Author Topic: Which Muzzleloader Caliber .45 or .50 (Read 427 times)

BKS · « **on:** November 24, 2004, 05:48:38 AM »

Thinking of buying a muzzleloader barrel for my encore also. What caliber and load does everyone use and how do you like it?

Thanks again.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 24, 2004, 06:35:02 AM »

I have both the 45 and 50 Cal. They are both great shooters. In the 45 cal I am shooting 2 pellets of triple7 with barnes 195 gr. M/L sabots and 25ACP ignition. In my 50 Cal I can either shoot 2 triple7 pellets or 100 gr. of loose triple7, and have the same point of impact. I am also using the 25ACP ignition and the Precision Rifle DC 195gr. sabots. I am getting 1 to 1 1/2 inch groups in both barrels.

James B · « **Reply #2 on:** November 25, 2004, 04:16:37 PM »

Over all the 50 caliber barrel is much more versitile. For game bigger than deer the 50 cal is king.

robk · « **Reply #3 on:** November 27, 2004, 06:55:17 PM »

check your local laws before you buy as soem of the states are trying to get the 45 removed and the 50 has much more knock down over the 45. either one i know will do a great job for you. i guess it will all depend on what your thoughts and ideas are good luck
rob k

goose7856 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 28, 2004, 07:27:55 AM »

I am thinking about buying either a Encore, and then buying a few different barrels for it, or I may get a MuzzleLoader......(prob. either an Omega, or Revolution), and I wanted to know why the sabots dont come in smaller grain weights??

Why is it necessary for a 200+ grain bullet (.50 cal) when you want to hunt deer??? Why cant a 150 grain or less grain bullet be made for the 50 cal?? Would it be too short, or not be accurate?? It just seems that 200+ grains of bullet is "overkill" when a deer can be brought down with a .243 shooting 100 grain bullets or even a little less.......??

As you can probably tell, I am a newbie to muzzleloading, but it would seem that with todays technology, a muzzleloader has nearly the same capabilities as a rifle.......meaning a 200 yard shot is reasonable now, when it use to be near impossible (or so I have heard)........so wouldnt it make since that a smaller grain bullet would allow the shooter even a greater shooting distance (as long as he/she is applicable)?

TIA, hope to hear what you have to say!! :grin:

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 28, 2004, 08:19:03 AM »

goose7856, try Precision rifle of saboted bullets under 200 gr. Here is there web site. http://prbullet.com/pts.htm

James B · « **Reply #6 on:** November 28, 2004, 01:58:07 PM »

Lighter bullets would work for deer. The reason they are not used to much has much to do with sectional density. A bullet of 50 or even 45 caliber has a low sectional density when weight drods below 250 grains. That is they are to light for thier size making good penetration doubtful. A 243 bullet of 100 grains has a good sectional density compared to say a 180 grain which you could use in a 50 caliber sabot. A 45 bullet without a sabot, One that fit the barrel without a sabot would be a good tool for deer. When you get to elk the the 50 takes over with bullets of 300 grains or more. Another reason you can't compare a muzzle loader bullet to one from a 243 is the much greater velocity from the rifle over the muzzle loader. In the old days, Men who lived by thier muzzle loader could shoot much greater ranges that we the average smokepoller of today. With practice you can stretch the range today to 200 yards or more. The word here is practice.