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- Aug 18, 2014
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Hello All,
I bought a Traditions Buckstalker last week and in 3 weeks I will be going on a solo hunt for bear in Colorado.
I have yet to fire the rifle but I was wondering if anyone good give me some experience about a good load.
I will be hunting in Gambel's Oak (scrub oak) that is very thick and in a draw choke full of berries and brush. I have bowhunted for deer in this area for years and have often bumped into bears within 10 - 15 feet. There is also a chance I might get a shot at between 70-100 yards, but most of the work will be in close.
I am thinking of using a 495 grain powerbelt hollow point and 130 grains of Triple 7 (this is the max powder load recommended by Traditions for their break open muzzleloaders). Has anyone had any experience with this load, to include trajectory/energy data?
I have killed black bear before and I know that they have very heavy leg bones. In the past I have used a shoulder shot for all dangerous game (this includes a black bear, two cape buffalo, and a bull elephant). I have always used a caliber heavy enough to break the bones and shatter the shoulder blade.
Would the 495 gr hollow point have enough energy in this load to break a bear's shoulder/front leg at close range?
Do you have any experience with a load that might be better.
BTW In Colorado you are not allowed to use pelletized powder (i.e. pellets) and must use loose pouring powder and open/iron sights).
Thanks in advance.
BuffKiller
I bought a Traditions Buckstalker last week and in 3 weeks I will be going on a solo hunt for bear in Colorado.
I have yet to fire the rifle but I was wondering if anyone good give me some experience about a good load.
I will be hunting in Gambel's Oak (scrub oak) that is very thick and in a draw choke full of berries and brush. I have bowhunted for deer in this area for years and have often bumped into bears within 10 - 15 feet. There is also a chance I might get a shot at between 70-100 yards, but most of the work will be in close.
I am thinking of using a 495 grain powerbelt hollow point and 130 grains of Triple 7 (this is the max powder load recommended by Traditions for their break open muzzleloaders). Has anyone had any experience with this load, to include trajectory/energy data?
I have killed black bear before and I know that they have very heavy leg bones. In the past I have used a shoulder shot for all dangerous game (this includes a black bear, two cape buffalo, and a bull elephant). I have always used a caliber heavy enough to break the bones and shatter the shoulder blade.
Would the 495 gr hollow point have enough energy in this load to break a bear's shoulder/front leg at close range?
Do you have any experience with a load that might be better.
BTW In Colorado you are not allowed to use pelletized powder (i.e. pellets) and must use loose pouring powder and open/iron sights).
Thanks in advance.
BuffKiller