Parker Productions

A couple Target Samples

2012-01-19T06:49:00.000-08:00

Letter from another Happy Customer

2012-01-16T06:52:00.001-08:00

Bob;

Thank you for the information packet that you sent. It helped confirm how my rifle was shooting.

I just got back from a trip to hunt Ohio's muzzleloading season. On the third morning I put a respectable buck to bed in a sanctuary. The wind switched so I had to change blinds to match the conditions. That afternoon I took the widest buck of my hunting career. His rack carried 9 points but his inside spread was an impressive 22 1/4" inches. I use a TC Pro Hunter in 50 caliber loaded with 105 grains of Blackhorn 209 powder topped with a 250 gr. Hydro Con. I was sighted in 3" high at a 100 yards and put the buck down in his tracks about the 200 yard mark. I could not be happier with the performance of this bullet. I did not recover the bullet since it was a complete pass through.

Thank you for making such a fine product.

Mike McFadden

275 gr Match/Hunter First Impressions

2012-01-09T09:03:00.001-08:00

Many of you have ask about the 275 gr Match/Hunter--this our first try--more info after more testing.

275 Ballistic Extreme

2012-01-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to pass along this message from another happy customer…

Hey Bob,
Just wanted to drop you a note on the outstanding performance of your 275 BE (again). Been using this bullet for the past three seasons in my Savage ML. I shoot sabotless, sized to .449 with a wonder wad and 57gr. of H4198. I took six deer this year with the 275 BE the longest shot being 265 yds. All six DRT and only recovered one bullet which took out both shoulders and still weighed 192 gr. I shoot three different Savages with one .45 set up for sabotless, one .45 using sabots and a standard .50 for close hunts. Killed total of eleven deer and none of other bullets performed as well as the BE. I use a 195 gr. Barnes with sabot which does OK but would like to try some of your 200 gr HydroCons for next season. Thanks again and hope you have a good new year.

Barry Sanders

Shooting the .45----JACKETED BULLETS BARE---No Sabots!

2011-05-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

I have always had a love affair with the .45. It really did not matter if it was a .45 auto, .45 long colt or a .458 Winchester magnum; as long as it began with.45 it caught my eye. I have to confess my real true weakness has been and continues to be the .45 Sharps the .45/70, .45/110, .45/120; have a place of affection in my nostalgic heart that just does not go away.
When the .45 cal black powder weapon first caught my attention it was basically a round ball gun. A few folks were shooting conicals and that in standard twist rifles. Desiring more, and motivated by the Sharps, I built a .45 cal side lock using a fine Douglas octagon barrel with a 1/18 twist. Hoch Custom Moulds provided a superior .45 cal adjustable that ranged form 300—to—525 grs; thus began an enjoyable journey. The rifle was a shooter, liking the long 475-525 gr bullets best. When I built the Hydra Con into the bullet, it became capable of any North American Game.
The introduction of the .45 cal incline caused no small stir in my already active excitement pond. The rifle shot well, but bullet selection was not as strong as you would like and bit by bit the .45 began to fade; now there is only shadows and silence.
The legitimate place for the .45 now is in the Custom Rifle Arena. Great bullets are available fantastic rifles are being built; accuracy and power are past imagination. In spite of these advancements, I was unable to get away from my interest in the regular .45 cal inline. I kept on saying to myself, “why can’t I shoot the inline with bare bullets like the Custom .45s?” Being a bullet designer and manufacture has its advantages; I have a good supply of product with which to pursue a possibility----even if some say “why bother”. The answer—“just because I want to and I can.”
The first attempts to shoot the .45 inline rifle with bare bullets were not very encouraging. There is something about bullets going through the target sideways that takes the edge off your enthusiasm!! I shelved the project, acquired a Custom Smokeless .45 which shot fantastically. After working with the projectiles for smokeless rifle I was left with the question—why can’t I apply the same principles to the inclines? I did, SUCCESS CAME IMMEDIATELY. I discovered I needed three things: the right rifle (my T.C will not shoot bare bullets), proper bullet fit and the right powder. I switched to my Knights and Traditions rifles, sized our .450 Ballistic Extreme jacketed 250 gr to a.452.5, there was a strong recommendation for Blackhorn 209---it worked like a charm!
The results—for me the .45 had new life, as you can see from the pictorial walk through the choice of projectiles are several and the application is from varmint to whatever. The 250 gr Ballistic Extreme @ 1993 fps and 1”-11/4” @ 100 yards is not bad either. If you have a .45 sitting around and you think you might like this game----come on out and play---THE SUN IS SHINING. Bob Parker 209 596 8430.

