I know you guys are collectors more than hunters, but I thought you might like to know that Ballards are not only relics. They still do their job, just like they always have.
Unfortunately, this is one of the most frustrating websites I know of anywhere, since a decent photo cannot be directly posted.
I'm afraid you will have to just follow the link - I made this as small as was allowable with the photo editor I have and frankly, I'm done trying to cater to 20th century restrictions like this.
Impressive ! They are big, tough animals.
A friend of mine actually lost one about that size last weekend. He made a "good" hit with his arrow. Tracked / looked for the bull for 9 1/2 hrs. before giving up. It is my estimation that the "good" hit wasn't a good as he thought.
I put two of the first three bullets through the pulmonary veins and arteries and aortic arch which completely stopped all blood follow to the rest of the body and he did not go down. The fourth shot on the shoulder staggered him a bit and finally he toppled, but never have I seen such an ability to take on lead. All four shots punched both lungs and were fatal shots, just not very quickly.
Beautiful bull Brent! Even better that you're using an old Ballard to take it! I'm just getting ready to head out for deer season here the first Sat. in October, and will be using a new to me #4 Perfection in .32-40 for deer. I started hunting with my old guns about 9 years ago, after being very successful with my bolt guns for decades. I was able to take the best buck I've ever taken the first year out, using an old Union Hill Ballard in .38-55 caliber! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v691/ ... unt06b.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v691/ ... unt06d.jpg
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
Nice buck! I love hunting mulies. Hard to do anymore. I've taken a few with Sharps and 85 Winchester. I haven't hunted with anything but bpcrs for 20 yrs now, from Alaska to Africa.
