Minimum weight Powerbelt for Elk-

[APBT1]

A few days ago i wanted to confirm that i was correct with a 348 grain powerbelt being the Minimum powerbelt bullet weight that should be used for Elk sized game +

Got this email back from Powerbelt Bullets,



We recommend no smaller than the 348 AeroTip. Most of us around here
us
our 405 AT and our 444 Flat Point. These have worked great for us in
the past. As far as powder is concerned we like the Pyrodex Select.
Each gun is different so start with 80-90 grains and work up from there

until you get your best accuracy.

Thanks and good luck. Let us know if you need anything else.

[Kellyelk]

Funny. The literature I received from Powerbelt listed a whole variety of bullet weights acceptable for elk. Including the 296 gr. hollow points I use while elk hunting with an MZ......................

In my opinion this is personal choice as long as it meets legal requirements defined by the state.

[APBT1]

Personal choice, Yes. But is the 295 grain powerbelt strong enough with a stiff charge behind it and a big animal in front? More than likely not, Especially if its a close shot.

I prefer to email/call the company Directly to get my info.

[Kellyelk]

Personal choice, Yes. But is the 295 grain powerbelt strong enough with a stiff charge behind it and a big animal in front? More than likely not, Especially if its a close shot.

I prefer to email/call the company Directly to get my info.
Well the literature I have is straight from Powerbelt and came in the box with my MZ. So................

Look, I'm not going to split hairs here, but saying you can't kill elk with anything less than a XXX gr. bullet is ridiculous. I know plenty of guys that have the experience to back that up including myself. Heck, I've killed elk with 150 gr. bullets. Granted they were out of a rifle.

I saw this argument on another thread last week. Many of the guys in that debate have already killed elk with these type bullets so I suspect this tidbit of is useless considering the facts say otherwise.

[APBT1]

You t alking about the Powerbelt Manual thats packaged into every box of bullets? Yes, they are starting points but do not indicate in any way on the animal it should be used for. If you want a bullet that doesnt fail, its usually best to listen to the manufacturer.

[headoftheholler]

Well the literature I have is straight from Powerbelt and came in the box with my MZ. So................

Look, I'm not going to split hairs here, but saying you can't kill elk with anything less than a XXX gr. bullet is ridiculous. I know plenty of guys that have the experience to back that up including myself. Heck, I've killed elk with 150 gr. bullets. Granted they were out of a rifle.

I saw this argument on another thread last week. Many of the guys in that debate have already killed elk with these type bullets so I suspect this tidbit of is useless considering the facts say otherwise.
Kelly, as much as I hate to , :) I have to agree with you on this. 295 grains is more than enough to take an elk. Ever see what a lead round ball from a MZ does to a deer? Sheer destruction. Sometimes bigger is better but last time I checked a ton of elk were taken with much smaller projectiles.

[Kellyelk]

You t alking about the Powerbelt Manual thats packaged into every box of bullets? Yes, they are starting points but do not indicate in any way on the animal it should be used for. If you want a bullet that doesnt fail, its usually best to listen to the manufacturer.
Nope. I'm talking about the comprehensive manuel I received with my muzzleloader. Plus, I've gone MZ hunting several times with a group of my fathers friends and have gone myself. In the times I was out I have watched no less than 7 elk succomb to 295 gr. power belts from this party. 3 bulls and 4 cows. All had massive damage inside. Bullets recovered from the offside hide or complete pass thur's. Most shots were between 50-100 yards. They work well as most of the elk dropped on the spot or stumbled 2 or 3 steps and went down. Thats why when I finally decided to take up the MZ I opted to use the PB's versus other lead conicals. I got to see first hand the effects. The first time I went I was unable to get a shot at the bull we called in, but after seeing the other elk upended with PB's I have the utmost faith they will perform for me when I pull the trigger on my first MZ bull.

[Kellyelk]

Kelly, as much as I hate to , :) I have to agree with you on this. 295 grains is more than enough to take an elk. Ever see what a lead round ball from a MZ does to a deer? Sheer destruction. Sometimes bigger is better but last time I checked a ton of elk were taken with much smaller projectiles.
HH,

What happened on the other thread, is what it is. Like I said I am willing to talk about it outside the forum, but I don't want to muddy things with ethical debates that can only be decided for oneself. There is no hard feelings on my end.

Thanks for agreeing. My experience is listed below your post. All were clean kills and very devastating. Haven't got to see a round ball kill yet. My dad missed by 2" and killed a very nice sapling. The good thing is that buck will grow up to be a 4x4 now! lol

[.358 MAN]

A few days ago i wanted to confirm that i was correct with a 348 grain powerbelt being the Minimum powerbelt bullet weight that should be used for Elk sized game +

Got this email back from Powerbelt Bullets,



We recommend no smaller than the 348 AeroTip. Most of us around here
us
our 405 AT and our 444 Flat Point. These have worked great for us in
the past. As far as powder is concerned we like the Pyrodex Select.
Each gun is different so start with 80-90 grains and work up from there

until you get your best accuracy.

Thanks and good luck. Let us know if you need anything else. I just watch a video and the President of Powerbelt reccommended 295 gr. and up!!

[APBT1]

Call Powerbelt Bullets and ask for Dan Hall. Probably be best to speak to him and get the knowledge from someone who works there. 1-800-376-4010

Any idea what that show was called?

[rooster52]

We have taken 3 bull elk with the 348,2 of them were shot with hollow points and the other was aero tip,really can't tell any difference on the wounds.
This year I will be using the aero tip .
I do think the 295 would work too and have read where some use the 245.What I have shot of the 245,I can't get consistant accuracy.