bulletts for elk

[bnsafe]

ive got it down to cva aerotip at 348 gr and tc maxi ball at either 320 gr or 370 gr in a impact inline muzzleloader. i understand its what the gun likes but dont want to buy a ton of stuff that i dont like. so, what say you all in these choices to start with and what grains for a cow elk. thanks so much for your input. i had decided on the maxi balls but read they dont shoot well out of an inline because of twist.

 

[Jared Bloomgren]

You should do well with that set-up! Have you had a chance to get out there and see how it does?

 

[robby denning]

Do you know the twist of your barrel?

 

[bnsafe]

1 28 twist I believe. Haven't been out yet, just been to dang busy training

 

[robby denning]

bnsafe,
Check back later, I'll do some research when I get time about barrel twist vs bullet choice. There is a correlation between them and very worth paying attention to. I should have this by tomorrow.

 

[robby denning]

I forgot to ask what caliber you shoot, so I'll post for all three popular calibers, for conicals, for a 1:28" twist (you have to know your twist for sure, or this data is meaningless)

45 caliber: you want 330 to 360 grain bullets
50 caliber: you want 400 to 450 grain bullets
54 caliber: you want 500 to 535 grain bullets

On average, all other variables being equal, your twist will shoot/stabilize these bullets the best (purely from a statistical standpoint.) I've learned to always start with matching the bullets to the twist. I've never found a bullet that doesn't match twist shoot better than one that does.

 

[bnsafe]

thanks robby, its a 50 caliber. i will look at some heavier bullets. may be hard to find that heavy. havnt seen any in my surfing so will have to look harder. again, thanks a ton. scott

 

[bnsafe]

the impact is a 1 28 in twist. i ordered the tc maxi ball 370 gr. gonna start with a 100 gr 777 and remington kleenbore primers. if i can hit anything at 100 yds im good to go cause i dont see great so shouldnt be shooting farther with iron sights. hope it works on targets and elk. thanks for the input guys. i really appreciate it.

 

[robby denning]

bnsafe,
check out prbullet.com
One of the best muzzleloader guys out there and he carries those weights.
Even if I don't shoot past 100 yards, I still won't put up with 3-4" groups as you can completely miss the vitals with that group. You should be able to cut that in half, at least.

 

[bnsafe]

i will def take a look today. thanks

 

[philw]

ive got it down to cva aerotip at 348 gr and tc maxi ball at either 320 gr or 370 gr in a impact inline muzzleloader.

I shoot a T/C Encore and Triumph, both 1-in-28 twist, and they shoot the 348 grain aerotips (Powerbelt bullets) very well with 80-90 grains of BH209 or Triple Seven. They are fine for cow elk if you do your part but they're relatively soft bullets so I wouldn't go any lower in weight with them. Most in-lines are twisted to shoot conicals (28 twist) so you should be fine with the maxi balls too, I'd see which shoots best in your rifle and have at it.

 

[TwoTikkas]

I have a Knight .50 here that likes bullets of 430 and 465gr sized .503". I have to agree with Robby regarding the twist rates and bullet weight. Seems to work out in the field. I never actually checked the rate of the extreme,but it's supposed to be a 28" rifle. Must be pretty close because she does like those bullet weights.

 

[bnsafe]

i trying the 370 gr maxi balls. havnt had a chance to bench it off and really see, but was ok with some prelimenary load and shoot stuff.

 

[robby denning]

keep us posted bnsafe! Can't wait to get to the bench myself. The smell of blackpowder turns me on.