Northwest Muzzy Setup - Elk

[old school06]

I’ve got a few questions for you muzzy experts. I’m not new to the muzzleloader hunting scene, I’ve hunted whitetails for years here in the Midwest. My current setup is a scoped CVA Accura V2 - I shoot 90 grains of BH 209, with a 295 grain Barnes bullet and it really performs great on whitetails - drives tacks out to 150 yards.

A guy named Carlos who years ago worked at Ed’s gun shop helped me with the load/bullet/sabot combination. I called Ed’s last week to talk with Carlos and found out that Carlos no longer works there.

So I’ve got a question - I’m planning on elk hunting in a NW compliant state this year so I can’t use my current setup due to 209 primers and scope. I do have an older Knight LK-93 with the #11 ignition - planning on buying some CCI #11 magnum caps and trying it out with some loose 777 - do you guys recommend FF or FFF?

Also I could buy a new Muzzy - looks like a CVA MR-X NW runs about $750 and uses musket caps, or there is also the CVA Optima. What are your recommendations for gun of choice and powder, and bullets? I’ve also got “old eyes”. Have had cataract surgery a few years ago. Good vision, but use progressive lenses and I have some issues seeing well the last 15 minutes in low light. I say that as I’m not sure if I’d be better off with a rear peep sight (MR-X) or a standard rear sight (Optima)
For bullets, I do have 295 grain Barnes and also some power belts but I’m not against going with something completely different - gun, powder and bullets. Thanks in advance for your help guys.

 

[ElDiablito]

Would help to know the state you’re talking about hunting as each has slightly different regs. I’m assuming OR? But I’m confused by a couple of the details in your questions.

That said, I’d go with what you’ve got. A CVA would not be much of an upgrade from your LK93.

Either Ffg or Fffg powder will work. You’ll get a little more velocity out of Fff.

For sights (assuming you have to use irons), I’d use a good peep any day over OEM open sights.

 

[old school06]

Sorry I should have specified - it’s Idaho
My question about FF or FFF was in regards to both velocity but also sure ignition - when using loose powder (which I’ve never done), is FFF a more reliable choice for ignition?

 

[ElDiablito]

Ok, so you can use sabots, cap ignition, .50 cal (for elk) and open sights.

You won’t see any ignition difference between Ff and Fff.

I’d definitely use a good tough bullet in a sabot. Throw the Powerbelts in the garbage. The Barnes you have will be a great choice for elk.

I’d do your load development with a scope on the rifle and then remove it for the hunt. My sight recommendations: Get a good peep sight with removable twilight apertures and a good front globe like the Williams Western Precision with the small fiber optic insert. You’ll find that different sized rear apertures will allow your eyes to focus on the front sight. So try a couple different sizes or get an adjustable aperture. Really helps with older eyes.

Williams Twilight Aperture

Special low light aperture for Williams WGRS Receiver Sight. Gold colored ring tricks the eye to reduce the pupil diameter, enhancing focus.

eabco.com

The Updated Line Up - Williams Western Precision Sight Sets

It has been a couple of years since Williams first released the Western Precision Sight Set which has taken the muzzleloading world by storm. Since that time Williams has expanded the line up to include a new fiber optic version of the sight set as well as offering stand alone globe sight...

muzzle-loaders.com