54 PRB on Elk and Moose

[Sharp Shooter]

Putting it in the rigt spot of an elk or moose with 100gr FFG Goex will it do? How long should my shots be MAX? How far will it go through the animal? I need someone to convince me that 54 is all I need.

 

[Rebel]

A .50 cal rd ball will go all the way through an elk given the right shot angle and placement. A .54 cal rd ball is plenty for elk out to 100 yds if you put it where it needs to go. Although i would try to keep the shot to 50-75yds if possible.

 

[MikeChapin]

Rebel is right about the .50. A .54 is just more. I generally use a .54 for elk. It has been plenty of rifle out to 100 yards which is the max I shoot at. I have used a .58 in the past and probably will use one this year. In the past it was the only rifle I had. This next year I want to take one with a flinter not because the .54 isn't enough.

As for moose I can't tell you. I have yet to draw a moose tag. I don't think I would hesitate to go after one with a .54 in the same black powder range.

 

[Vaino]

Have shot 3 elk w/ a .54 using 130 grs. ffg, .535 RB, .020 patch and all didn't require a 2nd shot. Ranges were 30, 60 and the last at a paced off 107 yds. This last one went 40 yds. after the shot thru the rib cage and the quarter sized flattened "ball" was found just under the casing in the opposite shoulder when cutting up the meat. Perhaps 130 grs. is slightly over loaded, but w/ this load, I could head hunt squirrels. Don't have any experience w/ moose but tend to think that w/ good shot placement {rib cage}, this load would be quite sufficient. Good luck.....Fred

 

[BrownBear]

No sweat with moose or elk on good broadside shots. I limit myself to 75 yards, but that' more a sighting deal than a power worry.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

I would not shoot over 75yds. I would try to get a 50yd shot. Would it be better to get a 5cal barrel or is it not really worth it?

 

[BrownBear]

I've shot all mine with a 54. Bang. Whap. Dead. I feel better using it, but my pard prefers a 50. Bang. Whap. Dead.

I feel (and my pard agrees) that the 54 has a little more oomph, but that's not a margin for error to cover poor shooting. After taking half a dozen or so with his 50, all good one shot kills, he's finally diving into a 54. He's fully confident in his 50, but says he's always a little nervous when he pulls down on something big with it.