Powerbelt V2 Copper

[slabhead]

Looks like CVA has a new Copper V2 PowerBelt out. I've always been a fan of how easy PowerBelts load and they've shot well for me. I've killed a few deer with them too.

Only downside for me has been very little to no blood trail.

Interested to see if this new version improves on that.

 

[BSK]

How very, very interesting! What weights are they producing these in? Hopefully, something substantial.

I've been a huge fan of the heaviest Powerbelts, but the medium weight ones (up to 295 grn) were a total failure. They loaded well and were very accurate, but they exploded on impact with zero pass-throughs and non-existent blood trails. However, the 348s and 405s worked great. The problem is, they stopped making both of those weight bullets. I've been in a total panic trying to find another full-bore 50 cal bullet to switch to.

 

[slabhead]

How very, very interesting! What weights are they producing these in? Hopefully, something substantial.

I've been a huge fan of the heaviest Powerbelts, but the medium weight ones (up to 295 grn) were a total failure. They loaded well and were very accurate, but they exploded on impact with zero pass-throughs and non-existent blood trails. However, the 348s and 405s worked great. The problem is, they stopped making both of those weight bullets. I've been in a total panic trying to find another full-bore 50 cal bullet to switch to.

Looks like 240gr and 295gr are the only offerings at this point.

 

[BSK]

Looks like 240gr and 295gr are the only offerings at this point.

If the 295s produce slower expansion, hence deeper penetration, could be worth a look.

 

[mike243]

They make a 330g named VLR , might work well, 300g is highest I have used

 

[BSK]

They make a 330g named VLR , might work well, 300g is highest I have used

It's meant for high-speed magnum loads. We can't (and wouldn't) shoot those.

 

[Wiley]

If I were shooting any muzzle loader bullet, other than Barnes, and wanted to try a different bullet, it would be Barnes. I cannot emphasize enough how much better than ANY other muzzle loader bullet they are. Period.

 

[Remi]

They make a 330g named VLR , might work well, 300g is highest I have used

https://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/threads/elr-50-caliber-330g-bullet.56716/


Roughly 50% weight loss with only 80gr of bh209.


Is someone used an actual magnum charge they would detonate lol


Looks like they suck as bad a the other powerbelts.

 

[Jcalder]

https://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/threads/elr-50-caliber-330g-bullet.56716/


Roughly 50% weight loss with only 80gr of bh209.


Is someone used an actual magnum charge they would detonate lol


Looks like they suck as bad a the other powerbelts.

Your last sentence is gold lol.

 

[BSK]

Looks like they suck as bad a the other powerbelts.

The only Powerbelt I liked, and used exclusively, was the 405 grn solid lead flat-point. I got full pass-throughs every time. Yet they DO produce some pretty serious recoil.

 

[Remi]

The only Powerbelt I liked, and used exclusively, was the 405 grn solid lead flat-point. I got full pass-throughs every time. Yet they DO produce some pretty serious recoil.

I can't keep a 300gr Barnes in .458" or .452" in a deer so there's no need for me to shoot a 405gr bullet.


I actually shoot the 300gr Harvester Scorpion PT Gold more because for deer I like it better. I buy them and the crush rib sabots 50 at a time direct from Harvester.

 

[Griswold]

I can't keep a 300gr Barnes in .458" or .452" in a deer so there's no need for me to shoot a 405gr bullet.


I actually shoot the 300gr Harvester Scorpion PT Gold more because for deer I like it better. I buy them and the crush rib sabots 50 at a time direct from Harvester.

I use the 260 pt gold and sabots, with 100 grain of bh209 ive yet to recover one from 10yards-220 yards out of 43 tn whitetails

 

[Remi]

I use the 260 pt gold and sabots, with 100 grain of bh209 ive yet to recover one from 10yards-220 yards out of 43 tn whitetails

I've never tried the 260's but I've read nothing but good things.


I've actually had 2 out of 40 or so not pass through. Both were frontal/hard quarter to shots at close range, 15-18yds on mature bucks. Both broke the near shoulder and came to rest in the ham. Neither buck moved after impact.


The 300gr Barnes Original is a monster bullet, I tried a few and felt I got zero expansion. I never lost a deer but the performance didn't blow my skirt up so I switched to the .458" Hornady 350gr FP. It did a great job and I can't see one ever being recovered but the 300gr Scorpion is my favorite by far.

 

[BSK]

The 300gr Barnes Original is a monster bullet, I tried a few and felt I got zero expansion. I never lost a deer but the performance didn't blow my skirt up...

Personally, I'm perfectly fine having a 50-cal bullet go through without expanding at all. A hole that big through both lungs will kill a deer quick. If they weren't so dang hard to load (especially on a follow-up shot in a fouled barrel) I would still be using T/C Maxiballs. Those things didn't expand much at all.

 

[Remi]

Personally, I'm perfectly fine having a 50-cal bullet go through without expanding at all. A hole that big through both lungs will kill a deer quick. If they weren't so dang hard to load (especially on a follow-up shot in a fouled barrel) I would still be using T/C Maxiballs. Those things didn't expand much at all.

