I’m constantly hearing about hunters taking deer with their muzzleloaders and how the bullet either performed well or didn’t for various reasons. What I really want isto hear from Elk hunters who have taken elk with their guns and how well on how bad their load worked on big game animals. I want to really know how well the bullet worked, what type and weight and its accuracy compared to how well it took you animal. What type of gun are you shooting? How far or close was your shot and did you need a second shot?

I’m currently working up a load for my T/C Encore .50 cal and I'm trying various powders and bullets as well as primer and their alternatives. I have a cow elk hunt in NM in early Oct and would like to know about your experiences and the bullets performances.

Thanks in advance for your time.

I have shot two elk with my ML. My load was 120 grains of 3F BP, and musket cap ignition. I was pushing a 525 bullet cast of WW in an RCBS 50 caliber adjustable Hotchkissmold. One shot was 135 yards, ant the other shot was 140 yards. The frst shot was a young bull, he went about fifty yards. He did not run he walked slowly-one step at a time, and you could tell he was really hurt(he looked sick). The second bull was a mature 5X5 and he went about 30 yards in the same sickly fashion. I had time to reload with both shots, but it was obvious a second shot was not needed. Both shots were in the boiler room. Right behind the front shoulder. Both were shot with a Knght MK85 and open sights(peep sight). Tom.

You will have to excuse me for sticking my nose in because I have never shot an elk, I have been shooting muzzleloaders since the 70s though....

For elk, I'd go with either a 300 gr Barnes all copper (the original) or the
300 gr Shockwave...As far as powder charge, 100-120 grains should be plenty as long as shots are within 125-150 yards...

Good Luck, sounds like a ton of fun....

Guys,
Thanks for your timely response. I sure thought there were more elk hunters on here than I guess there really are. My only experience with MZ hunting elk was last year with my brother who shot a cow at 126 yards using his T/C Omega shooting 250 grain T/C shockwaves bonded bullet withthree 50 grain Pyrodex pellets. The cow was bedded and fully unaware we were there and at the shot she stood up took 2 steps and fell back into her bed. As we (I) were gutting her I found the liver to be split into three very large and bloody pieces and a small amount of damage to one of the lungs. From what I can tell this load worked perfectly and is the kind of information I’m looking for. Thanks again...