if you can stay away from the shoulder knuckle, but I have witnessed a PowerBelt failure at 28 yards on a bull elk by a buddy that said they worked fine for deer. I have shot enough of them into different media, that I would never even consider shooting anything bigger than a coyote with one. The FPB is FAR superior to the PowerBelt.