RIFLES---Knight @ Traditions
POWDER---Blackhorn 209,110grs
PRIMERS---CCI 209 M & Federal 209A
BULLET----Parker 250 gr Ballistic Extreme

WESTERN STATES LEGAL BORE SIZE FOR THE T.C.

2011-05-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

We have developed a western states bore size bullet for the T.C. This projectile meets the legalities of all western states in regards to length and composition. Testing was done in the T.C. Pro Hunter; accuracy runs 11/2—2 inches @ 100 yds. This is not a target load, but will do well for the open sight hunting mandated by the western states requirements. The powder chosen is Blackhorn 209, the load 85 grains (weighed). Particular attention should be given to keeping the flash channel of the T.C. breech plug free of primer deposit build up---here are the essentials.

Because of the length of the T.C. breech plug fouling from the 209 primer will build up inside the flash channel causing poor ignition.
To keep this passage clear use a 1/8 drill bit and either by hand or using a regular drill remove the fouling. The deposit will be hard; don’t be fooled, just because you can see light through the channel does not mean it is completely open. If this build up is present—accuracy will suffer. NOTE ATTACHED PHOTOS OF THE PROCESS
The next concern is the flash hole in the plug itself. If using Blackhorn 209 the hole dia must be at least .032 for proper ignition. When all components are right your T.C. will shoot these conicals well. NOTE---EASY WAY TO MEASURE FLASH HOLE SIZE IS TO USE A CUTTING TOURCH TIP CLEANER—FIND THE CLEANER THAT FITS THE HOLE—USE YOUR CALIPERS TO MEASURE THE CLEANER USED.

I have spent the better part of a year developing and testing various shapes, weights, alloys and styles of bullets. The T.C. is not bore size friendly—it loves the sabots, but bore size is another matter. If you are one of the lucky hunters planning a Western States hunt this year and you are planning to shoot a T.C. the Western States Legal 475 gr HydraCon will serve you well. Questions, call Bob Parker 208 596 8430.

PRESSURE IN THE SIDELOCK RIFLE

2011-04-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

The magnet that pulled me to the muzzle loading rifle was the Old Reliable Sharps. I was absolutely infatuated with that famed long range Buffalo Rifle, that “master of the plains”. I had only one problem with acquiring a Sharps----money. There was no way in this wide world that I could afford such a rifle, but I managed to get my hands on a T.C. Hawken. My first venture with this kind of weapon was cap and ball, black powder and a huge learning curve. After some years with the round ball gun, I met a man in Round Rock, Texas named David “Davie” Boultinghouse. Dave was an outstanding custom black powder weapons and accessory builder, at that time Texas’ only full time black powder gun maker and smith. I became Dave’s “apprentice”, the journey was under way. Dave helped me build (actually he held my hand as I stumbled through the process) my first rifle----it was a “flinter”. It had silver wire inlay, good wood, Douglas barrel, crisp set triggers---it was a beautiful weapon, a fine piece of work. We put the rifle up for sale, it brought $600.00, to my deepest delight the deal fell through, and that rifle is in my rack this very day.

