I have a 45 caliber CVAinline muzzleloader and plan on going to Colorado on an elk hunt, if drawn, this fall. I am curious to what bullets you all recommend for elkwith a 45 caliber. Being in Colorado, it can't be sabotted, limiting the choices. I currently shoot the 200 gr. T/C Shockwave and have no problems at all, but it is sabotted and I believe it is not enough bullet for elk. Your thoughts and ideas are appreciated.
Trent
__________________
"Watch where you're going, remember where you've been, that's the way I see it, I'm a simple man."--Charlie Daniels
Check their regs - you may not be able to use a 45 cal either - I am not sure - Here in Idaho it has to be a minimum of 50 cal.
Thanks for the heads up Sabot, just checked the regs and the minimum is 50 cal for elk. Guess I will have to bum dad's Encore for the trip. I guess I could ask the same question for the 50cal. He shoots a sabotted bullet also. I also noticed I have to use loose powder, no pellets. Recommendations would be great.
__________________
"Watch where you're going, remember where you've been, that's the way I see it, I'm a simple man."--Charlie Daniels
Encores do shoot powerbelts somewhat well from all that I have read. Perhaps some Triple Se7en and some of the new powerbelts designed to stay together better at stronger charges would give you the range, penetration, and the performance you are looking for in an elk load. I never hunted elk with a muzzleloader yet.
__________________
"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."
Cayugad has probably given you the best thoughts for an Encore becauseof the QLA muzzle system on the TC barrels. Some QLATC barrels will shoot an all lead conical just fine others will not - so it might be best just to go ahead and go to a PowerBelt. You will have to slow it down so that it will stay together and you can not shot the heavier PowerBelts that will stay together because they are to longfor the CO rules. I would use the heaviest you can and not exceed the 1" in length. Reduce your powder load T7-2f loose to slow the bullet down and not fragment it.
You will have to re-sight the rifle for the Power Belt and it is possible that you might have to change the front site to get more lift on the barrel so youcan get the heavy conical on target.
Guess you have some research and practice ahead for you.
__________________
Keep on Shooting Muzzleloaders they are a Blast
Try a 338 platinum powerbelt or a 405 aerotip powerbelt over 777. Start with 85 grains, then increase by 5 grains, and try again up to 100 grains. Try each load for 3 to 4 shots and see which groups better. That is plenty of energy to kill any elk out to distances you can shoot with open sights.
__________________
Venor ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
i am also going to colorado in september.this is my first elk hunt with a muzzleloader. i decided on the 385gr great plains bullet with 100 gr pyrodex rs. at 50 yards my optima pro will put every shot in a three inch circle. and at 100 yards in a six inch circle. it may do better but thats as good as i can shoot off a rest with open sights.i tried 90gr and 95gr and 100gr andit did not seem to make a difference in my groupso im going with the 100gr. check out this post, the guys on here gave alot of great info.http://huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?...44&mpage=1
Which Bullet?
