Jeremiah Johnson - er I mean Smoke : Ross Seyfried was the 1981 World Practical Pistol Champion in 1981. He was a licensed Professional Hunter in two African countries. He owned Elk Song Ranch in Oregon and guided elk hunters on his property. I suspect he has been involved in more elk kills then even an old sourdough such as yourself. His bona fides (recalling your fondness for Latin nouns) can be found at
http://www.classicarmsjournal.com/about/contributors/ Jeremiah Smoke or elk guide? I am still going with the elk guide's bullet recommendation.
Since a "bunch of guys" have used the No Excuse bullet, do you know if they are getting complete pass thru? What size wound channel? How much expansion?
Do you have the particular issue details of Colorado Outdoors magazine which discusses why Colorado chooses no scopes during muzzleloader only season? Thanks.
