Muzzleloader Federal B.O.R. Loc REVIEW.

[BSK]

I shoot a Savage smokeless with a .458 Barnes Original 300 grain bullet in a sabot. I've never recovered one; they always pass through. I believe it would pass through end to end.

Prior to shooting smokeless I always used Barnes expanders. I recovered a lot of those just under the hide on the off side. But the entrance wounds left a lot of blood and the insides were destroyed. Never lost a deer with those, and I shot a lot of them.

I think you should reconsider your bias against sabots. It's not the sabot but the bullet that matters.

Noy going to happen. I want muzzleloader hunting to be muzzleloader hunting. I freely admit I'm stuck in the past, but MZ hunting was always basically a short-range (inside 100 yards) single-shot weapon. I want to keep it that way. That isn't to say I won't accept some concessions for better effectiveness though. I've switched to an inline instead of a side-hammer for more consistent ignitions, better weather resistance, and ease of mounting a scope (my eyesight has gotten so bad I can use open sights). I'll also use substitute powders (777) for less fouling. But I don't want to turn my MZ into a rifle. Besides, I have no use for a bullet designed for 150-200 yard shots. The vast majority of our shots are inside 50 yards, and most are at bow ranges. If it comes down to it, I'll shove a big chunk of lead down a barrel loaded with 777 (or BH209 if the price ever drops to realistic levels).

 

[BSK]

My main muzzleloader is a TC Omega. My buddy has one as well, and we've both noticed how tight the bores are. I used to use Pyrodex RS in everything, and still like it, but I've stuck a ramrod deep into my hand on a couple of occasions loading a second shot because of the barrel being fouled after only one shot.

I switched to Blackhorn 209 and it's much better now loading on a fouled barrel. Still tight as a tick, but better.

For those guys who prefer a heavy lead bullet and ultra tight bores, is it possible to size your bore and send the measurements to a custom mould maker and have them make you a mould? If so, that'd involve casting, but might be an option.

Yes, I'm shooting an Omega. I've looked at some paper-patched lead/tin bullets. Performance appears exceptional but recoil would be substantial. Their smallest 50 caliber bullet is 500 grns.

 

[muddyboots]

90 Grains 777 Barnes 260 grain Mz. Awesome is all I can say. I shot a 200 lb 8 point in tip of front shoulder and recovered the bullet from under the hide on the opposite ham. Deer went about 75 yards with good blood. Shot several other deer with them. No issues.