.50 cal Hawken

[tahoe2]

So I shot my .50 cal Traditions Hawken rifle, today at 100 yds (backpack rest / hood of truck), with 85 grns of Pyrodex RS, put 5 roundballs in 5" with open sights. not great but the best I can muster out of these old eyes (optics not allowed on muzzleloaders in Washington state). so what would be the best projectile for Blacktail deer? roundball weighs 176 grns I think, and velocity should be around 1900 fps. Maxiball would be 320 grns at 1500 fps. Are these figures correct??

[Hawg]

The Traditions has a 1:48 twist which will handle round ball and conicals but isn't best for either. I'd use whichever shoots the best.

[Pahoo]

so what would be the best projectile for Blacktail deer?

Not trying to be facetious but this all depends on what gives you the performance you want. Every year, there are many deer taken with your RB shot-string. Keep in mind that mass kills. I have hunted with most projectiles and while you are putting in some range-time, try the Hornady Great plains bullet, along with the Maxi-hunter. These performed better for me, in my hunters, than the Max-balls. Also try the sabots, with a 230 or 240 grn. .44 Pistol bullet. Currently I have pretty much settled on a 240grn. lead pistol bullet in a .44/.50 sabot.

One old Buckskinner group that I hunt with, that only shoot .54's PRB and 85-95 grns. of BP. We take our share of deer, up to your listed range. ...

Be Safe !!!