Not me, expansion is what produces wounding and blood loss.


Give me .75-.9" expansion and a full pass through, that's not hard to come with today's bullets.


I've used a grand total of 1 maxi ball on a deer. .50 cal right through the lungs, zero blood, walked in circles and finally found it about 100yds away.


Pass me the good bullets

 

[BSK]

Not me, expansion is what produces wounding and blood loss.


Give me .75-.9" expansion and a full pass through, that's not hard to come with today's bullets.


I've used a grand total of 1 maxi ball on a deer. .50 cal right through the lungs, zero blood, walked in circles and finally found it about 100yds away.


Pass me the good bullets

I've talked to experienced deer killers who use all of the much vaunted sabotted bullets (including Barnes) and they all admit these lighter, faster bullets don't go through all of the time, even on broadside shots through the chest. Expansion can be excellent and well-controlled, but I want a bullet that goes through all the time.

We've probably killed 60+ deer with Maxiballs, and all pass-throughs, all recovered, all produced jaw-dropping blood trails.

 

[Jcalder]

I've talked to experienced deer killers who use all of the much vaunted sabotted bullets (including Barnes) and they all admit these lighter, faster bullets don't go through all of the time, even on broadside shots through the chest. Expansion can be excellent and well-controlled, but I want a bullet that goes through all the time.

We've probably killed 60+ deer with Maxiballs, and all pass-throughs, all recovered, all produced jaw-dropping blood trails.

You've also got experienced deer killers on this forum that you completely dismiss. You act like a sabot is crutch, but they aren't the weak link in the setup. Fact is, there's several bullets out there that just plain work. When something doesn't, I'd look at the shooter first.

ETA…… powerbelts still belong in the trash!

 

[Remi]

I've talked to experienced deer killers who use all of the much vaunted sabotted bullets (including Barnes) and they all admit these lighter, faster bullets don't go through all of the time, even on broadside shots through the chest. Expansion can be excellent and well-controlled, but I want a bullet that goes through all the time.

We've probably killed 60+ deer with Maxiballs, and all pass-throughs, all recovered, all produced jaw-dropping blood trails.

Well, I'm an experienced deer killer and I have zero use for maxiballs. You seem to like to use the info that backs up your opinion.


Not all bullets that go into a sabot are created equal. Buy good ones and be done, or keep asking for help on finding a good bullet and telling people with a lot of experience that they're wrong lol.


The difference in diameter of a .50 cal bullet and a .452" is roughly the thickness of a fingernail.


As has been said 50 times, nothing else buy some 350-400gr .458" bullets they're made for 45/70 - 458 mag rifles.

 

[Remi]

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/27706

https://harvestermuzzleloading.com/products/crushed-rib-high-pressure-sabots-50-cal-4


You keep talking about the 405 powerbelt, there is a flat nose 400gr Barnes Original, outside of a dangerous game bullet I doubt there is a tougher .458" made.


Test of the 420gr No Excuses, bullet recovered after 4 jugs

https://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/threads/420g-no-excuses-80gbh.33673/


Test of the 300gr Barnes Original, bullet was never stopped

https://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/threads/300-grain-barnes-original.27216/

 

[wcw280]

If I were shooting any muzzle loader bullet, other than Barnes, and wanted to try a different bullet, it would be Barnes. I cannot emphasize enough how much better than ANY other muzzle loader bullet they are. Period.

We've tried and tried to explain this. You are correct

 

[paburke6]

If I were shooting any muzzle loader bullet, other than Barnes, and wanted to try a different bullet, it would be Barnes. I cannot emphasize enough how much better than ANY other muzzle loader bullet they are. Period.

Agreed. I have had GREAT luck with Barnes and with Hornady pistol bullets. When I tried Powerbelts I found them easy to load and accurate but NEVER had one expand. Poor blood trails. I gave up on them 10 years ago.

 

[BSK]

Well, I'm an experienced deer killer and I have zero use for maxiballs. You seem to like to use the info that backs up your opinion.

I am a scientist. I gather data. I evaluate that data. I've gathered "data" (although personal experiences with bullets isn't perfect data by any means, it's all we have to go by), and evaluated that information.

The difference in diameter of a .50 cal bullet and a .452" is roughly the thickness of a fingernail.


As has been said 50 times, nothing else buy some 350-400gr .458" bullets they're made for 45/70 - 458 mag rifles.

I prefer not to use sabotted bullets, for a myriad of reasons. Why does that stick in people's craws?

 

[Jcalder]

I am a scientist. I gather data. I evaluate that data. I've gathered "data" (although personal experiences with bullets isn't perfect data by any means, it's all we have to go by), and evaluated that information.



I prefer not to use sabotted bullets, for a myriad of reasons. Why does that stick in people's craws?

As a scientist you dismiss a ton of good data. Your hatred of sabots is comical. They're not limiting you. And no, I don't use them either. The point is you skip over great options simply because the use one, but keep looking for an alternative.

 

[backyardtndeer]

You've also got experienced deer killers on this forum that you completely dismiss. You act like a sabot is crutch, but they aren't the weak link in the setup. Fact is, there's several bullets out there that just plain work. When something doesn't, I'd look at the shooter first.

