What powder and ball is best for elk?

[Buck1972]

Heading to Colorado this fall for elk . I have only used sabot and powder pellets
Thanks

 

[ElDiablito]

Ball? I wouldn’t consider shooting a round ball at an elk.

Bullet? For CO elk, I like big lead conicals (450-600 gr) or the 300 ish gr Thor.

Powder depends on which rifle you’re using. Bh209 or 777.

 

[Billdoe]

I run triple 7 and thors. Brother runs triple 7 and federal copper bore locks.

 

[Buck1972]

Ok thanks - with some more research I have been seeing good things on the Thor and bh209

 

[fishslap]

I shoot patched Hornady round balls and 777 out of my percussion side lock gun. Same for my flintlock but goex instead of 777. They’re slower twist barrels made for round balls. I’m setting up a faster twist side lock percussion gun for 777 and no excuses conicals, but when I hunt elk with a muzzleloader it’s usually with patched round balls.

 

[FrontierGander]

My go to elk load, 70gr 3f or 80gr 2f with a .530" round ball.

My longest shot on a cow elk was 140 yards with 80gr pyrodex rs and .530 round ball. That was a heck of a hunt!

Knowing what rifle you're shooting would be a great starting point to lead you in the right direction.