New Idaho Muzzleloader Load Development?

[timcorcoran]

Hey Folks,

Now that Idaho's muzzleloader regs have changed, what new loads are you using?

Here are the updated 2024 Idaho Muzzleloader regulations (from https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/weapons/muzzleloader )

LEGAL IN MUZZLELOADER-ONLY SEASONS

Any person hunting in a muzzleloader only season, including controlled hunts, must have in their possession a license with a muzzleloader permit validation. During a muzzleloader-only season, it is illegal to pursue or kill a big game animal with any firearm, muzzleloading pistol, or weapon other than a muzzleloading rifle or musket. In addition, the muzzleloading rifle or musket must be:

• Capable of being loaded only from the muzzle.
• Equipped with only open or peep sights. Scopes and any electronics are prohibited, except hunters with a visual disability may apply for a Reasonable Modification Permit to use non - magnifying or up to 4x power scopes. Application available at Fish and Game regional offices, see page 4.
• Loaded only with loose black powder, loose Pyrodex, or other loose synthetic black powder. Pelletized powders are prohibited. • Equipped with a single or double barrel.
• Loaded with a projectile that is within .010 inch of the bore diameter. Sabots are prohibited.
• Loaded with a patched round ball or conical metal or metal alloy projectile with the exception of allowance of accuracy tips and pressure bases.
• Equipped only with a flint, percussion cap or musket cap. 209 primers are prohibited.
• Equipped with an ignition system in which any portion of the cap is exposed when the weapon is cocked and ready to fire.

I use a Knight Ultra-Lite .50 cal.

@sabotloader I am particularly interested in what you recommend. In the past you've recommended Bull Shop LGP .503" x 400 bullets with MMP Ballistic Base Sub-Base on top of 90 grns of ffG 777. Now that Idaho allows metal or metal alloy projectiles including accuracy tips and pressure bases, what is the best load?

Thanks!

-Tim

 

[ElDiablito]

Since you can now use copper, I’d shoot a 250 or 300 ish gr Thor with 777 and #11 caps.

 

[timcorcoran]

Yes, I am particularly interested in 100% copper bullets, so I'd love to hear everyone's recommendations.

 

[timcorcoran]

Since you can now use copper, I’d shoot a 250 or 300 ish gr Thor with 777 and #11 caps.

What would be better for elk, the hollow points or ballistic tips?

 

[ElDiablito]

I’d go with the 297/300. I don’t think the tip makes a lot of difference. The 250s are too light in my book for elk.

 

[mtnbound]

Hey Folks,

Now that Idaho's muzzleloader regs have changed, what new loads are you using?

Here are the updated 2024 Idaho Muzzleloader regulations (from https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/weapons/muzzleloader )



I use a Knight Ultra-Lite .50 cal.

@sabotloader I am particularly interested in what you recommend. In the past you've recommended Bull Shop LGP .503" x 400 bullets with MMP Ballistic Base Sub-Base on top of 90 grns of ffG 777. Now that Idaho allows metal or metal alloy projectiles including accuracy tips and pressure bases, what is the best load?

Thanks!

-Tim

I went with the Powerbelt 338gr Platinum Aero tip; it shoots well, but no animal results at this point.

 

[timcorcoran]

I’d go with the 297/300. I don’t think the tip makes a lot of difference. The 250s are too light in my book for elk.

Ok. What is the difference between the 297 & the 300? Why do they bother producing two different bullets that are so close in grains?

 

[ElDiablito]

Ok. What is the difference between the 297 & the 300? Why do they bother producing two different bullets that are so close in grains?

One has a tip and the other doesn’t.

 

[IDbrushswimmer]

I went with the Powerbelt 338gr Platinum Aero tip; it shoots well, but no animal results at this point.

Same here. Over top of 90 grains of 777 it shoots really well. Hoping for a result on elk this Monday.

 

[bergie]

Anyone have experience with the bore driver eld-x? Seems as if the thors are popular but why not the hornady? For elk and deer out of a .50 cal. Max distance I would shoot with the powerbelts was 100 yds and it did the job but I would say even 100 was pushing it.

 

[mtnbound]

Anyone have experience with the bore driver eld-x? Seems as if the thors are popular but why not the hornady? For elk and deer out of a .50 cal. Max distance I would shoot with the powerbelts was 100 yds and it did the job but I would say even 100 was pushing it.

I am going to try them next year; I would have used them this year but could not find them at the time and found the Powerbelts everywhere I went, so I figured I would give them a try first.

 

[Sundodger]

I like the federal boreloks a lot, 270 grain copper or they have a lead version too. My quick read it sounds like they are legal...

 

[tracker12]

Anyone have experience with the bore driver eld-x? Seems as if the thors are popular but why not the hornady? For elk and deer out of a .50 cal. Max distance I would shoot with the powerbelts was 100 yds and it did the job but I would say even 100 was pushing it.

I worked up a load with them this year and they are very accurate out of my Knight Ultralight 1:28 twist gun. Easily MOA. Have not shot a critter yet so no idea how they would perform on an Elk. Funny how guys in ID are looking for copper jacketed bullets while I am enjoying enjoying shooting pure lead.

 

[timcorcoran]

I wound up purchasing the Thor 300 grain bullets for my Knight .50 cal Ultra Lite.

How much ffG 777 powder should I start with? 90 grains by volume?

 

[ElDiablito]

I wound up purchasing the Thor 300 grain bullets for my Knight .50 cal Ultra Lite.

How much ffG 777 powder should I start with? 90 grains by volume?

That’s about where I’d start but honestly if I don’t want to mess around on new load development, I sometimes just go straight to 110-115 gr. That’s usually where I end up with 777 and Bh209.