Strange how far things have come (sometimes you wonder in which direction). I would never have imagined the muzzle loading industry would have moved into the saboted/nonsaboted smokeless high velocity arena that now dominates the attention of most muzzle loading shooters, me included. This being said, I am aware that some refuse to move away from the lure of by gone days. It is for those few that this is intended and if perchance you read these lines and they are foreign to your experience, please, humor good memories of great rifles and good day’s afield perusing a sport that was more than hunting—it was a love affair with history and for a moment a step back into the same.

The following is a pictorial mini-session addressing pressure in a side lock rifle----enjoy.
Bob Parker

INDICATION OF EXCESS PRESSURE AND NIPPLE WEAR IN A SIDELOCK RIFLE.

The normal position for the hammer of the side lock after firing is resting on the nipple. If the hammer is on half cock the pressure is too high or the nipple is worn.
Note pictures 1-2-3-4.

MAKING THE HYDRAULIC CONICAL

2011-03-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Hydraulic Conical came into being because of my personal need for a hunting bullet that would give an effective, reliable and humane harvest of big game.

When the Hydra Con (Hydraulic Conical) was conceived the primary focus of the bullet industry was large bore size conicals, these were the bullet of choice and most commonly used, therefore, this type of projectile became our focus also. The Hydra Con soon proved it effectiveness in the field and quickly gained a reputation of a great game bullet. The bullet demonstrated the ability to expand and penetrate giving devastating energy transfer therefore, clean humane kills.

These bore size conical are legal in all western states complying with both construction and length requirements. The following photographs are a pictorial walk through the making of the Hydra Con. This is a custom patented process. Each bullet is cast from the same mould one at a time. The process is slow and labor intensive. The reason the bullets do not lend themselves to automation is the depth of the hollow cavity, in an automated process pin extraction is very difficult.

Here is the process; I hope you enjoy the journey.

If you hunt the Western U.S. and find yourself with an all lead conical restriction, try the Hydra Con I believe you will be satisfied.

-Bob Parker

Testing of the Parker 325

2011-02-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day for shooting--no wind and plenty of time. This a three shot group with my .45 Cal. Ultilmate Firearms BP Express. I realize these are a bit rare,most rifles are .50 Cal--but if you happen to have one ---it could be a shooter--Load--4 Pdx Pellets--200grs--bullet Parker325 Match/Hunter

I have been asked questions concerning the Parker 325's ability to shoot in a 1:28 twist. This group is a four bullet test which never makes for a basis of absolute declarations, but it is an indication that the 1:28 will handle the projectile . The rifle was a T.C. Pro Hunter,load two Pdx. Pellets,range 100 yds.------The expanded bullet in the post below was @ --2076fps--it is my opinion that standard muzzleloaders will require shooting the point of shoulder---again,I have no data to back this up.

-Bob Parker

Elk Harvest Report

2011-02-03T13:28:00.000-08:00

I drew a late Idaho crop damage cow tag; the following are details of
the bullet performance.

Range--150 yds--

Rifle--Custom .45 cal. built by Justin Munden--Richmond,Va.

Bullet--Parker 325 Match/Hunter

Vel.--2700fps

Load--71 grs IMR 4198

Performance Details----The elk was quatering away,facing up hill. Impact behind left shoulder quatering through to the right then exiting. Entrance hole in the hide .45 cal. near ribcage wound dia. 1 1/2 in. The heart was hit--wound was 1 1/2--2 inches--passed on to off shoulder,hit the main bone shattering it into several parts. Bullet was not recovered. The shot was short for this bullet - load and rifle--kill was quick and humane.

Just in Time for Christmas!

2010-12-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

Mr. Parker,

This group was shot with your muzzleloader at 100 yards. The group is 3 shots measuring under 1/4". The load is 71.0 gr IMR 4198, your 325gr bullet and 215M Federal primer. The bullets are swaged and non banded (the banded bullets shot 1 1/2"). I will ship it out after Christmas.

