Harvester Scorpion .50 Caliber 260 Grain .451 Funnel Point Muzzleloader Sabot Bullets Review

Let’s Dive into Harvester Scorpion .50 Caliber 260 Grain .451 Funnel Point Muzzleloader Sabot Bullets

Muzzleloading is a unique hunting experience, connecting you to a tradition that spans centuries. The right projectile can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating miss. That’s where the Harvester Scorpion .50 Caliber 260 Grain .451 Funnel Point Muzzleloader Sabot Bullets come in, promising excellent expansion and takedown power, coupled with easy loading thanks to their patented crushed rib sabots.

I’ve been chasing whitetails in the dense forests of Pennsylvania with a muzzleloader for over a decade. I needed a projectile that could deliver consistent accuracy and reliable terminal performance at moderate ranges, without requiring Herculean effort to load after each shot. My search for the ideal muzzleloader bullet led me to investigate what Harvester had to offer, specifically their Scorpion Funnel Point line.

The Harvester Scorpion bullets arrived in a simple, no-frills package containing 20 bullets and sabots. My initial impression was positive; the bullets looked clean and well-made, and the sabots felt pliable yet durable. The copper plating was noticeably smooth and uniform.

I’ve used other popular muzzleloader bullets in the past, like the Hornady SST and the PowerBelt Aerotip. Both have their merits, but the Hornady required some serious muscle to load in my rifle, and the PowerBelts occasionally suffered from inconsistent expansion. I was hoping the Harvester Scorpion would strike a better balance between ease of loading and terminal performance.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to try a bullet that promised easier loading, but I was also skeptical about whether it could deliver the accuracy and knockdown power I needed for a successful hunt. Only time and testing would tell.


Real-World Testing: Putting Harvester Scorpion .50 Caliber 260 Grain .451 Funnel Point Muzzleloader Sabot Bullets to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Harvester Scorpion bullets was at my local shooting range. The range offered distances out to 100 yards, perfect for zeroing my muzzleloader. I paired the bullets with 100 grains of Blackhorn 209 powder, my go-to propellant for consistent performance.

The loading process was noticeably easier compared to other bullets I’ve used. The Crush Rib Sabots truly lived up to their name, allowing the bullet to seat smoothly and consistently without excessive force. Even after multiple shots, loading remained relatively easy, a huge plus for quick follow-up shots if needed.

The weather was mild and dry, ideal conditions for testing. The Harvester Scorpion bullets performed admirably, grouping within 2 inches at 100 yards. I did experience one misfire in the first five shots, which I attributed to my percussion cap and not the bullet itself, something that can happen in muzzleloading regardless.

Extended Use & Reliability

I’ve now used the Harvester Scorpion bullets for an entire hunting season and several range sessions. They have consistently proven to be reliable and accurate. I have fired them in temperatures ranging from 20 degrees Fahrenheit to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and in both dry and slightly damp conditions, with no noticeable change in performance.

The copper plating has held up well, with no signs of separation or flaking. Cleaning my rifle after shooting the Scorpion bullets has also been easier than with some other projectiles, with less fouling in the barrel. The Crush Rib Sabots showed no signs of cracking or degradation after being fired.

Compared to my previous experiences with other muzzleloader bullets, the Harvester Scorpion has been a clear winner in terms of ease of loading and consistent accuracy. While some other bullets may offer slightly flatter trajectories at longer ranges, the Scorpion provides more than adequate performance for the ranges I typically hunt at, with much easier loading and excellent terminal performance on deer.

Breaking Down the Features of Harvester Scorpion .50 Caliber 260 Grain .451 Funnel Point Muzzleloader Sabot Bullets

Specifications

The Harvester Scorpion .50 Caliber 260 Grain .451 Funnel Point Muzzleloader Sabot Bullets have several noteworthy specifications. These bullets are designed for .50 caliber muzzleloaders and weigh 260 grains. They use a .451 diameter funnel point bullet paired with a sabot to engage the rifling of the barrel.

The specifications are designed to optimize performance in common .50 caliber muzzleloaders. The 260-grain weight provides a good balance of velocity and energy, while the .451 diameter bullet, combined with the sabot, ensures a tight seal and accurate spin. The funnel point design is intended to promote rapid expansion upon impact.

