Washington Muzzleloader Bullets....

[DBake]

From p.65 of the Washington Big Game Hunting Rules, "(b) A muzzleloading firearm used for
deer must fire a single, non-jacketed lead projectile of nominal 40 caliber or larger except that buckshot size #1 or larger, may be used in a smoothboreof 60 caliber or larger. Lead bullets
with polymer tips are legal. (c) A muzzleloading firearm used for all other big game must fire a single, non-jacketed lead projectile of nominal 50 caliber or larger, or fire asingle, non-jacketed lead projectile of at least 170 grains. Lead bullets with polymer tips are legal."

I understand that jacketed type bullets are illegal and that polymer tips are legal. But, are lead bullets only type of bullets to be used in the state?

[bobcat]

I don't understand your question. Could you rephrase it please? Is there a specific bullet you are thinking of?

[DBake]

I see that my question is confusing.

Are copper, lead, and any other type of bullet legal, or is lead the only type of legal bullet for muzzleloading.

[bobcat]

From your quote:

non-jacketed lead projectile

That is the answer to your question. Only lead bullets are allowed. No copper jacketed bullets like Sportsman's Warehouse and most other stores sell. (not sure why they sell illegal bullets) 

Pure lead Powerbelts are legal but I can't recommend them for elk.

I hope I answered your question. If not ask again.

[DBake]

Thank you for the clarification.

I believe I was confused, because I did not know what a jacketed bullet was.

How would someone know if their bullet and powder combination is suitable or minimal to take game such as deer and elk?

[bobcat]

Just from experience I guess, or other people's experience. Post the combination you have in mind and I'm sure many on here will share thoughts/opinions of its effectiveness on game.

[DBake]

Thanks BC, for your comments and insight.

I am still in the planning stages of getting into muzzleloading. I hope to purchess my first rifle after the first of the year to begin to get ready for next hunting season.

I am having a tough time find multipule brands that offer lead bullets, could you reccomend a few to take a look at?

[bobcat]

The bullet depends on the rifle, but if you're using a gun with a "fast" twist, like 1 in 28, here are some good choices:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20712-cat200005&id=0020974214556a&navCount=2&podId=0020974214556&parentId=cat200005&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat200005&hasJS=true

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20712-cat200005_TGP&id=0026952215460a&navCount=5&podId=0026952&parentId=cat200005&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat200005&hasJS=true


http://www.harvesterbullets.com/hardcast.htm

[Guy]

Often I don't use a muzzle loader, but when I do, it's a sort-of traditional Thompson-Center White Mountain Carbine. Neat little short version of their Renegade cap-lock .50 cal rifle. Really a nice handling little carbine/rifle.

Over the years I've used both black and pyrodex powder. My best results on game - mule deer - have been with 385 grain Hornady hollow point "Great Plains" soft lead bullets. I don't even belt 'em out all that hard, 80 or 90 grains. Only shot two mulies with these bullets, but in both cases the deer died instantly, or nearly so, leaving me with no tracking. Also the bullets each penetrated completely, which actually surprised me since the bullets are such soft lead with large hollow points.

Effective range on this stubby combo? I practice until I can place all my shots on a standard paper plate, from standing. Usually I max out at around 75 - 100 yards. Both the mulies I shot were within 75 yards. I like the challenge of getting close. If I want to shoot far, I use my scoped modern rifles.

Regards, Guy