Harvester Scorpion PT Gold 240 grain

Harvester Scorpion PT Gold 300 grain

More to follow. Stay tuned.

Nosler Ballistic Silvertip 300 grain

More to follow.  Stay tuned. 

Harvester White Lightning 300 grain

More to follow.  Stay tuned.

Traditions Smackdown Carnivore 305 grain

5 September 2022

Photo Credits: Aaron Thesing

Break Down: I was turned onto these bullets earlier last year, in an effort to find a higher BC bullet, that weighed more than 300 grains.  This one came in at 305, and had an advertised .383 BC which for a .50 caliber bullet, is fairly high, and might require a faster than 1:28 twist rate.  I will say though I am skeptical of the advertised BC, as the Powerbelt 330 ELR has a completely different shape than this does, weighs more, and flies and groups much better.

Weather:

Today's conditions are 43*F, with Winds South East, at 13 miles per hour. Humidity was at 54%, and Barometric Pressure was 30.01 inHg.

Availability: 

This bullet can be found readily available on Muzzle-loaders.com, along with other major retailers. 

Data:

Velocity | Energy

Muzzle: 1,962 fps | 2,607 fpe

50 Yards: 1,871 fps | 2,370 fpe

100 Yards: 1,782 fps | 2,150 fpe

150 Yards: 1697  fps | 1,950 fpe

200 Yards: 1,616 fps | 1,768 fpe

250 Yards: 1,537 fps | 1,600 fpe

300 Yards: 1,463 fps | 1,449 fpe

350 Yards: 1,392 fps | 1,312 fpe

Take Aways:  At first glance, I was impressed with the hard polycarbonate tip, and looking at the Ridgeback Sabot, I thought that this would be a tight fit and difficult to load.  That could not be further from the truth.  This is a very robust, and well crafted bullet, and very, very dense.  It looks like it should weigh less than it does, and it loads incredibly well.  I was able to seat this bullet effortlessly onto the crown, and got it started into the muzzle with just my fingers.  The Ridgeback Sabot slid down the barrel quite well, and it offered decent speeds.

Although I didn't care for the accuracy from my rifle with this bullet and it has everything about it to like.  Heavy.  Hard hitting. Easy to load.  According to the listed BC on the package, at a .383, it carries hard hitting deer killing energy out past 350 yards.  Again, I am skeptical on the BC, but with the right discovered load, this is for sure a real killer.  Very happy with the bullet overall.

Powerbelt Copper 295 grain

Powerbelt Platinum 338 grain

Break Down:

The Platinum 338 grain Powerbelt is a fantastic choice for those, who like a hard hitting bullet, that’s easy to load, at a fair price point.

Weather:

Today's conditions are 43*F, with Winds South East, at 13 miles per hour. Humidity was at 54%, and Barometric Pressure was 30.01 inHg.

Availability:

The Powerbelt 338 Platinum I have been able to find in a few places, since the debut of the new Powerbelt 330 ELR, which right now is one of the more popular bullet choices, less places have been carrying this bullet. I was able to find mine on Muzzle-loaders.com

Data:

Velocity | Energy

Muzzle: 1,893 fps | 2,689 fpe

50 Yards: 1,762 fps | 2,330 fpe

100 Yards: 1,638 fps | 2,013 fpe

150 Yards: 1,522 fps | 1,738 fpe

200 Yards: 1,414 fps | 1,500 fpe

250 Yards: 1,315 fps | 1,298 fpe

300 Yards: 1,229 fps | 1,133 fpe

350 Yards: 1,155 fps | 1,001 fpe

Take Aways:

This bullet hits hard.  It was developed for bone crushing power and energy, just prior to the development of the Powerbelt ELR series.  With a BC of .275 this is the second most efficient .50 caliber bullet that Powerbelt offers and it is stout enough for animals with thick hides and dense bone composition, like Bear, Elk, Caribou, and moose.  This also makes a nice option for long range deer hunting out to 350 yards.

