ORIGINAL: txhunter58
I would think that 70-75 grains of powder would be my very lowest amount for shooting bigs hunks of lead at elk. And I really prefer in the 90 grain area if I can find an accurate load.
I have heard different ideas about what the wad does, but basically I think it protects the bullet from the explosion and helps keep gas from leaking by the bullet before it exits. Seems to tighten groups up in most cases.
If I were in your situation with big elk and less than 100 yards, I would start at 400 grains and go up from there. The 460 grain no excuse bullet can't be beat as far as effective elk medicine. The 410 (not the 385) hornady would also be a good choice if they are accurate.
ok Tx....i'm trying to get these things to fly accurately and followed all the recomendations for "Working up a load" the i get back to 50 yards and the damn groups aren't even groups at all....this is not the shooter here....i'm benched, and i can dhoot well....i stopped at 90 grains and came back to about 75-80 grains and got my best groups at 25 yards.... you think i should try 95 - 100 before changing bullets or powder....i'm using pyrodex RS here....hell, i'm getting frustrated here....