6 .50 Caliber Conicals That Maximize Short-Range Accuracy

You’re set up in a thicket of hardwoods, overlooking a trail where the longest possible shot is maybe 80 yards. This isn’t a long-range game; it’s about delivering maximum energy with precision in a tight window. For this classic muzzleloader scenario, the conical bullet is an absolute champion, offering a perfect blend of power and accuracy.

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Why Conicals Excel for Short-Range Muzzleloading

When you’re hunting in the brush or thick timber, shots are close and personal. While modern sabots chase long-range performance, the traditional conical bullet shines inside 100 yards. They carry significantly more mass than a patched round ball, resulting in superior downrange energy and deeper penetration—critical for an ethical, one-shot harvest.

Unlike sabots, which require a very fast twist rate to stabilize, many conicals are designed to work beautifully in the slower twist rates of traditional sidelock rifles (like 1:48"). This makes them a simple, powerful upgrade from a round ball without needing a new rifle. They provide a tangible boost in terminal performance, turning a classic deer rifle into a tool capable of handling bigger game like bear or elk at responsible ranges.

The beauty of the conical is its simplicity and effectiveness. It’s a solid piece of lead (or copper) that engages the rifling directly, offering excellent gas sealing and stability over the short distances where most muzzleloader hunting happens. For the hunter who values knockdown power over flat trajectory, the conical is a time-tested solution.

Hornady PA Conical for Traditional Muzzleloaders

If you’re shooting a traditional Hawken or Pennsylvania-style rifle with a slower 1:48" or 1:66" twist, the Hornady PA Conical is your starting point. It’s a classic design that has been getting the job done for decades. These bullets are engineered specifically to stabilize in those traditional barrels that might send heavier, longer projectiles tumbling.

One of the best features is their convenience. They come pre-lubricated, so you can take them straight from the box to your possibles bag without the messy chore of pan-lubing. This makes reloading in the field quicker and cleaner. Available in lighter weights like 240 grains, they offer manageable recoil while still providing a significant energy advantage over a round ball.

Think of the PA Conical as the workhorse for the traditionalist. It’s not a fancy, high-tech projectile, but it’s reliable, accurate in the rifles it was designed for, and has a long track record of success on game. For a hunter just moving from round balls to conicals, this is an easy and effective first step.

Traditions Smackdown Carnivore for Hunting Accuracy

Stepping into the world of modern muzzleloading, the Traditions Smackdown Carnivore bridges the gap between old-school lead and new-school performance. This projectile is designed for hunters who want more from their conical, whether they’re shooting a modern inline or a traditional sidelock with a suitable twist rate.

The Carnivore’s key feature is its polycarbonate tip, which improves its ballistic profile for a slightly flatter trajectory and, more importantly, initiates dramatic expansion upon impact. This creates a devastating wound channel for quick, ethical harvests. It’s built for performance on medium to large game, delivering the energy you need when a big buck steps into the clearing.

This bullet is an excellent choice for hunters using rifles with transitional or fast twist rates (1:48" to 1:28") who want a full-bore projectile without moving to a sabot. It offers a great balance of easy loading, modern terminal ballistics, and the knockdown power of a heavy chunk of lead.

Great Plains Bullets Hunter for Maximum Energy

When your hunt calls for maximum authority, the Great Plains Bullet is the answer. These are heavy-for-caliber conicals, often weighing in at 385 grains or more, designed for one thing: immense energy transfer and deep, bone-crushing penetration. This is the bullet you choose for elk, moose, or big bears in thick country.

The design is simple and brutally effective. A large, flat meplat (the front surface of the bullet) creates a massive impact, while the sheer weight ensures it drives deep. The tradeoff is clear: you will feel the recoil. This is not a load for a casual day at the range, but for the serious big-game hunter, that extra recoil is a small price to pay for the confidence it provides.

These bullets typically require a faster twist rate (1:32" or faster is often recommended) to properly stabilize their significant length and weight. If your rifle can handle them, and you can handle the recoil, the Great Plains Hunter delivers unmatched short-range stopping power.

