T C Renegade for elk

elkchaserreturns · Aug 14, 2016

I have a question for the traditional muzzy hunters out there.
What 50 cal bullet has produced the best results out of your traditional muzzleloader for elk?
I know the "in-lines" have a different rate of twist, ignition, & sighting systems so I figured I would ask the traditional shooters what has worked the best for them.
I picked up this rifle a few years back on a whim and haven't shot it much.
Drew this tag and figured I better get my act together so here I am!
I put a peep sight on the rifle and have been working with 370 gr TC Maxi Ball bullets.
80-90 gr Triple 7 (ffg)
CCI 11M caps
I Haven't chronographed them yet!
Sound about right?

Thanks in advance for sharing!!

OldBear · Aug 14, 2016

My opinion, the heavier the better. However, I am assuming that you have the 1-48" twist barrel. If you do, then your limiting factor is stabilizing the bullet and the heavier the bullet the longer the bullet. IF, I remember correctly, I think a 1-48" twist will stabilize a 3/4" long conical??? Don't take my word on that, just shoot and find out. I've got several traditional muzzle loaders and everyone of them have the faster twist barrel, either 1-24 or 1-28. A person can really pour some nice bullets if you're the do it yourself type. I normally buy mine from No Excuses, they have all been excellent bullets. I normally shoot the 495 grain in 50 caliber. My buddy shoots the 460 grain. I've killed a number of elk with them at various distances.

Blank · Aug 14, 2016

I still enjoy shooting my Hawken, Renegade, and Greyhawk with the Maxi-Balls, but could never get the Maxi-Hunters to shoot acceptably. Hornady 385 Great Plains conicals shoot wonderful groups in my stainless GreyHawk.

txhunter58 · Aug 14, 2016

LAST EDITED ON Aug-14-16 AT 10:38AM (MST)[p]

I have used 2 bullets successfully in elk.

No excuse 460 gr

FPB 350 gr.

I was a little apprehensive to try the FPB because I didn't know how the gun would handle them, but they did great. You will need a short starter to get them started.

Either one is good elk medicine. My gun liked 85-90 gr of fffg 777 for no excuses and 90 gr for the FPB. Your set up is good as well

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

elkchaserreturns · Aug 14, 2016

Thanks guys! I appreciate the feedback. All I have shot through this rifle, so far, has been the 370 gr TC Maxi Balls.
They give me about 2"-3" groups @ 50 yards. I have not yet shot the peep sight.
I have some 410 gr Hornady Great Plains HP-SB but I can't find a steady supply of them & I have some 348 gr PowerBelts "Aerotip" bullets that I could try. Seems like I remember reading a few years back about some bad experiances with the Powerbelts.
Again, thanks for the feedback! I will post up how things go and, hopefully, pictures of a nice bull come November. I drew an AZ 6A muzzy tag and I am excited to have my first muzzy hunting experience be for elk.

(Now if I can just find a (record class) bull, with a target taped behind his shoulder, that will stand still, at 50 yds or less, while I get settled into a comfortable shooting position , , , , )

Thanks guys!

Runnoft · Aug 14, 2016

+1 on the Hornady 385 grain Great Plains bullet. They're accurate and have great knock down power.

txhunter58 · Aug 14, 2016

I bet you tighten your groups with a peep. I also tightened my groups when I started using the "6-O'Clock" hold. For that you put the TOP of the front sight at the BOTTOM of the Bullseye. I used to cover the target with the front bead, but that is less exact and repeatable than the 6 o'clock hold

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

brutus54 · Aug 21, 2016

I also used the Hornady Great Plains 385 gr with 90 grs of pyrodex powder. And instead of # 11 caps I have an adapter that shoots 209 shotgun primers. Shoots hot and never miss fires when it is wet!