Black Powder Power

[Steel Horse Rider]

Interesting article in the February issue of the Muzzle Blasts magazine concerning the muzzle velocity of .45, .50, .54 caliber muzzle loading rifles vs the 30-30. Surprisingly to me, the round ball BP loads expanded more than the 170 grain jacketed soft point from the 30-30, at least on the soap blocks they were shooting into.

 

[Fyrstyk]

Interesting article in the February issue of the Muzzle Blasts magazine concerning the muzzle velocity of .45, .50, .54 caliber muzzle loading rifles vs the 30-30. Surprisingly to me, the round ball BP loads expanded more than the 170 grain jacketed soft point from the 30-30, at least on the soap blocks they were shooting into.

No surprise to me. Been shooting muzzle loaders with round ball for 40+ years. I have dropped deer with 50. 54 and 58 caliber muzzle loaders. All but one, (shot with a .50 alittle too far back) have dropped with in 25-50 yards of being hit. Many were dropped in their tracks. I have shot deer with 30-30's, 270, 30-06 and 338-06. Only a few of the 30-30 shot deer went more than 100 yards from the point of impact. As always, shot placement is the most important thing, and the attitude of the deer, i.e, if calm and relaxed, or hyped up on adrenaline.

 

[dave951]

Far too many get wrapped up in the "paper" ballistics to the point where muzzle energy is everything. With that mind, the venerable 45/70 should have been on the dust pile long ago but the reality is a big, slow bullet made from soft lead is still extremely effective on game. The shooter side of this equation is, you have to be able to shoot accurately. Gut shoot a deer hyped on adrenaline with a 300Winmag and it's going to expire, but probably after running across 2 counties.

 

[gnappi]

A whole lot of people died from muzzleloader's years ago... without a half dozen shots needed to take them down.

 

[nettlle]

It's been my experience that black powder ignites better in rainy or damp weather.

 

[gnappi]

It's been my experience that black powder ignites better in rainy or damp weather.

You're the only person I've heard say THAT! Even in jest!

I've never used BP but never had an ignition with Pyrodex. Keep yer powder dry!

 

[hawg]

I've loaded and shot a bp revolver in a light drizzle. I wouldn't want to have to do it in a steady rain but as long as you keep it covered it can be done. I do like the way the powder smoke hangs around.