Muzzleloader hunters have a lot of flexibility when it comes to what they shoot, since every load is a handload. That means you can shoot patched round balls, saboted bullets, and even full-bore bullets, among other options. 

There are considerations to be made for all of these, and this post will take a closer look at two types of muzzleloader bullets that are superior by design, which are Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X and Thor muzzleloader bullets. 

Here’s what you need to know about each, starting with what the main problem is with patched round balls in the first place. 

The Problem of Patched Round Balls

You can shoot patched round balls out of your in-line muzzleloader if you want, and they will get the job done, that is, at a certain range. 

While patched round balls are the traditional option, and while they are easy to load and considerably more affordable than full-bore, copper bullets, there are some serious drawbacks that should be addressed. 

The main issue, despite the relative advantages of patched round balls, is one of accuracy, which limits the range. 

The ballistic coefficient of a patched round ball is abysmally bad, which means a ball will shed energy very quickly the second it leaves the muzzle. 

This limits ethical range to a few hundred yards at most, and most hunters likely wouldn’t take a shot with a rifle and a patched round ball beyond 100, but that may have something to do with a bigger concern: accuracy. 

The low ballistic coefficient of a patched round ball limits the stability that can be imparted through rifling and spin. At close ranges a rifle shooting a patched ball can be a tack driver, but beyond 100 yards, typically the ball will roll and yaw, seriously missing the mark. 

While it might still be relatively accurate, “relatively” is not good enough when an ethical hunter’s quarry is on the line. No hunter wants to take a bad shot, and beyond 100 yards with a patched round ball it will be a bit of a crapshoot no matter what you do. 

Which is exactly why spitzer bullets are better. They are more accurate, deliver a greater effective range, and offer some other benefits that will be covered here. 

Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X 

First let’s put Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X muzzleloader bullets under the spotlight. These spitzer muzzleloader bullets are among the best in the industry for several reasons. 

One is that they are easy to load, with the right jag. They seat quickly, and because there is no sabot, it’s harder to mess up the orientation of the bullet as you drive it home. This is, again, provided you use the proper jag. 

Another massive advantage to Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X muzzleloader bullets is that they feature a performance-enhancing base, with a polymer post that fits into the bottom of the bullet and which expands as pressure builds behind it. 

This base expands into and engages the rifling, creating a superior gas seal that not only delivers higher muzzle velocity and therefore power, but more consistent engagement with the rifling, for a more accurate bullet. 

On top of that, Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X muzzleloader bullets are designed to retain weight on impact for better penetration, as well as to dump their energy effectively. 

The “InterLock Ring” and copper alloy jacket of these muzzleloader bullets deliver deep penetration while retaining bullet weight, helping to prevent fragmentation even as the bullet expands. 

On that note, Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X muzzleloader bullets also sport a polymer tip that drives into the lead bullet core on impact like a wedge, resulting in rapid and devastating yet controlled expansion for efficient, lethal energy transfer. 

Thor Muzzleloader Bullets 

Thor muzzleloader bullets, like Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X bullets, offer some serious performance-boosting attributes that make them a superior option for muzzleloader hunting. 

Like Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X bullets, Thor muzzleloader bullets are a better option because these are full-bore bullets. They don’t require a patch or a sabot to fill the bore, create a gas seal, and engage the rifling. 

Thor muzzleloader bullets also feature a base that expands when fired, in this case a hollow base that expands, creating a solid gas seal and engaging the rifling. Like Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X bullets, Thor muzzleloader bullets shoot faster and more accurately than many other alternatives. 

Thor muzzleloader bullets are also made of 100% copper, with no separate core, yielding greater consistency in cross-sectional density which can also positively impact accuracy. 

On top of that, they sport Barnes X-Bullet expansion technology that, like the former entry, delivers reliable and consistent expansion, retaining 95% of the bullet’s weight for superior penetration, and helping to eliminate fragmentation. 

Being a full bore option, Thor muzzleloader bullets are also cleaner because no plastic sabot is needed. This results in a cleaner bore that is easier to maintain than one that is streaked with plastic fouling.

All in all Thor muzzleloader bullets shoot faster, more accurately, deliver more lethal energy to the target more efficiently, and free you from the ills of patched round balls and saboted spitzer bullets. 

Explore Superior Muzzleloader Bullets Here 

Both of the muzzleloader bullets mentioned here can serve as a superior alternative, not just to patched round balls, but also to saboted spitzer bullets. 

For one, you will no longer have to carry patches with full bore bullets, and you will get better ballistic performance from them as well. 

In addition, they will shoot more accurately, offer a greater effective range, and perform better on contact with your intended target, delivering more ethical, efficiently lethal results. 

They also are not your only options. We sell a wide range of muzzleloader bullets here at Anarchy Outdoors. Take a closer look through our collection and get in touch with us if you have any questions about specifications or otherwise before you buy. We would be more than happy to help.