Muzzleloader load for bull elk - New Mexico

[LCguy]

Hey everyone, as my New Mexico muzzleloader hunt draws closer I'm really starting to overthink my load. My CVA wolf loves Hornady Boredriver FTX's (290 gr.) over two white hots and is very accurate out to 100 yards (my personal max distance) and punched a hole through a cow elk at about 50 yards last December. As stated above, I'm starting to really overthink things and I've read some stuff where some folks think they are too soft for bull elk. Am I overthinking? or should I change bullets? Thanks in advance.

 

[LFC911]

Have you tried the new ELD-X Bore drivers? My ML loved them and was very consistent.

 

[roadrunner]

You're overthinking it. Ask yourself why a bull is tougher than a cow. Most bulls you shoot are going to be about the same size as a really big cow elk.

On a muzzy hunt in NM, you'll likely shoot the bull under 75 yds anyway...