I am new to the forum and I have a question in reference to lead alloy. I just purchased a Shiloh Sharps in 45-70 back in August and have been working on a blackpowder load for an elk hunt in CO next month. I had purchased some 500 gr flat nose .458 diameter bullets from Buffalo arms, the alloy is 20-1. I have load that is shooting great and fun to shoot. My question is 20-1 a good alloy for elk? Most sources suggest a 30-1 alloy for hunting. I have a good shooting load and I don't want to change before next month elk hunt. My plan is for a good shoulder shot if the opportunity presents it's self. Thanks!

If you have found a load that shoots well at 20:1 don't change it until after your hunt (at the earliest). If you want to refine the load using different alloys then, knock yourself out. If you cast your own it is easy to cast 10, 20 or 30 each of different alloys to take to the range. If you buy them from someplace, it can get spendy to try different alloys.

I do cast my own and early on, tried 20:1, 25:1, 30:1, 35:1 and 40:1 alloys. I had some (not much) leading with the 20:1 and 25:1 bullets. 30:1 was leading free for my rifle(s) so I stuck with that, occasionally I still use 40:1. When you cast your own, and make your own alloys and you are as cheap as I CAN be, the more lead in the alloy vs the tin in your alloy, the less $ they cost per bullet . . . but maybe that's just me .

BTW - good luck on your hunt. A 45-70 will punch a hole clear through an elk. I know it did on a buffalo.

Welcome to the forum KW's son. You have a very nice Sharps.

Thanks for the reply on the alloy. In the near future I plan casting my own bullets. I hope to even try paper patch bullets too. Always wanted a good Sharps for hunting. Shiloh had a Montana Rough Rider similar to what I was wanting to order so it worked out well.

Check your PM's. Or call your Dad
I'm to new to the scene to care about the different alloys.

Have a link in the PM for a not bad price for some Lyman 500 grainers plus.

If you have a 500 grain flat nosed bullet cast at 20-1 shooting well out of your rifle, DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING. That will shoot through and through any elk that walks at any distance you can hit him. Just hit him on the shoulder in front of the diaphragm and you have a dead elk on your hands. If you have any questions, pm me your phone number and I will call you and get you lined out.

Well I can attest he has that rifle singing sweet with the load he's worked up. And as a sidenote he's worked up some dang proper loads for my old .35 WCF! He's pretty handy at stuffing them cases real good!!!

Welcome Postoak !

Relax, and use the 20:1, your Elk won't know the difference.

GTC