Hey all, new here. I am heading out to NM this fall for some elk hunting and just wanted to touch base with some more experienced guys on the BP set up I plan on using.
T/C encore, pyod pells 100gr, 250gr T/C shock wave. I get incredible groups at 100-150ydsbut I am worried that this bullet might be too light for an elk beyond 100yd.
I will be going out this week, if time permits and try some heavier bullets to see how they group.
Since you have an Encore, why don't you go with 150 grains of pyrodex or 130 grains of 777 and bump up the bullet to a 300 grain bonded shockwave. You could probably stay with the powder charge, but upping it to a bonded bullet that is 50 grains heavier might be a little better choice.
Generally, I get passthroughs with 250 grain shockwaves (the unbonded type) on whitetail unless it is a long quartering shot and allot of meat and bones get in the way.
With something as big as you are going after, the bonded would be a definite plus.
Hank
The 250 Shockwave is a very good elk bullet. Last year, I had one pass clear through an elk broadside at about 150 yards. It was on the ground in less than two seconds. I'm sure 100 grains of powder will work - likely give 1850 or so fps. I have used 130 grains of pyrodex pellets with good success - two fifties and a thirty. I also know folks who use four thirty grain pellets and get about the same velocity; which is a little over 2,000 fps. This summer, I played around with 2F Jim Shockey Gold loose powder and was getting about 2,200 with a 130 grain charge. Accuracy with all of these loads was better than "minute of apple" - which is good enough for 200 yards shooting if the need arises.
__________________
A man has got to know his limitations . . . . .
If you are concerned about it try the 250 Bonded SW I shot a Boar with one on a diagonal in the front shoulder next to the bone and out the other side next to the hip bone he folded like a wet rag. I was using 130 gr APP- FF which give about the same velicity as was mentioned for Pryrodex.
Lee
Thanks for the quick responses. It seems like I am going to have to try those different grains and heavier bullets to see how they work.
I will stick with my set-up given the advice here if I can't improve or match what I am shooting at this point but I did wonder.... I dont have too many friends that BP hunt or shoot, so my field of advice is mostly trial and error of things that I have tried.
This is a great board and will keep you posted on my results and maybe pics if I get lucky in NM.
There is nothing better than an accurate rifle, but remember elk are big. I recomend the largest bullet you can keep in minute of elk accuracy, at the longest range you feel comfortable at. I cast a 500 grain bullet in an RCBS mold, with open sights. I have shot elk out to 145 yards. When they were hit, they went down within 50 yards. Big is better, Tom.
__________________
West by God Virginia.
We need to stop using these terms today, "Sniper Rifle", "Tactical", "Assault Weapon".
1785 fps my book says with a 250 grain Shockwave and two pellets.
I think that will be some bad elk medicine. There are some hunters that all they use are 250 grain Shockwaves in their Encores (although I think they shoot three pellets) and have taken elk, moose, bear, deer, and at some long distances.
__________________
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
BP elk set up