Thank you,
Justin Munden

Test Resulst for the Parker 325

2010-11-19T07:09:00.000-08:00

325gr Parker

2010-10-12T10:07:00.001-07:00

.150" 3-Shots
325gr Parker
Custom REM 700

Shooter: Gary Davis
Richmond, Virginia

325 Parker

2010-10-12T10:04:00.001-07:00

325 Parker
73 grain
.333 group SwingLock
100 Yards

Before The Hunt —Tips for good ignition

2010-09-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

I realize what I am about to say you already know----however some times I need to have my memory jogged a bit.

You cleaned your rifle toughly at the end of last season and put it away---BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS-----

-----Remove the breech plug, be sure it is lubed,clean and the vent open. If it has a vent liner, if the hole looks too big it probably is---consider replacing the liner,your accuracy will be better.
-----If you use a 209 primer for ignition be sure all oil is removed, the vent is open and be CERTAIN the place where you insert the 209 primer is clean and free of build up. If this is dirty it can cause poor ignition or a stuck primer.
------If you are using a #11 or musket cap the process is the same,clean and open all passage ways. There are two other very important factors often over looked--
----BE CERTAIN----

1.The cap fits the nipple correctly---there is nothing worse than hearing a LOUD CLANK when you pull the trigger---you look at your rifle--NO CAP!!!!!!!
2.The cap fits snuggly, BUT STILL SEATS ALL THE WAY DOWN.If you have accidentally dry fired the weapon or just because of normal wear and tare the end of the nipple is flared a bit--a misfire is likely. NOTE fouling build up on the nipple will do the same thing--to prevent build up wipe the nipple ever 4-5 shots with a damp patch.

Wishing for you the best season ever,

God Bless

Bob Parker

Parker 325 — 500 yard drop test:

2010-09-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

The stats on the Parker 325 drop testing to determine B. C. from actual bullet drop vs computer generated. The results are outstanding.

Parker 325------- 500 yard drop test:
NOTE ------DO NOT SUBSTITUTE RIFLE OR LOAD.
Rifle------------------------Bad Bull
Load-----------------------130 gr 4350
Primers-------------------Fed lg rifle mag
Wad------------------------Hard paper
Zero------------------------100 yds
Accuracy-----------------1/2-3/4 100yds
M.V.------------------------2952 fps
Range----------------------500 yds
Temp-----------------------56
Humidity------------------32%
Elevation------------------3200 ft
Drop @500 yds--------43"
Drift-------------------------8"
Barametric Pressure-29.5"
Wind-----------------------5 mph

When these stats were fed into our ballistic program it gave a B.C. of .500. This will vary with a different set of ststictics but needless to say the projectile works well.

HOW TO: Save bullets when sighting in…

2010-09-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

When sighting in @ any range (25yds is best) shoot one shot,find the bullet impact,secure the rifle using sand bags, lead sled, shooting vise ect.,or simply get someone to hold it securely. Put the crosshair on the original point of aim---BE SURE THE RIFLE IS HELD SECURELY--then move the crosshair to the bullet hole---ALLOWING MINIMAL MOVEMENT TO THE RIFLE--(again--use the same point of aim as you used on the first shot.) After you have moved the crosshairs you should be on paper @100yds, continue to fine tune the weapon using the regular scope adjustments.

Good shooting

Bob Parker

2010-08-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Parker 325 came into existence because of the urging of our shooting clientele. With the growing popularity of the custom bore size and smokeless muzzleloading rifle and with their greatly increased velocities, a tougher more ballistically enhanced projectile was required. The new Parker 325 fills the bill. It measures 1.345 inches in length, weighs 325 gr, has a B.C. of .426 (actual shot B.C. not yet available),jacket thickness is greater, has a lathe turned "swaged in" aluminum tip and a ballistically advantageous profile.The projectile shoots well in 1:28---1:20 twist rate rifles, 100 yard groups running sub 3/4 inch. The bullet is designed to operate at anticipated smokeless muzzle velocities of 2500-3000 fps, at those velocities our ballistic program shows the projectile to be super sonic at 1000 yds(1150 fps). 

