Description
The Barnes Expander Mz Muzzleloader Bullet .45 Caliber .400 Diameter 195 Grain is a premium, all-copper projectile engineered for modern in-line muzzleloaders. It’s designed for hunters who demand deep penetration, massive wound channels, and 100% weight retention on game, from whitetail to elk. This bullet’s unique hollow-point design initiates rapid, controlled expansion upon impact, delivering terminal performance that traditional lead conicals can’t match. At $14.11, it represents a significant upgrade for the serious muzzleloader hunter looking to maximize their rifle’s effectiveness within the constraints of black powder or substitute propellants.
Key Features
- All-Copper Construction: Eliminates fragmentation and ensures the bullet retains 100% of its original 195-grain weight, driving deep into the vitals.
- Precision-Engineered Hollow Point: The large, deep cavity is designed to initiate rapid, controlled expansion at a wide range of muzzleloader velocities.
- High Ballistic Coefficient: The sleek, aerodynamic profile resists wind drift and sheds velocity less quickly than round balls or short conicals, aiding accuracy at extended ranges.
- Grooved Shank: The rear of the bullet features grooves to securely hold either a supplied sabots or black powder lube, depending on your loading method.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 |
| Bullet Diameter | .400″ |
| Weight | 195 Grains |
| Construction | Solid Copper |
| Tip Style | Hollow Point |
| Primary Use | Big Game Hunting |
Here’s the thing—when it comes to muzzleloader hunting, bullet performance is the final variable you control after the trigger breaks. The .400″ diameter of this Barnes Expander Mz is engineered to work with specific sabots that allow it to be safely and accurately loaded into a .45 caliber muzzleloader barrel. This system is drop-in ready for modern in-line rifles, requiring no special tools or modifications. The 195-grain weight offers an excellent balance of speed and momentum, making it a versatile choice for hunters across the Midwest and beyond.
Who This Bullet Is For
This projectile is built for the dedicated muzzleloader hunter who views the primitive weapons season not as a limitation, but as a strategic challenge. It’s for the hunter who has a Thompson/Center Encore or a CVA Optima V2 cleaned, sighted-in, and ready for that one shot at a mature Missouri buck during the late season. It’s for the hunter who understands that ethical harvests are built on reliable terminal performance, and who won’t settle for marginal expansion or core-jacket separation when a solid copper bullet guarantees both penetration and a massive permanent wound cavity.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Unmatched weight retention and deep penetration. Consistent, dramatic expansion even at lower velocities. Superior ballistic coefficient for flatter trajectory. Non-lead construction is compliant in more areas and is environmentally conscious. The design is proven and trusted by hunters worldwide.
Cons: Higher cost per projectile compared to cast lead round balls or conicals. Requires the use of specific sabots (often sold separately), adding another component to your loading process. Performance is so emphatic that it may result in significant meat damage on very close-range shots if shot placement isn’t precise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What powder charge is recommended for this 195-grain bullet?
A: Always consult your muzzleloader’s manual first. However, this bullet performs optimally with charges in the 90-110 grain volume range (by black powder equivalent) of modern pellets or loose powder like Hodgdon Triple Seven or Blackhorn 209. This ensures proper velocity for reliable expansion without excessive pressure.
Q: Do I need a special sabot to load this .400″ bullet in my .45 caliber muzzleloader?
A: Yes. The bullet itself is .400″ in diameter, so it requires a sabot—a plastic sleeve—to engage the rifling in a .45 caliber (.450″ bore) barrel. You’ll need to purchase .45/.400 sabots separately. Many manufacturers, like MMP, make sabots specifically designed for this bullet diameter combination.
Q: Is this bullet suitable for elk or larger game?
A: Absolutely. The 195-grain solid copper construction is more than capable for elk, black bear, and other large game at reasonable muzzleloader distances. The controlled expansion and deep penetration are exactly what you need to reach the vitals on a large animal. Shot placement, as always, remains paramount.
Ready to upgrade your muzzleloader’s terminal performance? This Barnes Expander Mz Muzzleloader Bullet is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Add a pack to your next range session to verify your point of impact and see the difference for yourself.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.