Federal's New 350 Grain Lead Bore-sized Muzzleloading Bullet
Federal has come out with a 350 grain version of their B.O.R. LOCK projectile, previously offered in a 270 grain copper version. According to the included literature, it (like its predecessor) is designed for a 1:28 rate of twist barrel “for best results.”.
Using a 24 inch test barrel and 120 grains by volume of Blackhorn 209, the published muzzle velocity is 2020 fps, retaining 1348 fps and 1476 ft. lbs of energy at 200 yards, substantially more than a .44 RemMag out of a long-barreled revolver has at the muzzle. That's roughly a .209 G1 200 yard ballistic coefficient. Assuming a 150 yard zero, you have 6.2 inches of drop at 200 yards, so this is a 200 yard plus combination with ease.
This is what Federal has to say.
Lead Muzzleloader Bullet
Federal Premium® transformed muzzleloader capabilities in 2015 with the B.O.R. Lock MZ™ System and the Trophy Copper Muzzleloader Bullet. For 2016, that technology expands to include a new hard-hitting lead version. Like its predecessor, it provides outstanding accuracy in a non-sabot design that's easy to load, scrubs fouling from the breech and ensures consistent bullet seating. The system's polymer cup is attached to the bullet base, and is pushed forward onto raised bands along the bullet shank during ignition. This expands the cup's diameter, engaging the rifling and optimizing velocity and accuracy. The rear of the B.O.R. Lock MZ cup features a hard, fiber-reinforced polymer ring that scours fouling from the breech as the bullet is pushed into place. This decreases the need to clean between shots and makes it easy to seat the bullet at the exact same depth for every shot. Because there's no bulky sabot, required loading force averages about half that of most sabot bullets.
Features & Benefits
•B.O.R. Lock MZ System: Expanding polymer base cup engages rifling and seals the bore for extraordinary velocity and accuracy
•Required loading force averages about half that of most sabots
•Fouling-cutting ring scours powder residue from the breech as the bullet is loaded, resulting in consistent seating and reducing the need to clean between shots
•Tough, hard-hitting lead bullet with a polymer tip
They are extremely good looking bullets. At the moment, I'm not sure exactly when they are going to be generally available as Federal is calling it “for 2016.” More information when it becomes available.
Copyright 2015 by Randy Wakeman. All Rights Reserved.
