MuleyMadness Hunting Forums

I have a 45 caliber muzzleloader and was wondering if 100 grains of powder with a 275 grain aero tip bullet would put down an elk? any info would be greatly apreciated

They say shot placement is more important than load. That said, there are too many things that can go wrong and the last thing you want to do is wound an animal that you won't recover. I've never shot an elk with a muzzle loader, but I use .50 cal, 150 grains of powder, 348 gr power belts for deer. I would use the same load on elk if I ever draw a tag. Although 270 grains sounds big in terms of rifle bullets, I'd say it's on the small side for muzzleloader elk.

I was present when a friend of mine shot a spike through the vitals using a 300gr barnes expander with 150 grs pyrodex at 100 yds. The bullet did not exit and was found, while skinning, against the hide. The only bone hit was a graze of a rib next to the bullets final resting place. The bullet opened just like the advertisement pics. A couple petals were bent back where it grazed the ribs. I'm sure elk can be killed with a smaller load but personally I would use this as a minimum load for elk.

Might be a bit 'light' IMO. I shot a deer with a 45 caliber a couple of years ago at 50 yards. Perfect shot, right through the heart, he was dead in less than 50 yards. However the bullet did not exit the other side, much to my surprise at close range.

300gr platinum with 80-90gr pyrodex or equal. Make sure using a .45cal on elk is legal, its not legal in colorado.