Patched Ball Effectiveness

kmittleman · Dec 27, 2020

Hi all,

I’m planning on hunting the new Primitive Weapons Season and wanted to use patched round balls. I’m using a Lyman Deer Stalker with PRB and 80 gr of Pyrodex. The chronograph says I’m getting about 1350fps out of that combo.

Have any of you tried this combo on deer? If so did the PRB do penetration wise?

Thanks!

K

Pale Ryder · Dec 27, 2020

Assuming .54 cal. Is there a reason you’re only using 80 grains? I have used a .54 with a prb and 90 grains of Pyrodex. So you should be gtg.

kmittleman · Dec 28, 2020

Pale Ryder said:
Assuming .54 cal. Is there a reason you’re only using 80 grains? I have used a .54 with a prb and 90 grains of Pyrodex. So you should be gtg.

Yes this is a .54. I’m using the Speer .535 RB’s. So far 80 gr has been more accurate but maybe after putting the new sights on it, I’ll try 90 gr again.

babalou · Dec 28, 2020

I have never hunt. I have question. How does BP and calibers like this versus normal work on deer? Do they drop faster? Does it mangle more?

Horseman308 · Dec 28, 2020

You'll be fine. I'm heading out with that basic load (75g 3f black powder) and .54 juat in a few minutes. Been hunting deer with these for 20 years.

Everyone seems to underestimate what a PRB can do. As always, shor placement is critical, and they are not long range projectiles. Id keep shots to 100 yds or less with that load. But if you get good groups with that load, and if you can do it when the moment counts, then it'll put a half-inch hole in the deer.

Think about how many deer where killed back in the Colonial era before conical bullets were common. I'm not saying they're the greatest thing ever. They are certainly not the greatest, ballistically speaking. But they are plenty effective.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Doco Overboard · Dec 28, 2020

babalou said:
I have never hunt. I have question. How does BP and calibers like this versus normal work on deer? Do they drop faster? Does it mangle more?

Small hole,less killing effect in most cases vs a high power rifle. Blood trails always not as prevalent but pretty effective with well placed shots.

Like alot of things in hunting, closer is better but you can keep them right at a good distance for detection or senses. Not to close not to far.
You have to pay attention to your kit a little more as well to be successful.

Rifles are very accurate when loaded correctly, a little more maintenance than some prefer post hunt, but they kill good.

E.Shell · Dec 28, 2020

Like suppressed sub-sonics, the muzzle-loader's velocity caps out and increasing bullet weight is how one adds energy.

I have shot 4 or 5 whitetails with .50 round balls and they were killed quickly and effectively. All broadside pass-throughs, even out to about 150 yards.

John from MD · Dec 28, 2020

kmittleman said:
Yes this is a .54. I’m using the Speer .535 RB’s. So far 80 gr has been more accurate but maybe after putting the new sights on it, I’ll try 90 gr again.

When I hunted with a Hawken .54, I used Lyman Maxi balls which were 400 gns. That plus 90gns of Swiss 2f gave me a stout load that killed them DRT. The soft lead slug expanded pretty well and even if I didn't break a shoulder, they didn't get far at all.

Pale Ryder · Dec 28, 2020

babalou said:
I have never hunt. I have question. How does BP and calibers like this versus normal work on deer? Do they drop faster? Does it mangle more?

In my experience, drop faster, yes by a little. Mangle more? No, prb doesn’t fragment and the velocity is low, so I don’t feel it ruins more meat.

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