Bullets for Elk hunting

[WSU]

I've shot 2 deer in the neck, both with the .300, and both were dead on impact.

[bobcat]

Yeah, my comment about a neck shot being a poor choice is only in regards to elk. Deer are totally different. And it's also somewhat different when you're shooting a modern firearm with a velocity of 3000 feet per second, versus a muzzleloader which is probably around 1500 feet per second.

[carpsniperg2]

yes i understand that, but with a good bullet and a multi tag in my pocket and a good close range shot i would have to wack and stack an elk

[bobcat]

The bullet doesn't matter if you don't hit anything vital. Hit an elk dead center in the neck and there's a good chance you'll hit nothing but meat. Do what you want but like I said, I shot a cow elk at 15 yards, 54 caliber, 435 grain Maxi Ball, through the middle of the neck. Maxi Balls do not "pancake" and actually with a neck shot it would be better if it did. Two 54 caliber holes in that elk's neck didn't even leave a blood trail. I was lucky to find her and get a 2nd shot through both lungs.

[carpsniperg2]

  the power of choice  you have your  and i have my

[redroket]

I will be doing my first Elk hunt with MuzzleLoader this year. I have a 45 Whitworth. The bullets I have now are conical and are 500 grain lead. I have several but not sure if they are the correct bullet for hunting? I did purchase some 300 gr Aerotip Platinums from Cheaperthandirt, just to see how they shot? I will shot them in the next couple of weeks. I am really up in the air about what to use so I have been reading everything you guys are puttin down.

[bobcat]

If you have a 500 grain bullet in 45 caliber, I am sure it will be more than sufficient for elk.   

[redroket]

I am sure you are right just thought it might be a bit on the large size? I use 110gr of black powder and you know when you shoot it! I have heard that these unjacketed bullets sometimes change shape in flight which would certainly hurt your ability to hit anything, that is why I thought the jacketed bullets might be better for hunting.

[bobcat]

Wow that sounds like your right at or maybe even over what is considered a max load. If nothing else, that ought to hurt your shoulder pretty good.   

[WSU]

I can't see it changing shape in flight, but they can surely pancake when they hit an elk.  That said, it should work great.  It does sound like a heck of a load be shooting out of a 45, but I'm no expert.

[duramax]

I shot my cow elk last year with a 348 grain copper aero tip PowerBelt with 100 grains loose triple7. I had a good shot on her and went straight through the heart and two rib bones, had a little over a inch exit hole. She was ranged at 120 yards when I took the shot. I was very impressed with these bullets. I have a Knight Bighorn with a Williams peep sight. The aero tips shoot very well for me, I can hold a tight group at 100 yards. My  

[Whitelightning]

redrocket,
The Whitworth is designed to shoot those heavy conicals. The 500 grain bullet should fly better out of that rifle than the shorter lighter copper bullets. I shoot 460 grain lead conicals out of my .45 Whites, they group incredible. I have taken a White tail with this bullet at 200 yards right through the boiler room and out the other side

The bullet will belly some in the bore. You are not going to be pushing that bullet past its Ballistic capibilty with a B/P charge. Now guy's shooting all lead in a modern pistol or rifle certainly can. You will be amazed at the knock down power that bullet with the charge you are using will have even out past 100 yards.

[redroket]

redrocket,
The Whitworth is designed to shoot those heavy conicals. The 500 grain bullet should fly better out of that rifle than the shorter lighter copper bullets. I shoot 460 grain lead conicals out of my .45 Whites, they group incredible. I have taken a White tail with this bullet at 200 yards right through the boiler room and out the other side

The bullet will belly some in the bore. You are not going to be pushing that bullet past its Ballistic capibilty with a B/P charge. Now guy's shooting all lead in a modern pistol or rifle certainly can. You will be amazed at the knock down power that bullet with the charge you are using will have even out past 100 yards.

whitelightning,
I am a novice and to be honest I am now wondering if my rifle is a 50 cal? It is a 451 Whitworth. I have not measured the bullets or the bore. All the bullets came with the rifle as I bought it from a widow of friend of mine several years ago and just never thought about using it until the last year. I have shot it 3 times and it really got me wanting to use it hunting.

[Whitelightning]

redrocket,
The Whitworth is designed to shoot those heavy conicals. The 500 grain bullet should fly better out of that rifle than the shorter lighter copper bullets. I shoot 460 grain lead conicals out of my .45 Whites, they group incredible. I have taken a White tail with this bullet at 200 yards right through the boiler room and out the other side

The bullet will belly some in the bore. You are not going to be pushing that bullet past its Ballistic capability with a B/P charge. Now guy's shooting all lead in a modern pistol or rifle certainly can. You will be amazed at the knock down power that bullet with the charge you are using will have even out past 100 yards.

whitelightning,
I am a novice and to be honest I am now wondering if my rifle is a 50 cal? It is a 451 Whitworth. I have not measured the bullets or the bore. All the bullets came with the rifle as I bought it from a widow of friend of mine several years ago and just never thought about using it until the last year. I have shot it 3 times and it really got me wanting to use it hunting.

Redrocket,.451 is a 45 cal it is a true 45 cal meaning the bullet is 45 not the bore. My White rifles are the same way. .410 for 41 cal, .451 for 45 cal, .504 fro 50 cal and .540 fro 54 cal. That rifle you have is a real nice piece . Are the bullets smooth sided or do they have lube grooves in them? Whitworth was one of the first to design and use the elongated conical bullet to gain accuracy and velocity. Pm me maybe we can get together and I can share more information with you.

[redroket]

redrocket,
The Whitworth is designed to shoot those heavy conicals. The 500 grain bullet should fly better out of that rifle than the shorter lighter copper bullets. I shoot 460 grain lead conicals out of my .45 Whites, they group incredible. I have taken a White tail with this bullet at 200 yards right through the boiler room and out the other side

The bullet will belly some in the bore. You are not going to be pushing that bullet past its Ballistic capability with a B/P charge. Now guy's shooting all lead in a modern pistol or rifle certainly can. You will be amazed at the knock down power that bullet with the charge you are using will have even out past 100 yards.

Whitelightning,
I will have to look at them but I believe they are smooth. It is a nice looking rifle, heavy as hell though. I need to put some type sling on it to carry it around.  Be happy to meet up with you possibly at a range where you can show me the ropes?
whitelightning,
I am a novice and to be honest I am now wondering if my rifle is a 50 cal? It is a 451 Whitworth. I have not measured the bullets or the bore. All the bullets came with the rifle as I bought it from a widow of friend of mine several years ago and just never thought about using it until the last year. I have shot it 3 times and it really got me wanting to use it hunting.

Redrocket,.451 is a 45 cal it is a true 45 cal meaning the bullet is 45 not the bore. My White rifles are the same way. .410 for 41 cal, .451 for 45 cal, .504 fro 50 cal and .540 fro 54 cal. That rifle you have is a real nice piece . Are the bullets smooth sided or do they have lube grooves in them? Whitworth was one of the first to design and use the elongated conical bullet to gain accuracy and velocity. Pm me maybe we can get together and I can share more information with you.