It loads fairly well and like most Powerbelt bullets it doesn’t take a ton of energy to properly seat home.  The latter is a huge bonus for me as a hunter and consumer because I have had bullets where I have had to hammer them down the barrel or push it up against a tree, to get it seated.  

Powerbelt ELR 225 grain .40 Caliber

Powerbelt ELR 280 grain .45 Caliber

Powerbelt ELR 330 grain .50 Caliber 

20 April 2022

Break Down:

I've done quite a bit of shooting, and hunting with the Powerbelt 330 ELR.  It's a fantastic bullet and versatile for most applications in the continental US and Canada.  Sturdy, a relatively high Ballistic Coefficient for a .50 caliber bullet, and its easy to load, which for me, is a definite plus.  I have broken ramrods in the field as a kid trying to seat bullets, and for me, being a practical hunter, occasionally you will need to reload and that is a major concern of mine when it comes to selecting a bullet for use at the range or in the field.

Weather:

Today's conditions are 43*F, with Winds South East, at 13 miles per hour. Humidity was at 54%, and Barometric Pressure was 30.01 inHg. 

Availability:

The Powerbelt 330 ELR is available at most major retailers.  I like to support small business, and head over to Muzzle-loaders.com before I check other spots, and would continue to encourage you to do the same.  Darren, Brad and Jeff are great folks, and would love to help take care of your shooting needs.

Data:

Velocity | Energy

Muzzle: 1,913 fps | 2,681 fpe

50 Yards: 1,793 fps | 2,355 fpe

100 Yards: 1,680 fps | 2,068 fpe

150 Yards: 1,572 fps | 1,810 fpe

200 Yards: 1,471 fps | 1,585 fpe

250 Yards: 1,377 fps | 1,389 fpe

300 Yards: 1,291 fps | 1,221 fpe

350 Yards: 1,215 fps | 1,082 fpe

Take Aways:

This bullet, is incredibly easy to load.  While doing this particular test, I was able to take a video of me loading it down the barrel with two fingers, which is available for view on my Instagram account, as there were issues uploading onto this platform.

I was able to stack 3 shots in the same hole, and hands down this is the most accurate bullet I have had the opportunity to shoot thus far.  This combination with the Blackhorn might not have as much energy as say the Federal BORLock 350, but this is absolutely a fantastic long range solution for deer all the way out to 350 yards and should be considered by any muzzleloader hunter, as a top choice for their upcoming season whether it is for Bear, Elk , Moose, Deer, Bison, it can handle them all.  Easy to load, extremely accurate, recoil is fairly manageable with the weight of the gun, and has tangible long range capabilities.  This is definitely one of my favorites for sure, and it will soon be yours as well.

Barnes TMZ 250 grain

Federal B.O.R.Lock 270 grain

Federal B.O.R.Lock 350 grain

22 May 2022

Photo Credits: Aaron Thesing.

Break Down:

I didn’t have much time today, to collect as much data as I would have liked, so I made do with the time I had available to me and I made the best of it.

Today I chose the Federal B.O.R.Lock 350 grain bullet, paired with 84 grains by weight of Blackhorn 209, and the Federal 209A Shotgun Primers.  I hold this bullet in high regard for a few reasons.  I like that it is as easy to load as it is.  That’s one thing the Engineers at Federal Premium Ammunition, definitely got right when designing this bullet.  

B.O.R.Lock stands for  “Bullet Obturating Ramp” Meaning that when the initial explosion occurs at the Breech plug, the B.O.R.Lock device is forced forward By the immense gas pressure and locked into place, sealing the Rifle Bore and engaging the rifling ensuring no gas escaping, delivering a massive payload in terms of energy down range.

