Killing power differences?

[Bowhunter57]

I'm considering the purchase of a H&R Ultra Slugger or an inline muzzleloader like a T/C Omega or CVA Optima. I've heard/read good things about the accuracy, range and reliability of both types of weapons.

Is there a killing power difference between these two types of weapons, past 100 yards?

Your opinions and experiences are appreciated.
Thank you, Bowhunter57

[HalfBass]

I hunt with a CVA muzzle loader, I absolutlely love it! It's my first in-line muzzle loader and it packs quite a punch. I shoot 150 grains of pyrodex powder (pellets) and a 300 grain hollow point sabbot. I have killed 4 deer with it in the two years I have owned it and one deer was about 140 yards away. I held the crosshairs about 3 inches high on the sholder, and that ol' deer dropped like a side of beef!:yikes: It never took another breath! The other 3 I have taken with the gun were all much closer and never got more than 15 yards before hitting the ground.

That 300 grain sabbot has tons of knock down power and holds up well if your shooting thru thick stuff, don't worry about clipping small twiggs and such, it will power right thru that mess. If your looking at taking longer, more open shots, I'd go with a lighter sabbot to really reach out there and hit one.

I would trust the in-line up to 200 yards, then I would begin to doubt my own abilities.

[M.Magis]

The power is dependent solely on the load. You should be able to find the ballistics for about any shotgun slug. Using the speed and weight of the slug, you can determine the kinetic energy. You can do the same with any muzzleloader load, but there are so many you just have to pick a few. Whichever produces the most KE has the most power. You'll need to know numbers beyond just the muzzle though. Check for numbers around 100 yards and maybe 200 yards.
don't worry about clipping small twiggs and such, it will power right thru that mess

Please don't believe that.

[HalfBass]

don't worry about clipping small twiggs and such, it will power right thru that mess


Please don't believe that.

EXCUSE ME?! You CAN believe that! :irked: I ain't talking about shooting thru a damn tree, I'm talking about having confidence when shooting thru the woods. If that big old .50 cal 300 grain bullet hits a twig it's gonna keep on trucking. A .30 cal 150 grain bullet isn't gonna do so well. I've been in enough shooting situations where I know what works and doesn't. There are plenty of shots I'd take with that muzzleloader that I wouldn't take with a 30-30 or a 30-06. I hunt in thick brush country and have all my life and believe me your gonna put a deer on the ground when hunting in the thick stuff with that muzzleloader.

[M.Magis]

Plain old common sense tells most of us that any obstruction can cause flight and stability problems with a projectile. Since common sence seems to be missing from half of this discussion, let's end it now. Do what you want.

[HalfBass]

Since common sence seems to be missing from half of this discussion, let's end it now

Ok, you can insult me if you like, I can take a slam. ;)

I may not be using words like "kinetic energy" but quite frankly I don't need to. If it makes you feel better and just a bit more superior to everyone else, great! Cause that's what your entire post was about, wasn't it, HEY LOOK AT ME! Now this guy can look at my reply, which comes from experience, and what has worked for me in the past. I intended on giving him a little insight into what my experiences with an inline are. Or, he can look at your reply which was all about.....hmm what was that about? I believe what Bowhunter 57 was looking for was some real world, field tested experiences, not a math question. If it you choose not to take that shot, get out of the way cause that deer will fit fine in my deep freezer.

[DSP2]

Either would be a good choice. A sabot slug for the HR will shoot well and have plenty of power. An inline with 150grains of powder and a 300gr sabot will usually have better accuracy farther out. For long shots 130yds+, I would go with the inline muzzleloader. I also wouldn't shoot through brush unless the target is 10 feet away.:tsk: A small branch is enough to mess up your shot. That could possibly be the difference between a kill and a wounding shot.

[birddog1]

I've got a Remington 870 and a T/C Encore. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Faster follow ups with the 870, easier cleaning. But, unless you roll your own, you are limited to factory loads, which can get pricey if you are shooting sabots. The Encore is actually more accurate for me, probably because I could play around with different bullets and powders and find the one that works for my gun. If you can't afford to buy both, then I would get the inline. Reason - you can use it during gun season, but you can't use the slug gun during M/L season.

[bakerboy]

The newer 150 gr. M.L er are definitely more powerful ..............on the first shot.