The following are pictoral results of our recent expansion testing:

Parker 325, 100 yard group - .637".

Size comparison to the 275. Ballistic Tip

Parker .325 – Frontal Velocity 2076 – 300 Yard Equivalent

Retained weight 291 grains.

Recovery Base

Parker 325 Average Velocity – 2578 fps

The Parker 325 is designed to be a "POINT OF SHOULDER--HIGH SHOULDER" projectile. It's design anticipates long range effectiveness---------looking forward to field testing this fall.  

-Bob Parker

Bullet effectiveness on game?

2010-07-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

We are hunters. The first bullets we designed were based on necessity. At that time projectiles available would not expand and it was very difficult to depend on getting a clean kill, usually a long tracking job followed the shot. Our first bullets were long heavy big bore size conicals with our patented hydraulic expansion system. The bullets were used on all types of game; deer, bear, moose and elk with great success. They were and are extremely fine hunting bullets. They will expand and transfer tremendous energy from 25 -200 yds. They are a great big game bullet.

As the demand for lighter jacketed bullets grew we developed the jacketed Hydra Con. This projectile came in 5 weights originally: 45 caliber 180gr., 200 gr. and 50 & 54 caliber 250 gr., 275 gr. and 300gr. All these bullets were enhanced with the Hydraulic Expansion System and proved to be dynamite on game. The lighter weights are one shot killers on deer size game and the heaver bullets have taken elk, moose, buffalo, and bear. In 2005 we put these bullets and the Ballistic Extreme to the test on hogs. See our Web Page Field Test 2005. The results were better then I could have hoped for. The 180 gr. 45 caliber was a bit light (now discontinued) while the 200gr., 250gr. were one shot killers, but did not give complete pass through. Most of the time the 275 gr. would shoot completely through the shoulder plates, the 300 gr. would not stop in the hog. The 300 gr. pictured in the 2005 hunt was recovered from nose to tail shot. Regardless of the bullet used no follow up shot was required.

That has been the results with all Hydra Cons; we expect a quick one shot kill. I am sure there have been exception, but thus far we have been blessed with no complaints. Regardless of the Hydra Con’s effectiveness, there was a continual “urging” for a Ballistically Enhanced Polymer tip Bullet that would still perform well on game. After years of sketching on napkins, airplane tickets and whatever else might be on hand at the time, the Parker Ballistic Extreme was born. This bullet comes in 2 weights, 250 gr. and 275 gr., sub-inch groups at 100 yards are expected providing the rifle/twist combination is present in a quality weapon. In rifles such as Ultimate Firearms, BP Express, Bad Bull, Ultralite, Savage, Swinglock, Franklin Rifles and numbers of custom weapons, 400 yards accuracy is outstanding, Effectiveness on game is equally impressive. I personally shot a 2 ½ “ group at 400 yards last fall with BP Express using 200 grs. of PDX Pellets (4-50 cal. Pellets) a MMP Short Black Sabot and a Parker 275 gr. Ballistic Extreme Projectile. In 2006 Idaho deer season I took a nice whitetail with the same load, the range finder called it 310 yards.

At this point in time the Ballistic Extreme seems to be the bullet of choice. This is due to their inherent accuracy, great terminal energy qualities and their superior ballistic qualifications. However, those who shoot the Hyda Con know they are accurate and provide quick clean kills.

Note: Later this year we will be offering a long range projectile wt. 325 gr. BC .450. More to come.

– Bob Parker

ACCURACY QUESTIONS:

2010-07-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

What are your most accurate rifle and load?

