Are you saying your load was 84 gr of BH 209 by weight/ 120 gr by volume?
If so ouch
.
My elk loads with the FPB are 90-95 gr by volume. Works well for me at Colorado open sight ranges (for me out to 150 yards).
When I get to 100 gr (vol) or above it adversely affects my neck and because of that I start flinching. For those that can, power to you, but I am sticking with lower amounts of powder.
And I hear your argument about hit um where they live, and they will go down quick, but IF you can get expansion, you have that much more shock power. So if I use 90-95 gr (vol) BH209 and a 320 Fury, can I count on expansion of the bullet out to 200 yards?
Yes, the charge of 84/120 is correct as you stated. Its the
maximum production rifle charge of 84grs by weight or 120grs by volume of BH209.
Some people have issues with recoil and it may be medical/physical, or are just mental. When its medical/physical, then there's not much can be done. The mental issues can be corrected. Poor rifle stock design and shooting form doesn't help anyone with recoil concerns.
There are a lot of poor stocks being sold on muzzleloaders. Manufacturers have for decades designed most stocks LOP for what they considered the "AVERAGE" shooter. Average means that 50% of shooters are smaller than "AVERAGE" and the other 50% are larger than average.
If someone is recoil shy, rather it be physical or mental, then a reduced charge may be required for them to have the confidence for proper shot placement. With that, it can absolutely change both the maximum hunting range and type/style of bullet. Without question, a bullet that may work properly at 200yds with a higher charge, may very well not work with a lessor charge. That's pretty much common knowledge within the industry.
If one for what ever reason needs to shoot a lighter charge, then reduce the maximum range for hunting shots at game.
84/120grs of BH has been the maximum charge for over a decade that has been recommended for production rifles. Things have and are changing significantly, such as the new CVA products in 45cal, such as the Paramount rifle, which is capable of 150grs by volume of BH. Their new 50cal rifle just being released, is also capable of that same heavy charge of BH209. Some customs are rated for heavier charges of BH. The RUM or UF rifles shooting 200grs of black, or 180grs of T7 with 300gr bullets will get your attention.
Yes, everyone wants the best bullet, the highest velocity and the best expansion BUT, each hunter must know his/her limitations and adjust accordingly.
For me...……….. and using production rifle charges of 84/120grs of BH209, I would not have an issue with Fury bullets for game to a maximum of 200yds. There are also other bullets which will work to 200yds, such as the Parker BE, the newer Black Max and also other high quality bullets with thinner jackets, such as the Pittman .015" jacketed bullets.
Choose wisely for your own individual requirements. If you plan to shoot long range at game, then you must accept more recoil in most cases. Rather that be with 120grs volume of BH209 and a 300gr bullet, or a 90gr volume charge of black powder and a 500gr bullet.
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