Roskoe

A million elk have fallen since the mid-1800s using a 50-cal 177 gr roundball with 75 grains of Goex at 100 yards. Pyrodex has the edge over Goex in velocity/energy with equal volumes of powder.

See my previous note: 90gr. of Black Mag'3 under a 295gr. aerotip Powerbelt shot completely throught the chest cavity of a medium sized cow elk at about 90 yards. I have had similar results with same powder charge and a 300gr. Hornady SST. The BM3 is more recoil friendly than 777 for the same velocity.

I know that at the biggun shops out here, it is somewhat universally accepted as fact that the Aero Tip Powerbelts (in the 348 grain) will penetrate elk better than the hollow point versions. Sounds like the same may be true with the 295 Powerbelts. Sure would like to get my hands on some Black Mag 3. Anyone know of any big-chain-store sporting goods outlets that might be carrying it?Just can't get myself to pay the hazmat charge for one pound from Cabela's.

The history behind hollow-points not being favorable for tough-skinned game pertains to small amount of situations involving long distance shooting, lackof proper powder charges& poor shot placementwith soft leadHP bullets of yester-year. Perhap a million elk have been harvested with soft lead HPs, but a thousand folks who had problems -- some of those problems involve poor placement and/or long distances complained. So the thousand complaints spread faster than the million that had success.

Now with technology going bonkers, new-age copper-clad Powerbelt HPshave already demonstrated that they'rea pretty tough hombre. As a matter of fact, more lack of expansion complaints have come from PowerbeltAerotip users than HP users. With magnum rifles/powders available, penetration is not even an issue here.

Thanks, T7.

I will second that statement. Although I have not shot an Elk with a ML, the two times I shot Whitetails with the Aerotip Powerbelts, the bullet did not expand at all. There was a 1/2" entrance and exit hole. My friend uses the lead HP Powerbelts and the bullets flatten out to about 1 to 1-1/4 inches diameter. I have since switched to the TC Shockwave Sabots but these might kick more than you want for your son.

Sounds like its 50cal. Well that takes care of the first of about 200 questions. Thanks for all the replies.