This is an almost unanswerable question. We have tested, CVA, Traditions, Whites, Austin Halleck, Thomson Center, Knight, Remington, Gonic and several regular Black powder Customs. We also have three 50 caliber Ultimate Firearms, B.P. Express, Savage, Bad Bull, Swinglock and other smokeless weapons. These weapons (depending on design) were shot with and without sabots. The Ultimate, Savage, Bad Bull, Swinglock and most custom smokeless rifles are usually give “sub-inch” accuracy. Most regular black powder rifles tested shot well with 100-130 gr. of powder these include; Traditions, TC, Knight, and Remington. These rifles would shoot 1-1 ½ “at 100 yds. some in the sub inch area. The Knight (one screw stock systems) will not shoot well with 150 gr. however; they shoot very will with 100-130 gr. the TC shoots well with all loads as does the Remington and Traditions and CVA. In our experience best accuracy is achieved as follows:

1. Shoot cold rifle – allow 10 minutes between shots in 40* or below temperature. In hot 80* or above sabots tend to loose their edge and accuracy suffers.
2. Clean between shots. One wet patch followed by a dry patch – shiny clean is not necessary.
3. Watch the wind (stating the obvious).
4. Try various bullets, powders and loads.
5. Do everything the same each time.
6. Trust your weapon.
7. Practice, practice, practice. – We all remember how good we used to shoot.
8. Don’t go for the top end load. Most rifles shoot best with less than maximum loads.

You do not have to shoot maximum loads for good bullet performance and recoil is not as distracting. When you come to the Specialized Long Range Weapons i.e. Ultimate BP Express you are dealing with another situation. They shoot and shoot well (sub-inch @ 100 yds) with 200 gr. Pdx pellets and 275 gr. Parker Ballistic Extreme Bullets. With good optics shots to 400+ yds. are not uncommon, accuracy and power being in good supply.

When you move into the smokeless arena we are not yet qualified to give specifics. Our experience is limited to the Savage, Bad Bull, Swinglock and one other custom rifle. Our bullets both Hydra Cons and Ballistic Extreme, are used with great success in the Bad Bull, Swinglock, Ulteralite Arms, Richard’s Custom Rifles (Please check the web link for details on these rifles).

What about ballistic coefficients?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions and unfortunately all I can give is an answer based on “Shooter” input and testing results. We do not have a scientific number for the BE, but here is the best information we have available:

Ballistic Extreme Bullets

250 gr. Ballistic Extreme – BC 275

275 gr. Ballistic Extreme – BC 300

Personally, I believe these numbers to be a bit high.

Good shooting,

Bob Parker

Tech Tips

2010-06-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Situation:

Your most dependable rifle simply stopped grouping well,even with your proven load. You have…

1.Cleaned the bore toughly--no plastic--no fouling.
2.You have checked your stock screws--they are tight.
3.Sights-scope mounts & rings are tight.
4. We will assume the barrel is good.

BEFORE YOU REPLACE THE SCOPE--HERE ARE THREE FINAL PLACES TO LOOK FOR THE PROBLEM:

1.Is the stock fore end putting undue pressure on the barrel?--has it warped? Has some foreign material found it's way into the barrel channel?
2 Is the recoil lug making even contact with the stock?
3.Have you damaged the crown-----a very small ding will do the trick!

If all these are good--try a proven scope that you know gives good accuracy.

Good Hunting

God Bless

Bob Parker

Can I leave my rifle loaded for more than 1 day?

2010-05-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

The Question – Can I leave my rifle loaded for more than one day?

Answer – Under dry cool conditions, I have tested and it should be okay. Under any kind of wet conditions, you cannot leave the rifle loaded.

Answer to facebook question

2010-05-28T07:34:00.000-07:00

The answer to the question--"use the point of the duplex."

I fully realize we live in a day when "compensation" is built into the scopes we use. I am also certain all of us have equipment that does not have the newest technology built in.

