CO Muzzleloader Deer/Elk question

• Apr 9, 2014

• #1

huntfishcamp

New member

Joined

Aug 1, 2011

Messages

158

Location

MN

We applied for GMU444 NR elk and mule deer muzzleloader, backbacking type trip. We Have never tried either one with a muzzleloader but we were looking for something different than normal rifle season. Couple questions if anyone has some thoughts:
- If we get super lucky and get drawn, can one expect to find the two species be in the same general area / elevations / habitat?
-Shopping for a 'medium priced' .50 smokepole, 'waterproof' (as waterproof as a muzldr can be) and reliable are key, suggestions? Have a CVA hunterbolt but going to use as a backup
-Platinum or copper Powerbelts: comments?
-Powder / load favorites?

 

• Apr 9, 2014

• #2

JohnCushman

Well-known member

Joined

Nov 27, 2009

Messages

13,286

Location

South East Colorado

I can't speak for the unit, but I can chime in on your other queries. I have a CVA Accura that I use for Colorado muzzleloader hunting. It is very accurate and the fiberoptic sights are nice and bright and clear. I use 100 grains of Hogden's Triple 7 and the copper plated hollow point Powerbelt bullets.

 

• Apr 11, 2014

• #3

huntfishcamp

New member

Joined

Aug 1, 2011

Messages

158

Location

MN

Thanks JohnCushman, I like that CVA Accura, lots of choices!

 

• Apr 11, 2014

• #4

jlmatthew

Well-known member

Joined

Aug 28, 2010

Messages

1,942

Location

Colorado

I have the Accura V2 and really like it

I use 100 grains of Blackhorn209, Federal 209A primers & 338 platinum powerbelts. I can hit a paper plate at 200 yards with no problem with the open sights

 

• Apr 11, 2014

• #5

huntfishcamp

New member

Joined

Aug 1, 2011

Messages

158

Location

MN

Thanks! Anyone use the Accura MR, (V2 or MR ) for high country backpack hunting?

 

• Apr 11, 2014

• #6

B

[email protected]

Member

Joined

Jul 13, 2011

Messages

35

I hunted 444 a few years ago. We hunted a lot of the BLM and National forest that was next to private property. I got a 5x5 elk and a 4 point mule deer. I used the CVA Accura and Power belts. Seemed to be a good combo but then my farthest shot was 21 yards. Good luck!

 

• Apr 16, 2014

• #7

M

Musket Man

New member

Joined

Apr 16, 2014

Messages

89

Location

Colfax, WA

-Shopping for a 'medium priced' .50 smokepole said:

My Knight Disc Extreme fired just fine after being completely under water for 40 minutes (had to test it since Knight claimed it would fire after being under water and my friend said it wouldnt)!!! I use Hornady FPB's and 100 gr of 777 fffg in CO. I dont care for power belts and have herd alot of stories about them not preforming very well. I also have a Williams peep sight and bead on it and I like them alot better then the factory fiber optic sights.

Click to expand...

 

• Apr 16, 2014

• #8

A

A-con

New member

Joined

Dec 23, 2000

Messages

2,926

Location

Fresno,Ca.

I have an Accura MR.
I don't have much experience with other muzzleloaders, but I really like this gun.
It's light weight and handy. It shoulders and points like your favorite .22 rimfire.
It's reliable and accurate, mine shoots 2 1/2 " groups at 200 yards.
(note for Colorado, the "MR' model does not come with open sights, you'll need to get some.)

I'm a big fan of BH 209 for powder. For bullets, I would look at "Thor" or Hornady FPBs.
.
I don't know what it's like in your unit, but I have seen big bucks and bulls within a half mile of each other in Colorado on more than one occasion.