Hey gang: Sorry, I've been away for awhile but I just had to report this information to everyone who is planning on hunting Elk this year. A good friend of mine who lives near the Oak Creek area of Colorado was fortunate enough to have both he and his wife draw a cow elk tag apeice. During opening weekend they both were set up in a great afternoon feeding area and soon had elk all over them. My buddy's wife soon had a nice cow feeding within 45 yards of her and after careful aim popped a cap and sent a 295 grain Powerbelt Aerotip on its way. To the shock and dismay of my friend after following a heavy blood trail for almost 1/2 of a mile they could not find the hit elk. The very next day same place, same situation, another cow elk meanders in within 50 yards and this time he placed a perfect shot right behind the shoulder with the same load (100gr of Pyrodex RS and a 295gr Powerbelt Aerotip). This time the elk did not act as if it was even hit! After a quick and quiet speed load he sent another round into the cow which was now standing almost totally broadside at 85 yards. At the second shot the cow buckled at the hit then took off carrying the rest of the herd with her. Since it was getting close to dark they decided to take up the trail the following morning. At first light they returned to the area and quickly found a good blood trail. Again after following a lengthy blood trail the blood simply stopped and they both were on the edge of tears vowing never to hunt for elk with a smokepole again! On a hunch they followed a heavily used trail leading downhill to an oak brush feeding area where they found the dead cow which was now alost 3 miles from where he originally shot her! My friend has taken all kinds of game both big and small with various types of weapons. After this situation he moved to the following load: 120gr of Pyrodex RS over a 375 grain MaxiBall. Upon dressing out the cow elk, both Powerbelts hit on the money but whether the lack of velocity (it certainly was not the range)or bullet weight, neither bullet produced an exit hole. You have to remember that Elk are tough animals and require a well placed hard hitting bullet which carries enough velocity and weight to produce both an entry and exit wound. Good Luck to everyone this fall and remember to know the game you are hunting and think safety the whole time your out there in God's country.