Snug7 said:
Thanks for the advice guys!
Let's say I only am gonna take shots out to 250 yards. Would I still want to go heavy for the bullets or would 245 grain work?
Any reason why the powder is better than the pellets?
The odds are I won't be taking shots past 200, and the vast majority of them should be less than 100, but I would like to try to get myself setup to at least be capable of the 250 shots if needed.
This is just my 2¢....... I prefer bullets of 250grs or higher. But that's me. Doesn't mean that a 200gr bullet won't kill a whitetail just as dead but, heavier bullets remain stabilized at longer distances and with more energy. Without question, Barnes is my personal favorite for shooting from production muzzleloaders. HOWEVER...... I shoot an awful lot. Practice, practice, practice. A really great bullet of lighter weight (275gr) is the Parker Ballistic Extreme. Very dependable bullet and accurate at ranges out to 250yds.
As already mentioned, one bullet may work exceptionally well at 50yds, but isn't worth a nickel at 200yds. Or the opposite.
The most important thing, without question, is the shooter's confidence and shot placement. Its one thing to shoot accurately at any range using a lead sled, or with both a front and rear support. Its a complete different thing to shoot without that rear support, like most hunting situations with only a front rest. It takes lots of practice shooting just off the shoulder and a front rest to gain the confidence for 200yd or 250yd shots at game.
Will the 245gr work? IMO only if its a premium bullet. I WOULD NOT shoot powerbelt bullets myself.
Ever. If you're shooting a light weight bullet, thinking that you're shots will only be 100yds and then that buckdaddy steps out at 238yds, well?? My opinion is that if I even may have the possibility of a 200 or 250yd shot, I'd rather be prepared with the heavier bullet.
"Broken Record".............. practice, practice, practice.