For example, on Cabela’s website, 50 of Hornady’s excellent 0.452-inch, 300-grain XTP MAG bullets cost $18, which, when combined with the MMP Sabots, equates to approximately 56 cents per shot. This can be as much as several times lower cost than prepackaged, muzzleloader-specific projectiles.
Most valuable to me, though, is acquiring the optimal projectile and fine-tuning for enhanced accuracy. If maximum penetration is desired, a handgun bullet with a bonded-core, partition/cross-member, or is non-expanding, is best. Examples include the Swift A-Frame, Nosler Partition HG or Barnes Buster. If less penetration is desired, try a .40-cal. projectile with a .50-cal. x .40 sabot. Hornady XTP and XTP Mag, Nosler Sporting Handgun Revolver, Sierra Sports Master and Speer DeepCurl bullets, to name a few, work well for most hunting.
For practice, bulk packages of inexpensive projectiles such as Berry’s Preferred Plated Bullets are ideal. A variety of adequate sabots are offered in a range of configurations from .45x.35 to .58x.45, especially those from Precision Rifle.
Manufacturers’ websites, handloading manuals and company representatives provide guidance on projectiles’ optimum functioning velocities.
