.45 Elk Load

[tenth1]

This seems like a redundent inquiry, but have not seen a real reason to go to 45 vs 50 unless shooting thin skin game such as deer to save on shoulder.

I've been shooting and reloading both centerfire and side locks for around 30 yrs. Only recently got into modern muzzleloading. I've always leaned toward heavy for caliber bullets. Looking at roughly 300 - 320gr Fury style bullets for either caliber. I'm not entertaing sabots.

I don't quite understand the 45 caliber muzzy for thick(er) skinned game. My impression for going to 45 is only a longer point blank range with minor sectional density improvements, but loose impact diameter. All in all seems negligable within 300yds. What say you?

 

[ElDiablito]

I’m not sure what yer question is…..

 

[tenth1]

Lots of 45 hype, but don't understand the benefits (if any) for Elk size game.

 

[Wrench]

Accuracy, range, recoil......weight, to name a few.

 

[Buckslyr]

Lots of 45 hype, but don't understand the benefits (if any) for Elk size game.

When bullet weights are apples to apples, the BC of a 45 for outperforms the 50 in every aspect.

 

[ElDiablito]

I'm not entertaing sabots.

Why?!

 

[tenth1]

When bullet weights are apples to apples, the BC of a 45 for outperforms the 50 in every aspect.

Correct, but you can get heavier bullets for the 50 AND get more energy transfer regardless of distance (bullet construction),

Why?!

I"m a die hard bullet to bore guy. (Don't want to get in this debate

Accuracy, range, recoil......weight, to name a few.

Not sure on the accuracy item, the range, weight and recoil are subject to debate especially for (what I'm focussing on) Elk. Deer only, Hell ya, .45 all the way.

Range: Lots of issues here. Higher BC bullets will ultimately allow for less holdover (longer point blank range). Maintaing enough energy over ~400 yd to take down a criter is negligable.

Recoil: Yes, there will be less recoil with smaller bullets. Equal for same weight. Heavy for caliber, yes, the 45 takes the win.

Weight: Not sure what you are coming from. Most 45 vs 50 are pretty similar out of the box AND if comparing same bullet weights, recoil will roughly be the same.

Caliber is not inherently related to accuracy. I've read the rags saying the 45's are more accurate, but its not correct.


All that said, I do have a .45 and will be hunting elk. Doing the devils advocate thing, but have yet to actually see a solid point. I intend on using 300gr bullets (on the heavy side).

 

[Buckslyr]

Haha I think we are talking about different kinds of muzzleloaders…

 

[tracker12]

Correct, but you can get heavier bullets for the 50 AND get more energy transfer regardless of distance (bullet construction),


I"m a die hard bullet to bore guy. (Don't want to get in this debate

Not sure on the accuracy item, the range, weight and recoil are subject to debate especially for (what I'm focussing on) Elk. Deer only, Hell ya, .45 all the way.

Range: Lots of issues here. Higher BC bullets will ultimately allow for less holdover (longer point blank range). Maintaing enough energy over ~400 yd to take down a criter is negligable.

Recoil: Yes, there will be less recoil with smaller bullets. Equal for same weight. Heavy for caliber, yes, the 45 takes the win.

Weight: Not sure what you are coming from. Most 45 vs 50 are pretty similar out of the box AND if comparing same bullet weights, recoil will roughly be the same.

Caliber is not inherently related to accuracy. I've read the rags saying the 45's are more accurate, but its not correct.


All that said, I do have a .45 and will be hunting elk. Doing the devils advocate thing, but have yet to actually see a solid point. I intend on using 300gr bullets (on the heavy side).

What state allows .45 for elk in a muzzy?

 

[Wrench]

Correct, but you can get heavier bullets for the 50 AND get more energy transfer regardless of distance (bullet construction),


I"m a die hard bullet to bore guy. (Don't want to get in this debate

Not sure on the accuracy item, the range, weight and recoil are subject to debate especially for (what I'm focussing on) Elk. Deer only, Hell ya, .45 all the way.

Range: Lots of issues here. Higher BC bullets will ultimately allow for less holdover (longer point blank range). Maintaing enough energy over ~400 yd to take down a criter is negligable.

Recoil: Yes, there will be less recoil with smaller bullets. Equal for same weight. Heavy for caliber, yes, the 45 takes the win.

Weight: Not sure what you are coming from. Most 45 vs 50 are pretty similar out of the box AND if comparing same bullet weights, recoil will roughly be the same.

Caliber is not inherently related to accuracy. I've read the rags saying the 45's are more accurate, but its not correct.


All that said, I do have a .45 and will be hunting elk. Doing the devils advocate thing, but have yet to actually see a solid point. I intend on using 300gr bullets (on the heavy side).

Most of the 1k yard guys are shooting 40 or 45 cal not 50's.

I'm one of the better muzzleloader shots in my area and I too would not take my big bores to the long range competition unless that was the rule.

 

[dsotm]

What state allows .45 for elk in a muzzy?

Arizona for sure, probably others as well

 

[tenth1]

Haha I think we are talking about different kinds of muzzleloaders…

Target/long range vs typical hunting?

 

[Gila]

Arizona for sure, probably others as well

New Mexico also. However NM is iron sights only. Sabots are ok. However there are special “primitive” muzzle hunts that outlaw in-lines and have other restrictions as well.

 

[tracker12]

New Mexico also. However NM is iron sights only. Sabots are ok. However there are special “primitive” muzzle hunts that outlaw in-lines and have other restrictions as well.

This is good to know since NM elk Muzzy was on my radar.