Elk Bullet Question

[Colorado Luckydog]

I ordered the wrong bullets for my muzzle loader. I ordered 230 grain hollow points instead of 230 grain aero tips. However, I like the way the hollow points shoot. Will the hollow points be just as effective on elk as the aero tips or will I not get enough penetration. I won't take a shot over 150 yards probably not over a 100. Thanks.

Edit- I'm shooting 110 grains of Hogdon Triple Seven FFFG.

 

[rangerod]

Seems like a pretty small bullet for elk. Think I'd go with something at least 300 grains. Just my honest opinion.

 

[Colorado Luckydog]

You're right about the 230 grains! I had all of my 45 acp ammo out yesterday and that was still on my mind. We shoot 295 grain bullets not 230.

 

[twild]

Sounds like your talking about Powerbelts. There are much better bullets to use, but that is your choice and I won't get into it. Havn't tried to shoot anything with them in years but from what I understand they MIGHT do ok if not pushed to hard. I'm thinking 110gr of 777 might be a tad fast. My opinion good luck on your hunt.

 

[ronlaughlin]

if it was me with the elk tag, i would use minimum the 338g bullet.

 

[GM54-120]

if it was me with the elk tag, i would use minimum the 338g bullet.

If you insist on using a PowerBelt....^^^^^This is the best answer^^^^

There are some very fine lead conicals though for a fraction of the price. Last time i priced the Bullshop conicals you could get 100 bullets upto 460gr for under $50 delivered. Thats pure lead, lubed and sized to your door.
https://bullshop.weebly.com/-bullet-prices.html

 

[FredB]

I would also recommend a heavier bullet for elk. Since you are using full caliber bullets, that should be easy to find. I've used 425 gr Hornady lead bullets out of a .54cal successfully on elk. They make essentially the same bullet in 385gr in .50cal. I would think to save those lighter bullets for deer.

 

[sabotloader]

I ordered the wrong bullets for my muzzle loader. I ordered 230 grain hollow points instead of 230 grain aero tips. However, I like the way the hollow points shoot. Will the hollow points be just as effective on elk as the aero tips or will I not get enough penetration. I won't take a shot over 150 yards probably not over a 100. Thanks.

Edit- I'm shooting 110 grains of Hogdon Triple Seven FFFG.

Since you live in Colorado and I assume you are hunting there you are required to use a full bore bullet. And since it seems you are using a Powerbelt bullets - I would really suggest that you use a heavier Powerbelt - much heavier!

With 110 grain load of T7 you will be driving the 230 out of the barrel at a very good clip, because of that there is a very good chance the bullet will break up when shooting an elk - especially if the bullet were to contact a bone or even mud on the outside of the animal caked into the fur. The closer the range the greater the chance. If you need to use a Powerbelt and it is an Aero Lite - I really would suggest a 300 grain version. If were any other version I would suggest at least a 348 gr.

Personally I would use another bullet. Probably a Bull Shop 460 gr. Thor also makes a full bore copper bullet that could work but a pearsonal friend really did not have good luck with them either.