Deer Hunting with Black Powder Question

This year hunting in NJ I used a 50 cal. Black Diamond In Line.

I used HORNADY 300 grain XTP with two 50 gr. pellets of Pyrodex and a 209 primer to get it all going.

Speaking to some other hunters about this bullet I heard nothing but complaints that the XTP opens up to quickly and the penetration isn't good at all.

I was told that most of the deer ran off leaving no blood trails and hand to be tracked.

I shot 3 Deer and 1 ran about 20 yards before crashing into a tree. first one I shot went right down (70 yrd shot).

Now I'm thinking about using Barnes Expander solid copper sabots at 300 grain with 150 grains (3 X 50) of pyrodex.

Anyone have any problems or suggestions?

You'll probably shoot right thru. I'm using .50 cal T/C Encore inline, 209's, 3 pellets and have tried 240gr XTP's and 250gr PTX's. So far I'm not impressed. I'll now try Precision Rifle Bullets 215gr QT bullets. Check them out at: www.prbullet.com/qt.htm They don't seem to be just another handgun bullet!

Seems to me that your personal experience has shown otherwise. Why fix something that is not broken. NIC

BLAMING GUNS FOR CRIME IS LIKE BLAMING PENS FOR BAD SPELLING!!!! BLAMING GUNS FOR CRIME IS LIKE BLAMING TIGHT FITTING LEVI'S FOR RAPE!!!!

Why? What is not impressing you? (I'm in the market for an inline, currently have a TC Hawken)

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To clarify, I quite pleased with the T/C Encore rifle. I'm just not thrilled with the bullets I've tried so far. (Remington, Hornady and Hornady for Thompson/ Center)

I think you are having good success with the 300 grain XTP. 20 yards for one and dropped on the spot with the other, you can't ask for better. I would ignore what others are saying, they may be using the 240 or 200 grian XTPs. Until your bullets fail you, I wouldn't change.

in-line using 2-50 grain pyrodex pellets and one of Knight's '300 grain Red Hots'. I shot the deer at dusk and the smoke obstructed any view of what happened to the deer, but it certainly was not down. I looked for blood/hair but could not find anything. I returned the next morning, knowing that I hit the deer. I walked up to the dead deer while approaching from the direction I thought the deer had run. I hit the deer right behind the shoulder, a perfect shot. The 300 grain bullet only penetrated the skin, traveled underneath the hide half way toward the rump, and then went through the paunch and exeted the other side. The whole side of the deer where the bullet entered had the hide seperated from the carcass. The intestinal fluids oozed out to fill the cavity of the loose hide. It was a warm night, and the whole thing smelled terrible. As much as I tried to clean it all out with leaves, and then towels wet with cold water, the deer could not be saved. I could not believe that a 300 grain bullet could be deflected like that. A letter to Knight was answered, but they had no explanation. Maybe the low velocity, even on the big bullets, causes problems.

Regards, Ray

I agree. Also when getting advice on bullets, pay attention to barrel rate of twist. If mine is 1:28 and yours 1:48, you may do better with heavier bullets.