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Got lucky and drew another late season cow Elk tag for the coast(Feb). After punching the tag this last Feb, I expect to find Elk and hopefully close. No challenge with a centerfire.
So the question is what bullet to use in a 54 cal? I'm am not entirely sure yet what is legal in OR ... sabots are illegal right?
The only Elk I have taken with the 54 was a CO cow elk at 75 yrds. Almost facing me. It took three of use 2 hours to track that cow and finish the job. The bullet passed thru one lung out the flank and back into a rear quarter. Here is a photo of the .54 420gr maxi ball. A heavy load with 120grs powder.
I learned a valuable lesson about BP projectiles, lack of bullet expansion and relatively low energy. Having said all this...what bullet(s) will put a Elk down better? The coast range woods are nasty thick and don't need a tough track and drag, not to mention a humane kill.
Thanks
So the question is what bullet to use in a 54 cal? I'm am not entirely sure yet what is legal in OR ... sabots are illegal right?
The only Elk I have taken with the 54 was a CO cow elk at 75 yrds. Almost facing me. It took three of use 2 hours to track that cow and finish the job. The bullet passed thru one lung out the flank and back into a rear quarter. Here is a photo of the .54 420gr maxi ball. A heavy load with 120grs powder.
I learned a valuable lesson about BP projectiles, lack of bullet expansion and relatively low energy. Having said all this...what bullet(s) will put a Elk down better? The coast range woods are nasty thick and don't need a tough track and drag, not to mention a humane kill.
Thanks