Hunting & Fishing Anyone here shoot powerbelts?

[79jeepcj5]

I've been using them for 2 seasons here in TN. I used to use maxi-balls. I had trouble finding the mb's, so I figured I'd try the pb's. They shot AWESOME! Ragged holes at 100. I got two decent 10 pointers with them but wasn't impressed with the penetration. Shot both twice. Second was my fault, I hit a little too far back(liver). I've seen elsewhere that people have had problems with them fragging but thought I'd ask here since there seems to be more knowledgable shooters.

 

[LanceS4803]

Hey fellow Clarksvillian!
I used to use Powerbelts, and like you wasn't happy with the performance.
This was recovered from a doe, straight on frontal shot.
Switched to Barnes Expander MZ. The only think I don't like about them is they can be hard to find, unless you order directly from Barnes.

 

[79jeepcj5]

How's the accuracy? I've got some shots out to about 150 yrds. Not that I'd try it with a muzzleloader. More comfortable inside 100. Till rifle season anyway lol. Where in c'ville are ya? I'm off 48 past the marina.

 

[knockemdown]

Since my AO of NY used to be 'shotgun' only for deer, I opted to use the .50cal ML instead. Have shot more than a few (20+) whitetails with 295gr Powerbelts. They all died and quick but I didn't like the fragmenting aspect of them, either. As of a few years ago, had since switched to 200gr TC Shockwaves. Using 50gr less powder (100gr of 777 now) and the 200gr Shockwaves are shooting 5" flatter @ 200yds than the 295 Powerbelts. Less recoil, better ballistics, and best part is, they blow two holes thru a deer. Accuracy is 1-1.5" @ 100, very realistic for a smoke pole, IMHO...

 

[Wes_Mantooth]

I'll second the Barnes Expanders, my Remington ML700 shoots the 300gr into 1.5-2" groups at 100yds. I've shot several deer at ranges between 20 and 100 yards and the bullets all seemed to perform well, all deer were killed, one ran about 70 yards the rest much less.

 

[mlh29]

I too ran the 50 cal powerbelts, I have a TC omega, it would shoot the first box I had great, so I bought a bunch more,,, 2yrs later I opened the new boxes,,,could not get anything accyracy wise at 100yds no matter what.
I killed 1 large doe with the power belts, broad side right behind from shoulder 140gr 777, 85 yds, the bullet split and fragmented it did not exit, The doe stood still and ran about 40 yds before piling up.
I have since switched to the TC black sabots with the xtp bullet( can get a 30 pk at wally world for 11.88). This will shoot 3 inside 1.20 inches at 100 off the bench, good enough for the intended purpose. The xtp performs well , I trust it and have used handgun hunting etc on multiple game with proven results

 

[deadly_punk]

Friend used them occasionally and did ok, though not awesome, iirc. I now use the Hornady SST in the .45 cal/200 grain flavor and couldn't be more impressed.

 

[Facemelter]

Hmmm,I just bought another pack of powerbelts. I sighted in late in the season last year and didnt get to use the ML. I sighted in again this season after moving my scope again. I was using 245 powerbelts. I guess Ill see if I can swap them out for some thing else. I was getting right around 1.5" at 100 yards with them. Guess Ill look for some Barnes.

 

[LanceS4803]

How's the accuracy? I've got some shots out to about 150 yrds. Not that I'd try it with a muzzleloader. More comfortable inside 100. Till rifle season anyway lol. Where in c'ville are ya? I'm off 48 past the marina.

Accuracy has been fine with a Traditions Vortex.
I was born and raised there (CHS and APSU), and still have family there.
Took two deer near the Clarksville Country Club on Sat and Sun!