I just got back from my first archery elk hunt in Colorado. I didn't take an elk but learned a lot about elk hunting.(It's true that they come within 80yds when you call them in to check things out, which is beyond my effective bow range) I'm already planning next years hunt and will apply for a muzzleloading permit. Colorado rules do not allow sabot bullets for elk hunting. Does anyone have any experience or advice to offer on bullets, grains, powder load,etc? I'm muzzleloading for deer this season, so will try different set ups to optimize my rifle, which is a CVA Wolf 50 cal. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

I shoot a 54 cal with 315 grain buffalo ballets over 90 grains of pyrodex. It stomps the heck out of white tails and I am told will work quite well on elk, but I havent had the opertunity to try that out yet.

matt

I shoot a 50 cal, 100gr of 777 and 348gr Powerbelt (Aerotip).

I also heard you had to use a lead bullet, that even plastic cup style bullets are not allowed, is this true?

Steve,
If your asking about powerbelts, they are legal for Colorado as long as they are not more than one inch long (.50 cal-no more than twice the diameter). No cup, just a plastic base. It is still a caliber sized bullet. I have heard good and bad things about them. Like anything else I am sure it depends on the rifle. I would pick up a box of Elk appropriate powerbelts and one or two of the conicals and test them at our range to see which is most accurate in your gun.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/powerbelt_bullets.htm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/conical_bullet_performance.htm

I am an outfitter in Colorado and I guide muzzy hunters for elk every year. I personally use 348gr. powerbelts (aerotips)

Aerotips seem to do a much better job on putting an elk down then hollow point powerbelts!

Thanks Hornaddiction, I think I'll probably start with the 348gr. aerotips. I've seen them mentioned in several different articles/forums. They seem to be a proven round on elk.

I've hunted in Co. 7 times for elk. I've used several different muzzle loaders and, to me the best results i've gotten from my in-lines was, 370 gr. TC Maxie-Ball with 80gr. of pyrodex. I shot this one at 90 yrds. with that combo.

My understanding is that the Powerbelt Platinum is the best of the Powerbelt bullets! But... to add to the "confusion"...all my muzzy hunts have all been done with 50 cal. 300gr. Barnes Xpress(hollow points), 150 gr. Hogdon Pyrodex. Took this guy at 154 yards in Apache Forest in New Mexico.........

Been reading reviews on every website I can find(basspro, cabelas, midwayusa, etc.) Seems like the hollowpoint powerbelts don't hold up too well on impact. Mixed reviews on the aerotips on large game also, but several have taken elk successfully with them and they seem to load and shot real well. I'm glad to see the TC Maxi-ball mentioned because I've seen nothing but positive things mentioned on them and was planning on giving them a try. Nice elk firecapt(I'm also a fire captain). The Hornady Great Plains 385gr has gotten mostly positive reviews also. I may try it too. I don't know if I can make a 154 yard open sights shot yet or not but I may try the Barnes Xpresses also. Nice rack JD! (not you, the elk) Thanks to all for the imput. I guess I need to quit talkin' and get to shootin'.

Also forgot to mention my brother shoots 430 gr tc maxi ball with 90 grains of pyrodex out of a 54 cal hawken and it works pretty well also.

matt