Loads/Bullets for Elk in Northwest
Posted: May 25th, 2015, 10:28 pm
Does anyone here hunt elk in the Northwest (Oregon, Idaho, Washington)? I am trying to find a good load/bullet combination that is effective on elk and still comply with the NW regulations. Here in Washington we can shoot any bullet, but we are limited to using standard #11 or musket caps, no 209 primers. I have tried to use pellets but have a serious delay in ignition with #11's. I have not tried musket caps yet but that will be next. I have been told not to use more than 120 grains of granular powder as anything in excess of 120 will not burn and will simply blow out the end of the muzzle.
I shot a cow last fall with 110 grains of Pyrodex Select and a 295 grain Powerbelt (lead). It was only a 70 yard shot and was quartering; we found only one spot where the elk coughed-up some blood but no more was found after an extensive and lengthy search. I now know I should have used a different bullet, but I feel that without 209's we are quite restricted on loads. Any advice or suggestions?
Thanks
I shot a cow last fall with 110 grains of Pyrodex Select and a 295 grain Powerbelt (lead). It was only a 70 yard shot and was quartering; we found only one spot where the elk coughed-up some blood but no more was found after an extensive and lengthy search. I now know I should have used a different bullet, but I feel that without 209's we are quite restricted on loads. Any advice or suggestions?
Thanks