Aubs Posted March 1, 2009 Report Share Posted March 1, 2009 Hi folks. I am researching/planning an elk hunt with my muzzleloader. I own a .50 caliber CVA Optima. I currently shoot 100gr. 777 with 295 gr. Powerbelt. I am interested in your opinions/suggestions/recommendations as to what combination of powder and bullet would be best for elk, particularly those of you who have experience with an Optima. I will be shooting iron sites, with a maximum range of 100-125 yards. Thank you in advance for your time. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PA_RIDGE_RUNNER Posted March 2, 2009 Report Share Posted March 2, 2009 Where are you planning on hunting elk. Colorado has some bullet type restrictions during their muzzleloader season. You may want to check the state regs to see what they will allow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocMort Posted March 2, 2009 Report Share Posted March 2, 2009 Look at hornadys new bullet the 350 grain full bore one, we used to shoot powerbelts but the new bullets are like a sledge hammer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 I'd go up to at least 120 grains of powder and preferably 150 grains. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 I imagine that what I use for deer will work on an elk; I shoot a .50 CVA with 100 gr. powder and 375 gr. Maxi Ball conical. From the effect it has had on deer...yeah...it'll take out an elk and then some! Dakota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IowaDeerHunter Posted March 13, 2009 Report Share Posted March 13, 2009 Holy Crap, you use a 375grain bullet on deer? lol. Bet that rips um up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted March 13, 2009 Report Share Posted March 13, 2009 Holy Crap, you use a 375grain bullet on deer? lol. Bet that rips um up. Ho, crap yes! :D:D You should have seen the exit hole on the doe I smoked at 25 yards. Dakota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muzzy1 Posted March 13, 2009 Report Share Posted March 13, 2009 I use 100-120gr tripple 7 loose powder 250 gr shockwave on deer,This will kill an elk,put it in the pump room and he's DEAD...But yes check state regs first Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrontierGander Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 DO NOT use a 295gr powerbelt for an elk, especially with your powder load. Powerbelt recommends a minimum 348gr Aerotip (also the 338 platinum) go onto their website and check out the recommended loads or email powerbelt bullets or call them and ask to speak with Dan Hall. He will get you all the info you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WKylEHF Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 yo fellow!, http://shysave.com/?said=t12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhiteSmoke Posted January 30, 2011 Report Share Posted January 30, 2011 Elk load 300-grain Barnes Expander MZ. They come with MMP HPH-12 sabots. You may have to switch out the sabots to ones that fit your rifle. I have a T/C Omega with a tight barrel and the 12's were just too tight. A HPH-24 sabot works, but I have since gone to the 3-Petal EZ sabot, also from MMP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotashRLS Posted January 31, 2011 Report Share Posted January 31, 2011 We went away from Powerbelts due to poor blood trails on our deer. They load and shoot like a dream but their performance on deer was less than I expected. I now shoot Hornady SST 300gr sabots and am considering changing over to the Barnes sabots. Like said previously, verify what is legal in the area you plan to hunt first. Then pick out the best choice of what is allowed. I would think heavier is better on elk sized game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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