LYON
PMA Member
I thought I would start a thread somewhat in response to Kelcher's "2nd look" thread about his deer not bleeding at all after being shot with a muzzleloader. I've hunted late season for about 15 years now and have seen this time and time again, no blood at the point of impact or even quite aways down the trail. I have not experimented much with different bullets, I've only used Hornady xtp's and the copper powerbelts. I killed a couple deer with the powerbelts, but did not like how they would explode inside the deer. The XTP's have done well, but still get the no blood trail scenario way too often. This year I hunted with a new gun and shot Hornady SST's. I only shot one deer and same story, no blood until quite a long ways away from the impact location. The bullet passed through completely, but didn't leave much of an exit hole making me think it didn't expand properly.
I've heard pretty positive comments about Barnes expanders. I've not tried them but did see a doe shot with one last year. The blood trail from impact to death (about 40 yards) was unreal.
Just curious from others about your experiences with different muzzy bullets. What works, what doesn't.
I've heard pretty positive comments about Barnes expanders. I've not tried them but did see a doe shot with one last year. The blood trail from impact to death (about 40 yards) was unreal.
Just curious from others about your experiences with different muzzy bullets. What works, what doesn't.