I also love that this comes in a heavy for caliber weight coming in at 350 grains.  This opens up a realm of possibilities when it comes to hunting large game like, Bear, Moose, Elk, Caribou, Wolves, even the massive and tough North American Bison.  Me personally I’m looking at this bullet application for up close and in your face Bear Hunting.  I need something that can act like a sledgehammer, and anchor a Bear in its place, and be a Shoulder Smasher.  This bullet most definitely fits that bill.

Weather:

Today's conditions are 55*F, with Winds West North West, at 13 miles per hour. Humidity was at 40%, and Barometric Pressure was 30.32 inHg. My first two shots were around 2.5-3" high of the bullseye and were approximately 1/2" or so apart from each other, and on my third shot I felt myself flinch and sent off a flyer low and away.

The shooting today was at 100 yards (I usually shoot on the 50 yard range as I'm using this for Bear Hunting, but it was my only option for the day so I took it.) which is fine for what I am using this for, and I was able to register a muzzle velocity on a 3 shot group averaging 2,051 feet per second, with approximately 3,269 ft lbs of muzzle energy. It has an average ballistic coefficient of .210 which allows it to hold killing energy to 300 yards, before it drops below 1,000 ft lbs of kinetic energy.

Availability:

When I was able to find this online, I stocked up.  The last time I saw, Scheels is currently carrying this in store in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Rochester, Minnesota locations.  Most Sporting Goods stores that I have seen in the last few years are carrying this, and what I would suggest is to head online to your favorite store's website and sign up for an instock notification.  I was able to order these from my friends at Muzzle-loaders.com and the shipping was fast!

Data:

Velocity | Energy

Muzzle: 2,051 fps | 3,269 fpe

50 Yards: 1,869 fps | 2,714 fpe

100 Yards: 1,699 fps | 2,243 fpe

150 Yards: 1,542 fps | 1,848 fpe

200 Yards: 1,399 fps | 1,521 fpe

250 Yards: 1,274 fps | 1,261 fpe

300 Yards: 1,169 fps | 1,062 fpe

350 Yards: 1,088 fps | 920 fpe

Take Aways:

As I have time, I am going to do another 3 shot group for this bullet to determine how tight I can get the grouping, that flyer just doesn't sit well with me today, and based upon how well and how close those first two shots performed, I believe I may have a real winner here, and I want to be able to prove it to myself and the good folks at home reading this right now.  

I owe it to myself to have the very best equipment that I can afford when going in after something that can kill you and eat you back, if don't get a killing shot on it, or God forbid, wound it.  in terms of up close and nasty, this bullet has it all.  Easy to Load.  Hits hard.  Relatively accurate.  Delivers 2,820 ft lbs of kinetic energy at 40 yards and that’s more than enough for the absolute giants that I am after.

Pending the next round of retesting for the 3 shot grouping, this is absolutely a great option and potential winner.  Federal really outdid themselves on this one.

-Aaron Thesing.

Federal B.O.R.Lock 350 grain Revisited 

Break Down:

Revisiting this particular bullet combination to better produce a tangible grouping.

Weather:

Today's conditions are 57*F, with Winds South West, at 2 miles per hour. Humidity was at 94%, and Barometric Pressure was 30.15 inHg. 

Availability:  Still readily available at most retailers.

Data:

5 September 2022                                                      

Velocity | Energy               

Muzzle: 1,909 fps | 2,832 fpe 

50 Yards: 1,737 fps | 2,344 fpe

100 Yards: 1,579 fps | 1,937 fpe

150 Yards: 1,433 fps | 1,596 fpe

200 Yards: 1,304 fps | 1,321 fpe

250 Yards: 1,195 fps | 1,110 fpe

300 Yards: 1,108 fps | 954 fpe

350 Yards: 1,042 fps | 844 fpe

22 May 2022

Velocity | Energy

Muzzle: 2,051 fps | 3,269 fpe

50 Yards: 1,869 fps | 2,714 fpe

100 Yards: 1,699 fps | 2,243 fpe

150 Yards: 1,542 fps | 1,848 fpe

200 Yards: 1,399 fps | 1,521 fpe

250 Yards: 1,274 fps | 1,261 fpe

300 Yards: 1,169 fps | 1,062 fpe

350 Yards: 1,088 fps | 920 fpe

Take Aways:

