Caliber question

[Larryjk]

My son and son-in-law both shoot in-line 50 caliber muzzle loaders. They are scoped and they use 250 gr. pistol bullets in sabots. They can sit down any time and hit the gongs at 300 yards. I watched my son shoot a coyote in the head (that is all we could see) at about 300 yards. Yes, there was a large gaping hole but it was where the right side of the coyotes head used to be. He wasn't sure he could hit him, but gave it a try.
I have to bear down to hit the 300 yard gong with a 8mm Rem mag.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Skeet;
The problem as I see it is two fold....1.) they are using pistol bullets that are designed to expand at a certain velocity & range and 2.) they are buying the hype that these are 200+ yard weapons. Those pistol bullets shed velocity quickly, and when they arrive at the target they don't perform as they were designed to, and don't penetrate into the vitals as they should. You might be able to ring gongs or punch paper with them all day long, but they aren't efficient deer killers at that range/velocity.

What is close range?? The right projectile in the right caliber is easily good up to 200 yards.

Close range is 100-125 yards......and while the 'right' projectile' and 'right caliber' are probable/possible, you forgot to add "in the right hands of a capable marksman", which there are damn few of where I hunt! I've seen too many mangled up does late season that limp about until the cars or coyotes get 'em because some jackass thinks his 'inline' can shoot 'just as far and hard as his 06" I don't care how many pellets you cram down the barrel....it can't and it WON'T!

[skeet]

Originally Posted by Mr. 16 gauge

Skeet;
The problem as I see it is two fold....1.) they are using pistol bullets that are designed to expand at a certain velocity & range and 2.) they are buying the hype that these are 200+ yard weapons. Those pistol bullets shed velocity quickly, and when they arrive at the target they don't perform as they were designed to, and don't penetrate into the vitals as they should. You might be able to ring gongs or punch paper with them all day long, but they aren't efficient deer killers at that range/velocity.

Just want to point out..My 250 gr 45 cal bullet has more energy at 200 yds than the self same bullet out of the 45 LC handgun at the muzzle..and it won't penetrate or expand at those ranges? Are you saying that the same bullet out of a handgun is ok at close range and out of an inline it isn't?? I would say the worst scenario would be that pistol bullet at high velocity at really short range...and I've never had that problem myself..Myself!! Not a Joe Blow a month ago.somewhere in the woods.. Roll your eyes all you want..