Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Muzzleloaders Which to choose for elk?

I have 2 options ... .50 cal 1-48" twist, so PRB or bullets up to 370 TC maxi ball, or .54 1-60" twist so PRB only. Pure lead bullets only ... no sabots.

Which is the more effective elk killer, a .50 caliber 370 grain conical or a .530 PRB?

If you are taking about Oregon thats not exactly correct. They do allow lead alloy and some approved no toxic projectiles also. Either choice would kill an elk but im partial to conicals.

No excuse bullets. Im taking my knight after one this weekend with 460gr no excuse slug

Heavy conicals seem to do good work on elk for me. Had a bad result with one of the newer wonder bullets. All that said, my next one if I am so lucky will be with a .530 roundball. Pick the rifle that feels better and you should be good to go.

Conicals would get my vote, as far as effectiveness. I had a 1 in 48 Hawken, and it shot Hornady 385's really well.

That .54 will put a hurt on any elk you come across.

If your hunting Colorado----You can't use a 50 cal round ball. 54 is the minimum. Which one of the two is more accurate? Which rifle is lighter?

Bob, Is that some of the new rules they passed? Guess I am glad I went 54 if that is the case.

Edit, googled it. Sure enough. I never shot 50 cal roundballs but hard to believe they were lacking lol. Whatever makes them happy.

the only thing lacking is the CPW and their book smart rule makers.