My son drew muzzleloader bull elk. We are new to this. I have purchased a CVA Accura .50 caliber. I have been shooting Barnes 290 grain TMZ sabots powered by Hodgdon Pyrodex 50/50 pellets. Hodgdon has a disclaimer to use no more than 2 pellets (100 grains) but CVA states it is ok to use up to 150 grains in their gun. We will be hunting bull elk during the rut. What are your thoughts on 100 vs 150?
Need some advice about loads for muzzleload Elk hunting
- Thread starter hyden14
- Start date
tdub24
Veteran member
I use 150 grains of Pyrodex pellets in my Thompson Center Encore Pro Hunter pushing 300gr. TC Shockwave or Hornady SST. Zero problems with this set up and it has killed a bull at 170 yards and a muley at 125 yards.
okielite
Banned
Might try using the blackhorn powder. Much cleaner than the others IMO. MAx load is 120 grains.
On my ML the groups get bigger as I add more powder. I usually run between 90 and 110 grains of blackhorn.
On my ML the groups get bigger as I add more powder. I usually run between 90 and 110 grains of blackhorn.
Musket Man
Veteran member
What state will you be hunting in? I ask because sabots and pelets are not legal in some states like Colorado. I prefer loose powder because you can expierment and fine tune your powder charge to what your gun shoots best. I have used pyrodex and 777 pelets and I used 3 in my Knight. I use 777 fffg now. 777 is alot cleaner then Pyrodex. I would try black horn but I cant use it here in Washington.
buckykm1
Member
What State is my question too, laws very.
In my TC Omega 50 cal. I use a 200 grain shock wave with a sub-base and 150 grains of 777 pellets.
But that load isn't legal in CO.
Kevin
In my TC Omega 50 cal. I use a 200 grain shock wave with a sub-base and 150 grains of 777 pellets.
But that load isn't legal in CO.
Kevin
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Musket Man
Veteran member
Try some different loads and bullets and see what your ML shoots best. They can be kinda picky and what 1 likes another might not. More powder is not always better. Let us know how it goes!
tdub24
Veteran member
Solid advice, I tried multiple powder loads via pellets, 90, 100, 110, 130 and I couldn't get any of them to group. Went to 150 and was able to make a 1 9/16" group at 100 yards with open sights. Works for me, may try out loose powder to see if I can tighten that up next spring. Not going to mess with it now having my UT bull tag starting in a month.
Drhorsepower
Veteran member
I would get away from pellets and go with loose powder myself. Bh209 is my choice as well. It's an awesome clean burning powder. Also try different primers.
100 vs 150- your gun is rated for 150 but there's honestly no need to load that high. It will kick like a mule. Plenty of elk has been killed with 100 grains but fine tune it for your load.
100 vs 150- your gun is rated for 150 but there's honestly no need to load that high. It will kick like a mule. Plenty of elk has been killed with 100 grains but fine tune it for your load.