For those of us who fall into that category there is a viable option. With a duplex cross hair scope you can develop a "consistently constant long distance aiming point" by simply using the point of your duplex crosshair and the power ring on your scope. If you are sighted +3"@ 100 yds using a 3x9 power scope you will be very close to dead on @ 200yds using the point of the duplex as your aiming point. If you decrease the power of the scope that "dead on hold range " can be extended even more,the point of the duplex continuing to be your point of aim.

I used 200yds in the question because I believe it to be a reachable range with enough energy using the named bullet and load to give a clean kill. If you decide to give this process a try you will be able to work at longer distances--however, power level will be down. Sight in carefully, practice at the desired ranges--remember each bullet design will have its own particular trajectory; shooting at your desired distance is imperative. Regardless of the components, the process is sound.

Good Hunting--God Bless

Bob Parker

A Couple GREAT Parkers Products

2010-03-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 great products for bows set up with fall away rests. The first is an Arrow Holder that easily attaches to your bow to keep your arrow from banging around before you shoot. The arrow will come out easily while coming to full draw. The second is a Radius Cable Slide designed to decrease string wear and friction for longer string life and increased speed. Here are 2 great products for bows set up with fall away rests. The first is an Arrow Holder that easily attaches to your bow to keep your arrow from banging around before you shoot. The arrow will come out easily while coming to full draw. The second is a Radius Cable Slide designed to decrease string wear and friction for longer string life and increased speed.

Welcome to the Parker Productions Blog!

2010-02-04T07:24:00.001-08:00

I conceived the Hydra Con™ idea in November of 1989. A Colorado sheepherder friend of mine was always "digging" me about my "Smoke Pole". He kept bragging how he could out shoot me any day with his "old 30-30". Not one to back down from a "friendly" challenge, I felt I was up to the task, and the contest was on.
The object of the game was to hang our hats at 300 yards and blaze away, seeing who could cause the greatest leakage on a rainy day! I decided to really fix his wagon. I would make a bullet that would make his hat look as if it had been shot with a sawed off shotgun, and completely destroy it! I figured a good "modified" hollow-point bullet would do the trick. I would insert a .22 rim fire, minus lead and powder, backwards into the hollow point muzzleloader bullet. I would fill the .22 rim fire case with black powder. Since we would put our hats on a big rock, I imagined my "modified" muzzleloader bullet striking the rock, detonating the black powder-loaded rim-fire case, and his hat should have floated on the wind like pollen.

Well, the shoot never materialized. However, I was left with the idea of how to expand a muzzleloading bullet. The Hydra Con™ is the result.

My first bullets were .50-caliber maxi-balls. I knew the .22 trick was O.K. for a "prank", but legality and practicality dictated the necessity to find an alternate souce of expansion material. Then the idea came.....why not hydraulics? I developed a prototype and was off to test. My first test medium was a very dead (and stinky) milk cow. The results were very encouraging. I made more bullets, tested for accuracy, and couldn't wait for the upcoming fall hunting season.

The opening day of the 1990 muzzle loading season found my son, Dwain, and me looking into a favorite canyon, waiting for one of several bucks previously scouted, to appear. I got my opportunity at approximately 250 yards. I adjusted the peep sights, held behind the shoulder, touched the set trigger, and the first Hydra Con™ kill was registered. "Good Hit!!", Dwain reported putting down his spotting scope. "It looked like a 2-inch hole opened right behind the shoulder"! The deer traveled only 25 yards. The entrance hole, right where Dwain had called it, measured 1", inside the rib cage 1 1/2-1 3/4", in the lung 2", exit hole was 1"! The bullet was never recovered.

The Parker Productions Hydra Con™ had its first baptism of fire. Since that day in 1990, we have come a long way. We have perfected both the process of manufacturing our bullets, as well as the Hydra Con™ process. Not content to sit on our laurels, we are always developing new and innovative projectiles, some of which are still in the developmental stages. I encourage you to check our site frequently, as this is where we intend to keep you updated with the latest developments.