Colorado Elk - Muzzleloader Question

[NE Iowa Hunter]

I will be hunting elk with the Muzzleloader in Colorado this fall. I have a CVA Optima, .50 cal, 1:28 twist, with a 26" barrell. I believe the max pelletized powder that I can use is 100 grains. My question is, what bullet and bullet weight do you suggest? The Powerbelt website suggests 348 or 405 grain Aerotips, which seems heavy to me. Your input is appreciated.

 

[Blue Skies Hunting Advent]

I have a TC and use 150 grains of powder and 250 grain shockwaves and it did a number on my elk last year.

 

[STICK1]

I personally have not had great accuracy with powerbelts. I shoot a TC Encore, Hornady Low Drag SST. 250 gr. They also make a 300gr. but I haven't shot the 300's.

 

[IL Hntr]

I shoot a TC Encore with 115 grains of Blackhorn 209. I use a Barnes Spit Fire T-EZ with a Harvestor Sabot and they have been great out of my gun. They shoot pretty well with the standard sabot as well. Had to play around a little to see what my gun liked but I have found it. Used Shockwaves and Powerbelts prior to this with success but I love the Barnes bullets.

 

[Da White Shoe]

I shoot a TC Encore with 115 grains of Blackhorn 209. I use a Barnes Spit Fire T-EZ with a Harvestor Sabot and they have been great out of my gun. They shoot pretty well with the standard sabot as well. Had to play around a little to see what my gun liked but I have found it. Used Shockwaves and Powerbelts prior to this with success but I love the Barnes bullets.

Unless they've changed the law, sabots are not legal in Colorado. I could be wrong, but you best make sure.

 

[Blue Skies Hunting Advent]

Unless they've changed the law, sabots are not legal in Colorado. I could be wrong, but you best make sure.

Yes I think you are right, Great point.

 

[8750]

pellets are not allowed either.

 

[CoHiCntry]

No sabots or pellets in Colorado. The power belts you mentioned will work fine. I use around a 100 grains of loose triple 7 powder and a 295 grain aero tip. Just experiment with different bullet weights and powder charges until you find one you like. You aren't going to get great groupings with open sites and conicals like you will with a scope and saboted bullets. There are other conicals out there that you might try too if you don't like the powerbelts. Good luck!