Most of us that learn to shoot sidelocks load them with Holy Black and a patched round ball. It’s just the traditional way to do things, and it’s the way that generations learned before us.
Many deer (and other game) are taken each year in the same manner. But the modern era has ushered in-line muzzleloaders that push the envelope of what it even means to be a muzzleloader.
Beyond 100 yards, a patched round ball does not perform well. Those of us that would take a shot at a target given extended range would do well to consider upgrading our inventory to spitzer bullets like Hornady’s Bore Driver ELD-X bullets, and here’s why.
What’s Wrong with the Patched Round Ball?
First, patched round balls are not full-bore bullets. They must be sized down from the size of the bore and the difference made up by the thickness of the patch.
Moreover, if you don’t seat the ball properly and get a good gas seal from the patch, the whole thing won’t deliver the power it’s supposed to. There is a lot of room for error here.
But most importantly, it is difficult to spin-stabilize a ball, and that’s what rifling does. Given this fact, it follows that patched round balls, though fairly accurate (and lethal, given appropriate caliber) within 100 yards, are notoriously unreliable and terribly inaccurate at ranges greater than this.
That is where spitzer bullets designed for muzzleloaders enter the picture, and these are just a few of the issues redressed by modern alternatives like Hornady’s Bore Driver ELD-X bullets.
These Problems Solved by Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X Bullets
First and foremost, Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X bullets are boat-tailed spitzer bullets. This means they are not only more accurate at greater ranges, they are inherently easier to spin-stabilize. At greater ranges, these bullets will not only remain more accurate, but they are less likely to dip or yaw off course than round balls are.
The pointed nose of the spitzer bullets also helps ensure better penetration, though it might produce a smaller wound channel than a round ball. This issue is addressed by the fact that these bullets sport polymer tips and a copper jacket with an InterLock ring.
Together, these features ensure optimal penetration and expansion, for a rapid, maximal energy transfer, ensuring an ethical dispatch (assuming appropriate shot placement) even on big, tough game.
Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X bullets are also easier to load and feature a base that boosts performance, even assuming the same load data.
They are not saboted, and are nearly full-bore bullets, but instead are made with a polymer base that expands upon firing, not only engaging the rifling bully but gripping the bullet’s boat tail and ensuring optimal consistency and accuracy.
The expansion of the bullet base also ensures, in part, a better gas seal that delivers higher muzzle velocity and energy.
Lastly, because these bullets are not saboted and are nearly full bore, they are easier to load not only than saboted alternatives, but also easier to load than the patched round balls they are designed to replace.
Where to Get These (and Other) Muzzleloader Accessories
At the end of the day, you get greater accuracy and consistency, easier loading, and better ballistic performance from muzzleloader bullets like these. All you need to do before this upcoming season is commit to the change, sight in your gun, get your tags, and be ready for the field.
Whether you’re interested in these or other muzzleloader accessories, visit Anarchy Outdoors. They carry a wide range of useful parts and accessories, including superior modern bullet starters and ramrods, that can potentially revolutionize your season.
