Matthew323
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2020
- Messages
- 1,428
- Reaction score
- 1,477
People who elect to shoot round balls have to understand the EXACT limitations of their particular caliber. A .50 caliber patched ball over 70 grains of ffg black powder will kill deer all day long, any place in North America.
What it won't do is penetrate the shoulder bones of any deer at 75 yards. An 80 grain charge of ffg is not going to make that much difference at 75 yards, if busting through shoulder bones is required.
For that requirement, I would want at least a .58 caliber ball, preferably a .62 caliber ball. A 75-80 grain charge of fffg black powder at 75 yards under a 0.615" diameter × 349 grain pure lead ball, will punch through a deer, or elks, shoulder bones with no issues.
A big ball, moving slow, with minimal recoil, is all that's needed. Big, 100 grain plus powder charges are not required, UNLESS the shooter NEEDS to extend his range out to 125 yards.
What it won't do is penetrate the shoulder bones of any deer at 75 yards. An 80 grain charge of ffg is not going to make that much difference at 75 yards, if busting through shoulder bones is required.
For that requirement, I would want at least a .58 caliber ball, preferably a .62 caliber ball. A 75-80 grain charge of fffg black powder at 75 yards under a 0.615" diameter × 349 grain pure lead ball, will punch through a deer, or elks, shoulder bones with no issues.
A big ball, moving slow, with minimal recoil, is all that's needed. Big, 100 grain plus powder charges are not required, UNLESS the shooter NEEDS to extend his range out to 125 yards.