ETA…… powerbelts still belong in the trash!

We have killed a lot of deer with 240 grain saboted bullets. Most of those were XTP mags, a couple hornady whitetail hunter(an interlock bullet). Most were pass throughs and at varied ranges from inside 30 out to almost 200 yards. They just work.

 

[Jcalder]

We have killed a lot of deer with 240 grain saboted bullets. Most of those were XTP mags, a couple hornady whitetail hunter(an interlock bullet). Most were pass throughs and at varied ranges from inside 30 out to almost 200 yards. They just work.

I'm not a huge fan of the sst in a muzzleloader, but those xtp bullets are a great economical bullet. I killed a bunch with them in my 20s.

 

[Savage Knight]

I have about 12-15 muzzleloaders, side locks and inlines. I'll whittle down a rock before any of them see a powerbelt!

 

[BSK]

As a scientist you dismiss a ton of good data. Your hatred of sabots is comical. They're not limiting you. And no, I don't use them either. The point is you skip over great options simply because the use one, but keep looking for an alternative.

One more time (although it's pointless with this crowd)...

I do not like using sabotted bullets. Please, no arguments; I simply don't like them. I have repeatedly asked for anyone with experience using full-bore 50-caliber bullets to see if anyone has a recommendation for one they like that isn't Powerbelt (because Powerbelt quit making the bullets I have tested and found acceptable for both accuracy and penetration), and is relatively easy to load, especially in a fouled barrel. I've received good advice about Great Plains bullets, maxiballs, and several other solid lead bullets. I've used all of those. They ARE good bullets, but they are hard to load, especially in a fouled barrel. I received good advice about the Thor full copper bullets. They are accurate, but so tight that reloading in a fouled barrel was nearly impossible.

I also received advice about the Hornady Boredrivers. We will be testing those, but so far, no one has shot a deer with one. We have shot them and found their accuracy acceptable, but don't know much from experience about penetration. Now that Powerbelt is making what is supposed to be a slower expansion bullet (the Copper V2), we will try those as well. But any other personal experience on full-bore 50-caliber MZ bullets is welcome.

 

[wcw280]

One more time (although it's pointless with this crowd)...

I do not like using sabotted bullets. Please, no arguments; I simply don't like them. I have repeatedly asked for anyone with experience using full-bore 50-caliber bullets to see if anyone has a recommendation for one they like that isn't Powerbelt (because Powerbelt quit making the bullets I have tested and found acceptable for both accuracy and penetration), and is relatively easy to load, especially in a fouled barrel. I've received good advice about Great Plains bullets, maxiballs, and several other solid lead bullets. I've used all of those. They ARE good bullets, but they are hard to load, especially in a fouled barrel. I received good advice about the Thor full copper bullets. They are accurate, but so tight that reloading in a fouled barrel was nearly impossible.

I also received advice about the Hornady Boredrivers. We will be testing those, but so far, no one has shot a deer with one. We have shot them and found their accuracy acceptable, but don't know much from experience about penetration. Now that Powerbelt is making what is supposed to be a slower expansion bullet (the Copper V2), we will try those as well. But any other personal experience on full-bore 50-caliber MZ bullets is welcome.

Will you explain your opposition to sabots? You always say you want a bullet without them and such but as analytical as you are i can't see you just saying out of the blue you dont like them and being that adamant about it. Do you have data of some sort showing something that makes you feel this way. Serious question and not for argument sake. I feel like you had a bad experience in the past and have written them off. Ill say this if you ever messed with smokeless much if the sabot doesn't match the bullet/barrel combo you're shooting you will not get the accuracy you're looking for. My dad got some terrible blood trails back in the day from XTP bullets. You couldn't pay him to shoot them. There are people that wouldn't shoot anything else.

 

[Griswold]

One more time (although it's pointless with this crowd)...

I do not like using sabotted bullets. Please, no arguments; I simply don't like them. I have repeatedly asked for anyone with experience using full-bore 50-caliber bullets to see if anyone has a recommendation for one they like that isn't Powerbelt (because Powerbelt quit making the bullets I have tested and found acceptable for both accuracy and penetration), and is relatively easy to load, especially in a fouled barrel. I've received good advice about Great Plains bullets, maxiballs, and several other solid lead bullets. I've used all of those. They ARE good bullets, but they are hard to load, especially in a fouled barrel. I received good advice about the Thor full copper bullets. They are accurate, but so tight that reloading in a fouled barrel was nearly impossible.

I also received advice about the Hornady Boredrivers. We will be testing those, but so far, no one has shot a deer with one. We have shot them and found their accuracy acceptable, but don't know much from experience about penetration. Now that Powerbelt is making what is supposed to be a slower expansion bullet (the Copper V2), we will try those as well. But any other personal experience on full-bore 50-caliber MZ bullets is welcome.

https://harvestermuzzleloading.com/...loader-bullets-50-cal-belted-bullet-350-grain

 

[wcw280]

https://harvestermuzzleloading.com/...loader-bullets-50-cal-belted-bullet-350-grain

Throwing bricks at em! Id hate to get hit by one if them.