218bee
11-11-2015, 02:31 PM
153089So I decided to try muzzleloading for the first time and bought a TC Impact on sale for $219 and thought I'd give it a try.
Had a lot of fun learning about muzzleloading and the rifle itself over the last two months.I enjoyed all the experimentation of using different bullets, sabots, powder charges etc.. I probably sent 100 different combinations down range during this time. I've only been using Goex 2F so far, have not tried another BP or any substitute. Played with cast boolits I use in my 45/70, 44 Special and 45 Colt also tried some store bought bullet sabots and some jacketed pistol bullets I had on hand. Lots of fun!
Well, since deer season in Illinois is a week away I figured time to stop experimenting and settle on a load.
What I decided upon is shown in the picture.
95gr Goex 2F, 44cal Harvester Crush Rib, Hornady 44cal .430 265gr FP Interlock and a CCI 209 primer.
I fired 2 shots at 100yds..1st from clean barrel cut xring, second shot without cleaning about an inch above it at 1 o'clock
Then I totally cleaned as if I was putting gun away and set gun aside for 1/2 hour.
Moved target to 50yds and first shot slightly above my second shot from 100yds, then without any cleaning last shot the high one at 12 o'clock.
I'm pleased with results and feel confident and ready to hunt with it. Hope I get a chance for some venison.
Thanks to all who offered suggestions here.
As requested by Pyro an Black
I was lucky enough to get a shot at a young buck to try my muzzleloader on a whitetail and test performance.
I am using 95gr Goex 2F with 44cal Hornady Interlock 265gr FlatPoint and harvester crush rib sabot and CCI 209 primer.
Shot a 2yr old 7 point at 80yds. Hit him behind shoulder just barely touched one rib on entrance..didnt break rib just took small chip out..destroyed both lungs..bullet exited between ribs on off side leaving a quarter sized hole..judging by hole bullet either tumbled or mushroomed..I would say mushroomed as exit hole fairly round.
I took a pic (not great) after I skinned it and taped bullet next to hole for comparison.
Had a lot of fun learning about muzzleloading and the rifle itself over the last two months.I enjoyed all the experimentation of using different bullets, sabots, powder charges etc.. I probably sent 100 different combinations down range during this time. I've only been using Goex 2F so far, have not tried another BP or any substitute. Played with cast boolits I use in my 45/70, 44 Special and 45 Colt also tried some store bought bullet sabots and some jacketed pistol bullets I had on hand. Lots of fun!
Well, since deer season in Illinois is a week away I figured time to stop experimenting and settle on a load.
What I decided upon is shown in the picture.
95gr Goex 2F, 44cal Harvester Crush Rib, Hornady 44cal .430 265gr FP Interlock and a CCI 209 primer.
I fired 2 shots at 100yds..1st from clean barrel cut xring, second shot without cleaning about an inch above it at 1 o'clock
Then I totally cleaned as if I was putting gun away and set gun aside for 1/2 hour.
Moved target to 50yds and first shot slightly above my second shot from 100yds, then without any cleaning last shot the high one at 12 o'clock.
I'm pleased with results and feel confident and ready to hunt with it. Hope I get a chance for some venison.
Thanks to all who offered suggestions here.
As requested by Pyro an Black
I was lucky enough to get a shot at a young buck to try my muzzleloader on a whitetail and test performance.
I am using 95gr Goex 2F with 44cal Hornady Interlock 265gr FlatPoint and harvester crush rib sabot and CCI 209 primer.
Shot a 2yr old 7 point at 80yds. Hit him behind shoulder just barely touched one rib on entrance..didnt break rib just took small chip out..destroyed both lungs..bullet exited between ribs on off side leaving a quarter sized hole..judging by hole bullet either tumbled or mushroomed..I would say mushroomed as exit hole fairly round.
I took a pic (not great) after I skinned it and taped bullet next to hole for comparison.