Hello, I have a CVA Bobcat .50 that likes to shoot 80 grains of Pyrodex behind a .490 round ball. I feel confident to make a clean kill on anything that walks inside of 75 yards. I have no doubt this load will kill a deer at that range, but am wondering if this would be enough to cleanly take an ELK at this range. I like the idea of using a round ball to take an elk, kind of a nostalgia (sp?) thing, but am wondering if this would cleanly do it. I know that elk were taken for years with a muzzle loader in the "old days" but wondering if it would still be considered a good choice. No matter what, I know I would have to wait for a broadside shot, at a resting animal, the patience would probably kill me, but would be absolutely neccessary IMO. I would like advise from people who have hunted the larger animals, if anyone has with this type of combination. So everyone knows, I cannot hunt with scopes during muzzleloader seasons in the states I plan to hunt elk (Nevada, and Colorado, still trying to get a tag in both), and I have tried Sabots in my rifle and that is a NO GO. I have not tried any other bullets with the exception of the Buffalo Ball et, and that also shoots acceptably well out of my rifle. Any info or thoughts would be appreciated!!

Buffalo Maxi-Ballet 270 gr. HP
CVA Buckslayer 310 gr.
Powerbelt AT copper 295s or 348 gr.
T/C Maxi-Hunter 350 gr.
.... are all better choices for elk than a .177 gr roundball.

I have not had the chance to hunt elk with a muzzleloader yet. I have read a lot of posts telling of how tuff they are to bring down, even with modern rifles. I am sure your fine for the thin skinned Whitetail deer type animals. Although the set up you describe will kill an elk if you get close enough and you place your shot, you might be in for a long tracking job. Then again you might shoot and have it make two steps and fold.

Personally, I would go to something a little more in weight and with some better penatration power. A conical of course is the answer. The question is which one. You might want to try some of the 348 grain Aero Tip Powerbelts out of your rifle. I think these are still legal for you.

Also, look at Precision Rifle and check what they recommend for a 1:48 twist in the line of their conicals. They make a great selection of bullets and conicals.

When you find a good shooting one, push that as hard as you can up to the 100 grain range or until the accuracy goes out. Actually with a heavy conical even 80 grains carries a lot of down range punch. I shoot some 460 grain No Excuses conicals that have a lot of power to them.

This should be a better load for what you want to try. I think your right about getting the perfect shot and the waiting will be terrible, but that's the difference between us and the modern hunter. We only usually get one chance at this...

Good luck in your draw, hunt, and search for a better projectile. Be sure to keep us posted about the elk hunt. I just wish it was me....

I will be in Idaho myself. Like you, I am a first timer. I also archery hunt, so I am hoping that the patients learned there will rub off for the elk hunt.

I will be using my CVA Hawkins Style 1:48 twist .54 cal with 348 gr. PowerBelts.

I find I get accurate shots at 125 yards using 110 gr. of Pyrodex. I have a T/C black mountain magnum that I will also take. I took a nice black bear in Canada with that gun last year.

I had problems sighting the T/C though. It was an inch right, or and inch left at 25 yards. Sent it in to T/C and they replaced the rear site. I will be ranging it here in the next week or so, and I should know then where I stand.

Anyway, I think that any bullet in the 300+ gr. range on top of 95 gr. or more of powder will do the job. I will also practice at 125 to 150 yards, and then hope to get one to come in to 75.

Good hunting and above all, be safe. We all want to here your story even if it’s about the one that got away.

CB- I live and hunt in colorado and have taken Elk with the muzzle loader and round ball for a number of years, I have a TC .54 use a patched .535 ball and 100grns.FF.
I have never droped an ELK in its tracks even at 40yds.They will run, and sometimes a second shot is needed.Don't chase them.Give em 20 or 30 min.

sam52- What does a .535 round ball weigh? The .490 weighs in at 178 grains. I think the .535 may be in the 220 grain class? Just wondering how much of a weight difference that would be. Thanks for the replies!!

CB- The .535 round ball is 230 gr. / the .530 is 224 gr. / both for the 54 cal.

I also switched from Goex FF TO 777, but had to use a wonder wad between the powder and patched ball because the 777 destroyed the patch.It took a while to find the right combo but I got it dialed in now.

I would try a lead conical bullet like the ones from maxi or buffalo.I would start with 300 to 350 gr.I would not use a round ball on elk IMO they don't have enough energy to cleanly kill an elk.

Yes, IF you hit it right! But of course, yuou have to hit a deer right also.....