Federal B.O.R.LOCK ammunition

[Dentrimental]

I saw these at the store today and I was wondering if anybody has any experience with them? I have been shooting 250gr Hornady SST and they seem to be more accurate than the powerbelts for me but I have had problems with them not expanding when I have shot deer, leaving poor blood trails making it harder to find the deer than I would like. I'll probably pick some up and test out the accuracy but I am mostly wondering if they expand better than the hornady's. Thanks in advance!

 

[p_ham]

I have not used those but have had very favorable results with Barnes TMZ bullets and elk.

 

[Dentrimental]

I have not used those but have had very favorable results with Barnes TMZ bullets and elk.View attachment 150878

Thanks, good to know maybe I'll try those out instead!

 

[shannerdrake]

I like the BOR Locks because they are solid copper, CO legal, and shoot great. However, I don't have any experience with their performance on animals. I leave on the 11th with a CO elk, mule deer, and bear tag in my pocket so hopefully I will have something to report back on at the end of the month.

 

[prhunter]

I like the BOR Locks because they are solid copper, CO legal, and shoot great. However, I don't have any experience with their performance on animals. I leave on the 11th with a CO elk, mule deer, and bear tag in my pocket so hopefully I will have something to report back on at the end of the month.

I'm on the same boat. Headed to CO for elk in a few weeks and I'll trying these out. Federal BORLOCK MZ Lead (350gr). Hopefully I will have something to report back on at the end of the month.

 

[Rimrocks]

People I know have used both. But they prefer the lead bullets for elk. They claim to have had bad performance from the solid copper ones. ???? But I love Barnes TEZ bullets and not sure why these would perform any different.

 

[maconbacon]

Posting here since my newb status won’t let me create a thread.

I know it’s a loaded question, but how much rise (if any) would you expect with this bullet before it starts to drop? I have my ML shooting about an inch low at 50 yards with iron sights. My stand placement for next weekend will only present an estimated maximum shot of 40 yards. More likely closer to 25. Should I aim a hair low since the bullet may still be rising? 50 cal CVA accura using the federal bor lock coppers with 90 gr BH.

 

[turbobrick]

Posting here since my newb status won’t let me create a thread.

I know it’s a loaded question, but how much rise (if any) would you expect with this bullet before it starts to drop? I have my ML shooting about an inch low at 50 yards with iron sights. My stand placement for next weekend will only present an estimated maximum shot of 40 yards. More likely closer to 25. Should I aim a hair low since the bullet may still be rising? 50 cal CVA accura using the federal bor lock coppers with 90 gr BH.

What distance are you zeroed for?

 

[Deleted member 38069]

Posting here since my newb status won’t let me create a thread.

I know it’s a loaded question, but how much rise (if any) would you expect with this bullet before it starts to drop? I have my ML shooting about an inch low at 50 yards with iron sights. My stand placement for next weekend will only present an estimated maximum shot of 40 yards. More likely closer to 25. Should I aim a hair low since the bullet may still be rising? 50 cal CVA accura using the federal bor lock coppers with 90 gr BH.

Don't rely on theoretials. Sight in at 40, you owe it to the animal.

 

[LuketheDog]

They shoot great out of my muzzleloader and my buddy killed a big bull with one of the 250gr. coppers last fall...

 

[LuketheDog]

This was one of my test shots, through a piece of 3/4" plywood and a couple water jugs...

 

[maconbacon]

Awesome bull!

Unfortunately can’t zero at 40 since the range I use has 25 yard increments on targets. Currently it is one inch low at 50. After thinking a bit more I think I’m splitting hairs here. There’s probably very little bullet travel between 25-50 yards and if I aim dead on I will hit where I aim. Thanks guys

 

[shannerdrake]

People I know have used both. But they prefer the lead bullets for elk. They claim to have had bad performance from the solid copper ones. ???? But I love Barnes TEZ bullets and not sure why these would perform any different.

I’ve read the same and don’t understand it. Just got back from Colorado and my group harvested two mule deer and a bull elk with the copper BOR Locks. I’ve never seen a more consistently expanding bullet in my life. Shots from 20-100 yards. All beautiful mushrooms. Ever bullet we recovered was in offside bone or hide. I will never shoot anything besides the copper bullets at elk.

 

[kit_man_du]

How often do you clean the barrel when using BOR lock with Blackhorn 209 powder?

 

[JDH]

@LCH uses the Bore Locks. He's hunting now but I'm sure will chime in eventually. I use Barnes T-EZ and had good expansion and retention.

 

[kit_man_du]

@LCH uses the Bore Locks. He's hunting now but I'm sure will chime in eventually. I use Barnes T-EZ and had good expansion and retention.
View attachment 156866

Do you have to clean after each shot when using Barnes T-EZ? Thanks

 

[JDH]

Do you have to clean after each shot when using Barnes T-EZ? Thanks

I normally run a couple of patches down after every shot just to be consistent when practicing but the few times I didn't there was no problem getting a second sabot down the barrel. I should also say that I'm using Blackhorn 209.

 

[kit_man_du]

Thanks, I bought some BH 209 too. Do you do a 100 yard zero?

 

[JDH]

Thanks, I bought some BH 209 too. Do you do a 100 yard zero?

Yes. I could probably do 150 if I wanted to but where I typically hunt I'm lucky to be able to see 100 yards for a clear shot.

 

[p_ham]

Do you have to clean after each shot when using Barnes T-EZ? Thanks

I've shot 15 in a row without cleaning the bore with the Barnes TMZ. Blackhorn fouling isn't as hard as BP is. The flash hole is more important.