Is 348gr too much?

[caseb]

The store clerk also hooked me up with some Goex Blackpowder, I don't think I've seen anyone mention that brand.  She said it was a lot messier, as in I would have to clean after almost every shot. 

Also, I'm using musket caps.

Thanks again for all the help!

[carpsniperg2]

yeah you will be happy with the 777 over the goex. the 777 is cleaner for sure and produces higher velocities. you will be good to go with the musket caps

[bobcat]

The store clerk also hooked me up with some Goex Blackpowder, I don't think I've seen anyone mention that brand.  She said it was a lot messier, as in I would have to clean after almost every shot.

That's the real stuff. Should work great for you. But yes, it's a little dirtier. It's just harder to find in the stores anymore, which is one of the reasons I don't use it.

[spottedhand]

Pyrodex select ffg start w/90gr and work it up. Try placing a white sheet out in fron of your shooting bench, this can help to determine if you are blowing out unburned powder.  Also, if you are hunting the wet side I have tried both the pellets and loose and I will never do the pellets again.  They suck up the moisture and I have had more than enough mis-fires.  Stick with the basics when you get started an elk can take quite a hit with out showing any signs.  Try to get as close as you can, yeah you'll hear stories about these 75+ shots.  But you don't hear the stories about "I guess I missed " and I have found the bloated remains of those calls.  West side I won't shoot over 50yds.  They can disappear in an instant and depending on the hit, there may not be any blood to trail                     

[caseb]

I got it sighted in yesterday with 100gr of the pellets, but you're right, there were SEVERAL misfires.  It really makes me unsure about using the pellets on Saturday.  I guess today I could try sighting it in again using the Goex blackpowder if I have time today.

[dawhunt]

I quit using musket caps and pellets for the very same reason.
Bob

[actionshooter]

As said for the 348s, they will be fine for about anything you will hunt here.
 I still use Goex, other than the dirty factor, I still think its best.

[GEARHEAD]

regarding the goex, i have a cabelas hawkins, .54  i am shooting  Goex fff, and the chart says to use 70 grains, seems light ? reliability with a #11 cap has been 100 percent so far though.

[Svtrc51]

348, 405 grn powerbelts are good elk bullets. Wouldnt shoot anything lighter. I shoot 100 grns of 777 ffg topped with a 348 grn and have had great luck with it. As far as caps go look for German RWS #11 caps. Shortens the ignition lag a ton= Better accuracy. And is quite a bit hotter= Les misfires. 
Brandon

[stumprat]

regarding the goex, i have a cabelas hawkins, .54  i am shooting  Goex fff, and the chart says to use 70 grains, seems light ? reliability with a #11 cap has been 100 percent so far though.

If you are shooting fff powder then 70 grains is probably right. I used to shoot 90 grains of ff

[cwboysteve]

This is my first year for "front stuffing" and had a good season, harvested a nice buck.  I have a .50 cal Lyman Trade Rifle shooting 270gr Powerbelts with 90grs of Pyrodex RS.  my 50yrd shot took out both shoulder blades and a lung... (little high and lead a little to much).  I was thinking this would work for elk also but after reading this post I might try something bigger? thanks for asking the question.

[jtaghansen]

Hello all!  I'm new to muzzleloaders and I just got my first, a CVA Elkhorn.  The store clerk set me up with a 348gr hollow point Powerbelt for elk, and just by looking around at some of the threads I haven't heard of anyone using that heavy of a bullet.  Should I go buy something lighter?  I need to figure this out soon because elk season is approaching quickly!  Thanks!

Thats what I use with 110gr of powder works goo for me and my gun.

[Curly]

This is my first year for "front stuffing" and had a good season, harvested a nice buck.  I have a .50 cal Lyman Trade Rifle shooting 270gr Powerbelts with 90grs of Pyrodex RS.  my 50yrd shot took out both shoulder blades and a lung... (little high and lead a little to much).  I was thinking this would work for elk also but after reading this post I might try something bigger? thanks for asking the question.

Yeah, that 270 gr is a little light for elk......  You can get away with a bullet that light if it is better constructed than the powerbelt.  There is a thread on here somewhere where a guy shot a bull at 15yards with a powerbelt and didn't recover the bull.  Sounds like the bullet pancaked on the shoulder blade and didn't get to the vitals. 

Now if you hit the bull just right behind the shoulder and miss any ribs on the way in, you will probably be ok.......so maybe you could stick with your bullets and just choose your shots very carefully....(since it is kinda late to be switching now).

[Dan-o]

I shoot 400 grain Harvester solid hard cast lead bullets.   They've never been "too much" for the elk they've killed......   

And I only use musket caps.   Never ever had a problem with them.

[7mm short mag]

Im not saying that is to much but what works good for me 250gr barnes sabot with 100grs of 50/50 and bulls go down. the barnes mushroom great and don't fall apart and give great blood trails, they work for me and I would recommend them to anyone.