LAST EDITED ON Feb-04-19 AT 05:29PM (MST)[p]
There is not a better bullet out there than the Thor. They are basically a Barnes all copper hollowpoint bullet. They are also rigidly sized, so you have to get him to send you a "sizing pack" to determine what size is best for your gun.
As stated, they are great bullets and will get the job done, but they have a single supplier, and he usually runs out of his bullets in late summer or early fall, so you have to plan ahead and have extra bullets ahead of time. If you have an interest in working up an accurate load and don't mind buying extra bullets, then you will probably like them.
However, I see no reason to increase the amount of BH to 100-110 gr unless reduced loads are not accurate. My elk load is 90-95 gr BH and if I get above that I have a problem with flinching from recoil. 90-95 gr of BH powder has taken a handful of elk for me, so it has plenty of power for a deer hunt. If you don't have a problem with recoil, power too you, but it is not required for the hunt. You would have to see what amount is accurate in your rifle though. I think anything above 85 grains would be more than adequate. The only other reason to increase the amount would be to make it flatter shooting bullet, but at 90-95 gr, that would be very flat shooting to at least 150 yards.
An easier to obtain bullet with similar characteristics (pure copper, full bore) is the Federal Premium? B.O.R. Lock MZ Trophy Copper Muzzleloader Bullets. The 270 bullet should perform very well on deer if they shoot accurately from your gun.
What bullet do I use? I use the 300 and 350 gr Hornady FPB bullets. Unfortunately, they are generally too big for CVAs bore, and therefore are not practical for CVAs. Why do I like them? Because they are a lead alloy (not just pure copper) and therefore are a tougher bullet than pure lead.
Lastly, I am not a big proponent of powerbelt bullets, they are basically a soft, pure lead bullet. That said, they are easy to obtain, load and usually accurate with a minimum of range work. With that bullet, and your current BH load, you should have a good combination for a mule deer. I like something more substantial for elk, but don't see any issue with that bullet and a mule deer. You absolutely do NOT want to increase your current powder load if you use that bullet. Soft lead, if pushed too hard, with break up too easily. Because of that, I would probably try the powerbelt platinum bullet. Still a pure lead bullet, but a smaller hollowpoint, which makes it a little tougher.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
