When that occurs, they can behave just like a full metal jacketed bullet with little or no expansion. With the deficient ballistic coefficient situation, they rapidly lose velocity. They usually have very poor ballistic coefficients and are not designed for long range shooting. RD: Unfortunately, most jacketed bullets used in muzzleloaders are nothing more than revolver bullets. RW: What are some of the shortcomings of jacketed bullets, in a muzzleloading application, that you have seen? We believe the quality of the lead we use is vital that's why we periodically send out samples to independent testing laboratories to assure we are getting what we pay for, and that our customers are as well. RD: By using only pure virgin lead, our projectiles invariably expand retaining most of their original weight while still offering deep penetration. Is it fair to say that you share that opinion? RW: It has been my view that pure lead has been generally the best muzzleloading material that you can use for North American game, assuming muzzle velocities are held below 2200 fps. It was then that I applied for, and was granted the 'Buffalo Bullet' patent. These gas seals proved effective in stopping gas from escaping around the bullet. When I discussed with Frank the problems I had witnessed with muzzleloading projectiles, he suggested that I design a better bullet.Īfter numerous prototypes, it wasn't until we added two gas sealing rings to the bullet that excellent accuracy was obtained with higher velocity loads. At that time, the only other commonly available projectiles were hard cast, unlubed bullets that just would not expand on anything short of a granite rock! My neighbor, close friend, and mentor was Frank W. I decided that a better projectile was required for a clean harvest. It was a solid shot in the chest and still the deer ran almost a quarter mile before calling it quits. 50 caliber Thompson Hawken using a patched round ball. RD: In 1989, I had the opportunity for my first deer hunt with a muzzleloader. Patent # 4,417,521) and was awarded to you back in 1983?

For starters, let me ask how a nice fellow like you began making muzzleloading bullets? Also, what was the story behind the original patented 'Buffalo Bullet,' that you applied for in 1981 (U.S. RW: Ron, thank you for taking the time to chat.

Dahlitz graciously consented to this interview, and there is certainly a lot to learn about the Buffalo Bullet Company of Santa Fe Springs, California that isn't commonly known. I had the chance to catch up with the always busy Ron Dahlitz, the affable proprietor of the Buffalo Bullet Company, the largest market of muzzleloading projectiles in the world. Illustration courtesy of Buffalo Bullet Co. Interview with Ron Dahlitz, the 'Buffalo Bullet King' Interview with Ron Dahlitz, the Buffalo Bullet King

100 bullets book 1