bpbullets

For muzzleloader ballistics and which bullets shoot best with different rates of twist see bpbullets.com

What rate of twist is your Gonic? Knowing that will help you find the propper range of bullets to try.

bpbullets

I have to agree with gunsite on this one. Sure there are bullets that will retain their energy out to 300 yards enough to kill a deer. It is true that with certain bullets and loads a 2 and 1/2 inch group is attainable at 200 yards. The problem is there are many factors that come into play here. Not the least of which, most people have never even tried to see how their gun and load react at a range beyond 150 yards. Even for those that know exactly how much kinetic energy and drop their shot will have at a range beyond 200 yards, there is still wind drift, absense of a bench rest, and the target might move or be moving. Yes there are bullets and guns capable, but even in the best of siituations a shot of over 200 yards to be ethically taken, requires much more than the average hunter has aquired. I hate myself for admitting this for obvious reasons. But, remember it wasn't long ago that a 100 yard shot was a bit risky, yet now, a 150 yard shot is well within most peoples grasp, given the right bullet, load, practice, circumstances and rifle.

Pace Maker

The rate of twist in my Gonic is 1:24. I'll check out the info on that link. Thanks a lot for the replies.

Pace Maker

bpbullets.........Now I'm going to turn the tables 180 degrees. I live in Massachusetts, down by Cape Cod. We hunt small pieces of land sometimes only a few acres. Most of the shots I get with the muzzleloader are well within 50 yards and most around 25 yards. We have thick, thick, thick briars and wetland vegitation. Do you think a heavier bullet (heavier than the 260gr I'm shooting in my TC) is better for shooting in the brush? I worry about bullet deflection with the lighter bullet. Where I hunt most of the time it's virtually impossible to get a wide open, clear shot. It's hard to find the right bullet to hunt this area. It's possible to get a shot on a powerline or a cranberry bog over 100 yards. It's like you either have to give up distance, or give up being able to shoot through the briars. My original thought on hunting here was to shoot the heaviest bullet I could. But I never had very accurate groups. With this 260 grain Winchester I'm happy with the groups I'm getting
(In the TC). Trying to find a happy medium. I have a hard time going in the woods with a gun shooting 2 - 3" groups at 50 yards because I'm shooting a super heavy bullet. Hunting Mass, like I'm sure many states, it's very diverse. You can hunt open oaks in the Berkshires, briar patches around my house or scrub oaks on the Islands, I hunt them all. Just thought I'd ask your opinion on this. My original post was because I was wondering how far these guns can shoot with the ability to effectively take down game. I'm sure I'll be ordering some bullets from the link you sent. I know a lot of this is trial and error, but I thought maybe you or someone else could give me some imput. Thanks A lot.........John

cayugad

Pace Maker, since your shots are similar to mine in Northern Wisconsin, I would suggest a conical or a heavy PowerBelt. I shoot 370 grain Maxi Balls out of my T/C Black Diamond XR with great accuracy. Shot placement will do most of the work for you. I was shooting some 348 grain aero tip powerbelts out of my Staghorn and they shot fantastic. The main point was not to over charge the projectiles. 90 grains was the perfect load.

Pace Maker

Thanks for the reply. I'll give it a try and see what I come up with. Plenty of time for practice from now till the next deer season, that's for sure. A little warmer weather is needed before I head to the range though.........John