NM Elk Muzzleloader setup

[roymunson]

Buddy invited me out to hunt NM for elk this fall, if I can locate a landowner tag.

Getting conflicting reports on what's legal and what isn't.

In Ohio, you can use a scope, sabots, and smokeless powder if you want.

I understand open sights and smokeless powder, but am seeing different things regarding sabots.

For my Ohio deer I use TC shockwaves and 200 grain bullets. They work well. Can someone push me down the right road for setting up an elk rig? I have a TC Triump, a CVA Optima, and recently picket up a wood stock TC Encore with muzzleloader barrel on it.

I'm a newbie to this side of it, but really enjoy reloading and figuring it out. If anyone can shed light on what's legal and point me in the direction of load development I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

[ElDiablito]

Regular NM muzzy regs allow open sights only, black or subs (no smokeless) and sabots or full-bore conicals.

So, I’d use a good saboted 300 gr bullet or something like a 300 gr Thor or a 350 gr BOR Lock. Those 200s are way too light for elk.

 

[roymunson]

Was planning on going heavier, just didn't know how ridiculously heavy you needed to go.

Sounds like some time at the range is in order. Didn't know if someone had a good starting load to go with and work off of.

 

[ElDiablito]

Pick one of your TCs. Id use a scope for load development and start at about 115 grV of Bh209 with one of the above 300 -350 gr bullets. If the groups aren’t in the neighborhood of 1.5”, I’d drop the charge by 5 gr and try again.