.50 caliber muzzle loader loads

[OhioOutdoorsman]

What are your favorite .50 caliber muzzleloader loads for deer? Is a 180 to 210 grain bullet too light for deer? I'm interested in a lighter load to reduce recoil and shoot flatter.

[OhioDeerHunter]

I shoot 150 grain. But I haven't got anything yet. But it went 3 inches in solid oak log, so I'd say it is plenty for a deer.

[Yooper]

I'm currently throwing a 300-grain Hornady SST with 150 grains of American Pioneer Powder out of my Austin & Halleck with a 209 primer. Recoil is hardly noticeable but the barrel on an A&H is SO heavy... It's a good, accurate load. Didn't connect on a deer this year but was in the middle of a move during the season. I wouldn't expect a deer to get up after being hit by this load. I was shooting at 150 yards with total confidence and could probably go further, but that's my limit.

I've also shot 250-grain TC Shockwaves and really liked them as well as 348 grain Powerbelts.

[hunterNick]

I shoot 245 grain shockwaves out of an omega with 100 grains of pyrodex pellets. It will do a dandy on deer and bear, but for sensitive shooters 150 grain bullets would be fine. I just dont think anything under 70 grains is enough power

[hunter1992]

I shoot 370 grain maxi-ball with 100 grains of powder and the recoil is not that bad. I hunt with a sidelock with open sights so I don't shoot farther than 100 yards. I have found that the best way to choose a bullet is to go by how well it shoots in your muzzleloader. A 200 grain bullet would work fine on deer sized game. I have a friend that has taken many deer with a 170 grain round ball with 80 grains of powder.

[pre6422hornet]

I currently use Thompson Center 200 grain shockwaves on top of two 50 grain American Pioneer Powder pellets. Two inch groups at 100 yards. The nice 175 lb 8 point I harvested two weeks ago during Ohio's season "tried" to run but only made it 30 yards with a double lung shot.

If you really want to help on the recoil. Install a SIMS recoil pad. I put one on this past fall and I can now shoot until I run out of powder with no problem.

BTW same load took a mature doe at 115 yards while she was in her bed. She never moved....

Have fun..