What is the best muzzleloader bullet for putting meat on the table with? It all depends on what rifle you are using and what experience you have. A traditional muzzleloader will only allow you to use a specific type of muzzleloader bullet (ball). Traditional muzzleloaders have few options. The classic lead ball is the most common and reliable option. The second is the Minie ball or the modern Thompson Center’s Maxi Ball. The latter (Minie) is a soft, conical, hollow-base lead projectile that improves ballistics over traditional lead balls. The Minie ball is not compatible in all types of guns, but it works well with Civil War rifle-muskets such as the Springfield 1861. It can load as easily as a smoothbore gun and when fired, the base of the Minie ball expands into the rifle causing spin. These bullets are.58 caliber and can be extremely lethal to game. The Maxi Ball, which is a modern version of the patched round ball, offers more killing power than a regular round ball. It is the best choice among muzzleloader bullets for hunters who need a quick reload, greater accuracy, and greater mass. It has deep lubricant grooves at the bearing surface, which is a departure from its predecessor (Minie). It is also wider than the bore, and you can engrave the engraving into it when you ram it in place. Maxi Balls are much easier to seat than a sabot or patched ball. Finally, the patched round ball is for traditional muzzleloader marksmen. This could be considered the original muzzleloader bullet. To hold the lead ball in place and engage the firing, a fabric patch must be placed around it. There are many options and you will need to experiment with different sizes and thicknesses of patches for each rifle. This is an example of how it would look in a muzzleloader of.45 caliber using a.440 inch round ball and a patch measuring.002″. Modern Muzzleloader BulletsThere are many options for modern in-lines. Muzzleloader bullets in this case aren’t necessarily muzzleloader-specific. Modern.50 caliber inline guns can load a.50 calibre patched ball. However, it won’t get you much for your money. A sabot load in the gun is an entirely different matter. The sabot can be thought of as the modern equivalent to an old cloth patch. The bullet is not gripped by the sabot, but the sabot. You can use any.452 caliber bullet in modern,.50-caliber inline. This includes those for the.45 Colt or.460 S&W and even the.450 Bushmaster. Hunting enthusiasts who want deep penetration in the game can load hard-cast.452 Keith bullets. These are an option, but they may not be the best choice for your rifle. They will work, but not as accurately as tuned loads. These kit-style loads are not very tough and expensive. These bullets often have a polymer tip, thin jackets, and a soft core made of lead. These bullets can be used as a temporary solution similar to candy bars at the check-out line. Modern hunters will grab these off the shelf without thinking about what might be a better option for them rifle. Notable Muzzleloader BulletsBarnes Expander TZ
These Barnes muzzleloader bullets are extremely durable and reliable in modern muzzleloaders. They are entirely made of copper and have rapid expansion. They are more stable than soft lead and can be used at close and long ranges due to their copper content. These are available in a variety of calibers from Barnes, and they all make a great choice. They come in a 15-piece pack with sabots, and have an MSRP of $28.99. Hornady Lead Round Balls
The Hornady round balls are a great choice if you’re hunting for traditional rifles. They are available in diameters ranging from.32 to.58 caliber and can be used in all kinds of game as well as a wide variety of muzzleloading guns. This includes cap-and ball revolvers. These balls are a great place to start your journey into learning about muzzleloader ammunition. They are also inexpensive enough to allow you to experiment a little. They are priced at around $11-18 per 100 and $13 per 50 in the.58 caliber. Powerbelt Bullets
The Powerbelt lineup offers a wide variety of options. These bullets are unique because they have an integrated skirt that functions in the same way as the Minie’s hollow base. This brand of bullets is the best for long-range performance and best-in-class ballistics. The company boasts an impressive .45 caliber ELR muzzleloader-specific bullet that advertises just a bit over a foot of drop at 300 yards from a 200 yard zero. It is quite impressive. This impressive target pack is from Storm Tactical and contains 62 printable targets for rifle and handgun range usage. Prices vary depending on the brand. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. Get Free Targets
