New to muzzleloading

[Jwhigg18]

I just bought my first muzzleloader. It’s a cva LRX .50 caliber. I currently have a pound of loose triple 7 FFG and loose Pyrodex RS. The bullets I have are bore driver ELDM 340 grains. Im also planning on picking up some FTX 290 grains. I’m going to be picking up an anarchy muzzle brake as well, unsure how applicable that is other than knowing I’m not going to shoot sabots. 1st question is should I shoot any 209 primer or a muzzleloading 209 primer? From what I’m seeing the 209 muzzleloading primer decreases the crud ring that triple 7 is known for? 2nd question, I reload my rifle rounds so I’m naturally weighing my charges. To find my best load I have 70 grains, 80 grains and 87 grains (by weight). Looking for any recommendations, it doesn’t seem like people go beyond 87 grains of triple 7. Unless I'm unable to find a decent load with triple 7 I may not even mess with pyrodex. Should I clean the barrel after every shot when trying to find the best accuracy or clean after every group? I drew an Arizona muzzleloader elk tag, so what’s your opinion on the bore driver vs FTX for elk? Any recommendations are appreciated, if there are any ways to increase accuracy I’m for it. Just like a million other guys I’m constantly looking for black horn 209 but it’s not looking good for this year.

 

[Diablo]

There will be some B$209 out shortly. Who knows exactly when. The 2026 batch hasn’t been released yet.

Yes, a lower-powered 209 will reduce the 777 crud ring. Yes, with 777 you should swab between shots.

I don’t think either of those bullet choices are ideal for elk. The 340 gr ELDX aren’t terrible but they are pretty soft. New Mexico doesn’t require a full-bore projectile, so, I’d pick a proven saboted bullet. Something like a Barnes 300 grain. If you’re stuck on full-bore, I’d consider the 300 gr Thors, 350 gr BOR Locks or a heavy (420+ gr) lead conical.