with muzzy bigger weights are better. When we were a all lead state, I shot 440-460gr bullets. With todays newer bullets I still try to stay around 300 gr. I shoot the 290gr barnes.
For elk I'm in the 300ish grain group too. I feel 250 is too light. When I was shooting lead I was closer to 350 grains.
A 250 gr bullet pushed by 200 grains of powder lays a real wallop on 'em. Running out of time to get things sighted in with a new load, shot the 250 Barnes TEZ in front of 150 grains of powder and the bullet performance at 142 yards was picturesque. To be fair I have tended to shoot their 295 grain bullet, but that sabot is not rated to 200 grains of powder.
Never heard of anybody shooting 200 grains of powder, Wow! I have a hard time imagining there isn't a lot of unburnt powder left over. But there is a lot of stuff Ive never heard of and it may a perfect combo.
As mentioned the Remington UML is rated for it. You also need to use the Remington Sabot (actually just a Barnes TEZ with a sturdier sabot), because the heavy powder load will essentially destroy most sabots.
The breach/ignition system ignites the powder more evenly (you must use pellets) so unburnt powder isn’t the issue you might think it would be.
The ballistics of the 200 grains is crazy compared to 150. Zeroed at 150 yards, you’re just 23” low at 300, compared to 86” low with 150 grains.
They tout it as a 300 yard gun, which is super attainable with an optic. I know someone in Utah that shot an elk a good bit farther than that with one.
With open sights I am lethally accurate at 200, but was glad to have an opportunity inside of 150.
I, as alluded to below, do not take a special amount of joy from hunting with the muzzleloader as a traditional weapon. I do enjoy the unique opportunities the seasons provide.