I was able to sit in the same chair at the same bench rest today, as when I originally tested this combination.  What I am taking away from today is a much tighter grouping of approximately 1.75", with 2 shots in the bullseye.  Overall, much better accuracy was had today, but with a massive reduction in energy and velocity as the increase in humidity was more than double the original amount of 40%, meaning that the bullet had to expend more energy cutting through the air, than it did with a humidity of less than 50%.

This caused about 437 foot pounds of energy loss at the muzzle, with a speed reduction of 142 feet per second, and alot of that can also be directed at the powder in the barrel as well.  everything has to work harder in wetter conditions, and performance suffers as a result.

Will it work on a Black Bear?  Sure.  Arrows kill bears and many animals alike each and every year.  Shot placement is always going to be paramount, but I like having as much energy transferring to my target as possible, especially one that as the propensity and ability to bite back.

Overall this bullet and combination are a favorite of mine, it is super easy to load, it is readily available at most retailers, and it has the ability to deliver massive energy on target while having good accuracy traits when paired with my rifle.  I am happy with the accuracy performance of today, but understanding why the bullet struggled with energy and speed today, gives me a better perspective overall.

Powerbelt 405 grain 

5 September 2022

Photo Credits: Aaron Thesing.

Break Down:

I have been wanting to shoot this particular bullet profile for quite awhile now, and with working 60-70 hours a week I ended up having to wait until vacation to be able to find time to get it done.  Here we go.  I pulled the first shot on anticipation, and settled back in, and my next 3 shots settled right in where I expected them to go, just low of the bullseye.  All shooting was conducted at the Sparta Rod and Gun Club, off the same shooting lane I am usually able to secure.

Weather:

Today's conditions are 57*F, with Winds South West, at 2 miles per hour. Humidity was at 94%, and Barometric Pressure was 30.15 inHg.

Availability:  The availability on this particular bullet right now is scarce at best.  I was able to find some on CVA's website and bought a few packs.  If a 405 grain Powerbelt, is something that you think you might want, I would suggest looking at auction sites, checking with CVA, and looking at major retailers and signing up for email notifications.

Data:

Velocity | Energy

Muzzle: 1,795 fps | 2,897 fpe

50 Yards: 1,631 fps | 2,392 fpe

100 Yards: 1,481 fps | 1,972 fpe

150 Yards: 1,346 fps | 1,629 fpe

200 Yards: 1,230 fps | 1,360 fpe

250 Yards: 1,135 fps | 1,158 fpe

300 Yards: 1,062 fps | 1,014 fpe

350 Yards: 1,006 fps | 910 fpe

Take Aways:

This is the heaviest bullet being shot during the Fat, Slow, and Ugly segment.  at 405 grains this is a freight train.  In terms of Blackhorn 209 propulsion, this bullet came in today, as the heavyweight hitter for the day.  Yes we were able to previously surpass that Kinetic Energy at the muzzle with the Federal BORLock 350 earlier this year in May, but as the humidity increases the so does the expenditure in energy increase before finding its way on target, resulting in loss of the full potential energy transfer.  

This bullet is rated well for Grizzly Bear, Moose, Elk, Mountain Lion.  I was turned onto this Bullet by Steve West of Steve's Outdoor Adventures, When he used the Powerbelt 405 grain bullet to take a World Record Costal Grizzly in British Columbia, Canada, with a single shot, breaking the opposite shoulder and anchoring it in place.

If you are looking for a stopping bullet, with black powder applications this is a bullet that you need to look at.  I ended up buying a ton of these myself for hunting places where only lead bullets are allowed, or where shots are going to be much closer than 50 yards.