Load for Colorado elk and Black Diamond
 

Hi guys. Went on my first Colorado elk huntthis year witha longbowand came close. My friends want to try it in 06 with a MZ if possible. We are planning on applying for a cow tag so our chances should be good for getting drawn.
I have a new TC Black Diamond my father in lawhas for me and am wondering what type/size load I would need for an elk. I havehunted with a longbow exclusively for the past several yearsbut when I did MZ hunt, I used a TC Renegade with 90 gr of FF black and a 350 gr Maxi Hunter bullet. This was only for deer so not sure if it is enough for elk size animals. Not sure ifbarrel is 22 or 26 if that makes a difference on load selection as I haven't gotten the gun yet.
I checked the Colorado regs and sabots, pellets and scopes are not legal. So, what has worked for you Colorado guysin takingan elk? Also, this gun has all 3 ignition systems with it so which one works the best?

Thanks,
Rob

RE: Load for Colorado elk and Black Diamond
 

I have used a Black Diamond for Colorado elk hunting for the past four seasons with good results. I have both the 26" and 22.5" versions. Since we have to use conicals and loose powder during the regular MZ season, a lot of the loads discussed on this board are not in consideration.

A large sporting goods store near here (Shootin' Den in Colorado Springs) reports that the #1 MZ load for elk out here is the 348 gr. Powerbelt AT ahead of 95 to 105 grains of 2F Triple 7.

I am personally using a 410 Hornady Great Plains conical with a MMP Ballistic Bridge sub-base, and charged with 120 grains of 2F Triple 7. My hunting buddy used this same load with 110 gr. of Triple 7. Anotherfriend uses it with 130 grains of loose Pyrodex RS. We have killed some elk with this bullet, and have confidence in it.

In the Black Diamond, I prefer the musket caps. The setup on this gun for the 209's is a bit cumbersome (at least for me) to load/unload. There is some discussion on this issue from last week - sounds like a regular #11 in the RWS 1075 might be worthy of consideration as well. These are pretty water proof, as are the musket caps.