PowerBelt AeroLite for Easy Loading & Performance

One of the most common complaints about conicals is the effort required to load them, especially after a few shots have fouled the barrel. The PowerBelt AeroLite directly solves this problem. Its unique design features a plastic gas-sealing "belt" at the base, allowing the lead portion of the bullet to be slightly undersized for easy seating.

When fired, the pressure expands the belt to engage the rifling, creating a tight seal for consistent velocity and accuracy. The AeroLite model is designed for a flatter trajectory than its heavier counterparts and offers excellent expansion, making it a fantastic all-around deer bullet. It’s a favorite among hunters who want performance without the struggle of ramming a tight-fitting projectile down the bore.

While some purists debate the design, countless hunters have filled their tags using PowerBelts. They offer a practical, effective, and user-friendly option, especially for those who need a quick follow-up shot or simply want to make range time more enjoyable. They perform best in clean barrels and are a top choice for modern inline rifles.

Thor Hammer Conical: A Lead-Free Accuracy Option

For hunters in states with lead ammunition restrictions, or for those who simply prefer a non-toxic option, the Thor Hammer Conical is a game-changer. Made from 100% copper, these bullets are known for incredible weight retention and deep, straight-line penetration. They don’t just expand; they create devastating wound channels.

The most innovative feature of Thor bullets is their sizing system. Because bore diameters can vary slightly between manufacturers, Thor provides a sizing pack with several different diameters. You find the one that fits your rifle’s bore perfectly—not too tight, not too loose. This custom-fit approach is a major key to achieving match-grade accuracy from a full-bore conical.

Thor bullets are a premium option, and their price reflects that. But for the hunter who demands precision, lead-free performance, and a bullet tailored specifically to their rifle, the investment pays off in confidence and terminal effectiveness. They are best suited for modern inline rifles with a 1:28" twist rate.

No-Excuses Bullets for Custom-Fit Performance

If you are the type of shooter who loves to tinker and extract every last bit of accuracy from your rifle, No-Excuses Bullets are made for you. This is a company that focuses on one thing: making exceptionally consistent, pure lead conicals that are sized to your specific bore. You measure your bore’s land-to-land diameter and order the exact size you need.

The design is elegantly simple—a solid lead bullet with large lube grooves, engineered for optimal engagement with the rifling. This precision sizing eliminates flyers caused by a poor bullet-to-bore fit, which is a common issue with off-the-shelf conicals. Shooters often find that a "picky" rifle will suddenly become a tack-driver with the right-sized No-Excuses bullet.

These are a fantastic choice for both traditional and modern rifles, provided you do the homework to measure your bore correctly. They represent the pinnacle of custom-fit performance for the shooter dedicated to accuracy. They prove that sometimes the simplest, most well-executed design is the most effective.

Matching Twist Rate to Conical Bullet Weight

The single most important factor for conical accuracy is matching the bullet to your rifle’s barrel twist rate. The twist rate is the speed at which the rifling spins the projectile (e.g., one full rotation in 48 inches is a 1:48" twist). A faster spin is needed to stabilize a longer, heavier bullet.

Here is a simple framework to guide your choices:

• Slow Twist (1:60" – 1:66"): Primarily for patched round balls. Lighter conicals (under 300 grains) like the Hornady PA Conical are your best bet, but accuracy may vary.
• Transitional Twist (1:48"): The classic "all-around" twist. It excels with round balls but can also stabilize many conicals in the 240- to 350-grain range. This is where you’ll want to experiment the most.
• Fast Twist (1:28" – 1:32"): Designed for modern sabots but often shoots heavy conicals (350+ grains) with incredible accuracy. Thor, Great Plains, and heavier PowerBelts are excellent here.

Ultimately, your rifle gets the final vote. The only way to know for sure is to test different options at the range. Start with the bullet that seems best suited to your twist rate and hunting needs, and see how it groups on paper. A small investment in a few different sample packs can pay huge dividends in the field.

Choosing the right conical is less about finding the "best" one and more about finding the best one for your rifle and your hunt. Start with the basics—your barrel’s twist rate and your intended game—and don’t be afraid to experiment. The real goal isn’t a perfect paper group, but the confidence to make a clean, ethical shot when the moment arrives. Now, get out there and make some smoke.