What is the max effective range for a 50 cal, inline,w/ 250gr bullets. Assuming accuracy isn't a problem. If you can hit it, what range will I run out of UMPH.Is 200yds unrealistic?

How much powder and what kind of bullet?

Of you can place the right projectile in the right spot 200 yards is a reasonable distance. Look for something that gives excellent penetration. The Shockwaves would be my choice but I have never personally never hunted elk with a muzzleloader.

I'd agree with cayugad, 200 is reasonable for the ML butmaybe unreasonable for the shooter.

I also agree the Hornady SST or T/C Shockwave would be a great place to start. (Shockwave is the same bullet as the Hornady SST BTW, just different sabot and packaging!)

I shot an elk in 2002 at a little over 200 yards with a 250 gr. Barnes Expander MZ. The elk went down so fast that I didn't even see it fall in the temporary smoke cloud created by three 50 grain Pyrodex pellets. Recovered the bullet just under the hide on the off side of the ribs. It was flared out like a fan blade and made a very large wound channel. Not sure how much further you could pull this off, but I would think at least 50 more yards.

Just because the rifle can shoot that far (200+ yards), doesn't mean you should. Just like a high power rifle or even a bow, you need to shoot within your comfortable/compentent range

Personally, it scares the crap out of me to know that there are hunters out there shooting 200 - 250yards with an open sight ML, (Colorado Regs),and I am out there in full camo during archery season.

Blue Moose - FYI -the 2002 hunt was in New Mexico and I used a scope. I'm holding the line at 150 yards for Colorado legal equipment. Can't see well enough with open sight to shoot farther. Roskoe