Cow Elk Load

[Bushfire]

Elk killer and shoulder killer.

Don't ever try a centrefire if you think 110gn of black kicks bad.

 

[Hiverano]

60 cal. smoothbores and .50 cal. rifled guns in percussion & flintlock ignitions. Depending on game and distance will determine the charges. Usually in the 75 to 85 grain range of FFF Goex.

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[Hiverano]

I'm 80 and explained why I asked it. Just curious what other use. I wasn't asking what load to use. Is that hard for you to understand?

Just making conversation.

btw..Your example isn't even legal in my state. Not even close to legal. I wouldn't call it a humane load for elk.

Agreed - 50 and larger, most states are now requiring larger calibers for muzzleloaders.

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[Mike in FL]

My .54 GPR it likes 90 grains of 3F BP. Holes touching (or nearly so) from 75 yards with about a 5 inch group at 100 yards. But the ML might be more accurate than my old eyes can see to shoot.

Seems odd that your "touching" groups opens to 5" just because of a 25 yard increase. Did I read that right?

 

[Mike in FL]

With respect, 5" at 100 yards is not so good shooting from a rest or bench. Maybe half that size group. I'm 76 and not what I once was, but I'd work on shrinking that.

 

[Mike in FL]

No wait. I've already commented on that some time ago. My old brain has about had it.

 

[HighUintas]

I have been cow hunting with 130gr 2f behind a .570 ball. I'll let you know how it works out.

 

[Hiverano]

Amen, Mike in FL ...

 

[Hiverano]

I have a new NW Trade Gun (with no rear sight like most originals), copied from a gun in a Denver museum. With testing off the bench its shooting to the right about 4 inches and 8 inches low.

Seems it shoots the same with various powder charges. We need to figure out a way to use "Kentucky Windage" to correct what we have and still be within the guide-lines for the NMLRA rules. Fun times ...

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[longcruise]

I have a new NW Trade Gun (with no rear sight like most originals), copied from a gun in a Denver museum. With testing off the bench its shooting to the right about 4 inches and 8 inches low.

Seems it shoots the same with various powder charges. We need to figure out a way to use "Kentucky Windage" to correct what we have and still be within the guide-lines for the NMLRA rules. Fun times ...

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Just hook it through a tree crotch and bend it till it works. Or not,

 

[azmntman]

I may have posted already? This years cow, 45 yds .54 PRB 70 gr Black MZ Went 50 yds Didn't think i hit her, she simply turned around and left and fell over in 50 yds.

 

[oldwood]

A young fellow from here in Pa. , but now lives in Colorado , kills an elk and or a mule deer with the .50 cal flint long rifle i built him in 1975. 80 gr. FFFG and 490 rb.. He sends me pictures of his kills.

 

[ETipp]

Seems odd that your "touching" groups opens to 5" just because of a 25 yard increase. Did I read that right?

I may have stated this prior in this thread or another one. Its to my belief that the difference is from my actual vision (old eyes). In any event, by the time I had nailed down the load I was getting tired and my shoulder informed me that my shooting session was done for the day. Hopefully, the next time out I will start out more fresh from 100 yards.

 

[ETipp]

Never had the opportunity to hunt elk and at my age I’m not sure I ever will have that chance. But what would be the difference between a cow elk load and a bull elk load?

IMO, not a thing. Not even for deer. The only time I ever notice recoil is when target shooting. I never feel it while hunting. So recoil is a nonissue to this ole boy.

Big game is big game. I see no reason what so ever to be switching powder charges. Not for deer, elk or bear. The Elk load (which in my GPR is maximum) will suffice for all big game listed. Why complicate things? Dead is dead.

 

[mtfishn]

I agree with several others here that there is really no need to change loads for different "big game"....possibly less for turkeys or rabbits...up to you. One point not obvious is that a pure lead ball at top velocities (1600-2000fps) depending on cal. will flatten out on impact at CLOSER ranges...and flatten out less as velocity drops....at longer ranges. Last year I had a .54 PRB stop under the hide on a deer neck after penetrating only about 5-6" (hit above the spine, solid muscle)....deer ran off and I eventually had to finish it in open grassland (no cover) at longer range hitting it in the shoulder at 170yds...the later ball passed cleanly through the deer including one shoulder blade and exited. Only thing I can figure is it stayed "round" whereas the closer ones flattened out. That load was 90gr FFF. Another deer was hit several years ago with one .45 cal. ball loaded over 80gr FFF. At 45yds that ball broke into 3 pieces on entry (hit a rib)...all three pieces stopped under the hide on the off-side. Deer ran about 100yds and expired. I'll still shoot 90 gr for elk (has worked on several) but may try a little tin in my mix when hunting elk. There is a real advantage to having 2 bullet holes in the hide rather than just one.

 

[Hiverano]

I normally shoot in my .50 cal. guns 80 grains of 3FFF for most game animals, (mule deer, antelope) and up the load to 90 grains for elk, black bear and buffalo. Use the same loads in either smoothbore or rifled guns with no issues. Placing the shot is the most important thing with any hunting situtation. Know your animals ...