Performance & Functionality

The Harvester Scorpion bullets perform exceptionally well in their intended role. The accuracy is consistently good, with tight groupings achievable at typical hunting ranges. The easy loading, thanks to the Crush Rib Sabots, is a major advantage, especially in situations where a quick follow-up shot might be necessary.

The main strength is the combination of easy loading and reliable terminal performance. The funnel point design effectively transfers energy to the target, resulting in quick and humane kills. The weakness, if any, is that the trajectory might not be as flat as some heavier bullets at extreme ranges (beyond 150 yards), but this is not a significant concern for most muzzleloader hunters.

The Harvester Scorpion bullets meet and exceed my expectations for a muzzleloader projectile. They provide a consistent combination of accuracy, easy loading, and effective terminal performance that is hard to beat.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Harvester Scorpion bullets is simple and functional. The materials used are high-quality, with a smooth copper plating and durable sabots. The 260-grain weight is manageable and doesn’t result in excessive recoil.

The bullets are incredibly user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve involved. The Crush Rib Sabots are designed for easy loading and optimal grip on the bullet, even with cold or gloved hands.

Durability & Maintenance

The Harvester Scorpion bullets are designed to be used once and not reloaded. They are expected to last until the point of impact with a target. The materials hold up well during the firing process, with minimal fouling or residue left in the barrel.

The bullets themselves require no maintenance. However, after shooting them, cleaning your muzzleloader is essential to remove any powder residue and prevent corrosion. Proper cleaning will ensure the continued accuracy and reliability of your firearm.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Harvester Scorpion .50 Caliber 260 Grain .451 Funnel Point Muzzleloader Sabot Bullets do not require any additional accessories for basic use, as they come complete with the necessary sabots. However, the accuracy and performance can be further enhanced with a quality scope or peep sight.

These bullets are compatible with a variety of .50 caliber muzzleloaders and can be used with different powder charges to fine-tune accuracy and trajectory. While not a direct “customization” option, experimenting with powder loads can optimize the performance of the bullets in your specific firearm.

Pros and Cons of Harvester Scorpion .50 Caliber 260 Grain .451 Funnel Point Muzzleloader Sabot Bullets

Pros

  • Easy Loading: The patented Crush Rib Sabots significantly reduce loading friction, making them ideal for quick follow-up shots.
  • Excellent Expansion: The funnel point design promotes rapid expansion and energy transfer, leading to quick and humane kills.
  • Good Accuracy: They deliver consistent accuracy at typical muzzleloader hunting ranges.
  • Clean Burning: The copper plating helps reduce fouling in the barrel, making cleaning easier.
  • Reliable Performance: They have proven reliable in various weather conditions.

Cons

  • Lighter bullet = potentially less range than heavier grain projectiles.
  • Limited to .50 caliber muzzleloaders.


Who Should Buy Harvester Scorpion .50 Caliber 260 Grain .451 Funnel Point Muzzleloader Sabot Bullets?

These bullets are perfect for muzzleloader hunters seeking a balance of easy loading, good accuracy, and reliable terminal performance. They are particularly well-suited for hunters who primarily hunt at moderate ranges (under 150 yards) and prioritize quick and ethical kills. They are also a great choice for hunters who appreciate easy cleaning and minimal maintenance.

Hunters who require extreme long-range performance might consider heavier bullets with flatter trajectories, but those come with caveats of much harder loading, sometimes. Those seeking a very heavy bullet might skip this product. You’ll need a reliable .50 caliber muzzleloader, a supply of black powder or a suitable substitute, and percussion caps or 209 primers to use these bullets effectively.

Conclusion on Harvester Scorpion .50 Caliber 260 Grain .451 Funnel Point Muzzleloader Sabot Bullets

The Harvester Scorpion .50 Caliber 260 Grain .451 Funnel Point Muzzleloader Sabot Bullets are an excellent choice for muzzleloader hunters looking for a projectile that combines ease of use with reliable performance. The price of $17.99 for a pack of 20 is justified given the quality of the bullets and the convenience of the Crush Rib Sabots.

I would definitely recommend these bullets to fellow muzzleloader enthusiasts. They offer a winning combination of accuracy, terminal performance, and ease of loading that makes them a standout choice in the crowded market of muzzleloader projectiles. If you are looking for a reliable and effective bullet for your next muzzleloader hunt, give the Harvester Scorpion a try – you won’t be disappointed.

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