45 vs. 50 Cal

[jdbigeye]

Looking to purchase a stater kit for muzzelloader hunting. Not sure what kind of difference there really is between the two calibers. Any suggestions on a good one? Thanks.

JDB

[jlm]

If you plan to use it for the BP season, I would go with the .50 without a doubt. If you plan to use if in a slug zone (firearms season) with a scope, I would go with the .45 without a doubt, you will get a little more range. The extended range is not needed for the BP season since we can not use scopes here in MN. 100 to 125 yards is max range for your average shooter with open sights. Go with the 50 for increased knock down power. Just my 2 cents!

[PerchJerker]

I'd 2nd the .50 cal, especially if you ever have aspirations of hunting something bigger than whitetails with it. The .45 cal will be a little faster but will lose knockdown power quicker. Personally, I'll take the bigger bullet and the harder hit.

[gorrilla]

Guys if you argue 45 vs 50 know the facts. If you look at the ballistics charts(one can be found on the back of powerbelt bullets pack) the kinetic energy is almost the same between 45 and 50 - the 45 obviously is lighter and therefore can move a little faster so it makes up for grains with fps... I would agree with the choice for 50 over 45 for a different reason though. I've had so many one shot drop in your track shots with my 45 that I know its got more than enough knock down but if I bought another it would be a 50 simply because the supplies are seemingly more available like bullet/powder choices, cleaning brushes, speed loaders, etc.

[catman71]

the "energy" is mass X speed squared. Speed really makes it look like a round has alot of energy. that is only part of the equasion. how ever fast your bullet is going when it leaves the animal is lost energy (squared again). the 50 will do a better job almost every time given the limited distance. I have shot 1 bear and 3 deer with a 50 and have no complaints. the argument pro-45 for a scoped rifle i believe is sound since it will be faster which equals flatter. good luck!

[deeky]

Anyone shoot 54 cal? Is it that big of a difference? I have heard some places out west are starting to require a minimum of 50 cal for big game. I personally shoot a 50 cal and only stand hunt on the ground. I have a monopod rifle rest so that the rifle is always at my shoulder and all I have to do is drop my head. Weight really is no issue this way. Was able to hold the rifle dead steady as a doe took about 3 minutes to walk past at 20 feet from me last year in clear view. I'm amazed my eyeballs didn't pop out from my bloodpressure, but the gun stayed steady.