Muzzleloader regulations have been updated in the state of Colorado. It has been determined that a minimum of .50 caliber is required for hunting elk and moose with a conical projectile and .54 caliber when hunting with a round ball projectile. The following info was provided by the lead wildlife investigator Bob Thompson from Colorado Parks and Wildlife as well as the CPW Wildlife Regulations page:
#203 – Manner of Take A. The following are legal methods of take for all species and seasons listed in this chapter, except as otherwise noted. Any method of take not listed herein shall be prohibited, except as otherwise provided by statute or these regulations:
2. Muzzle-loading rifles and smoothbore muskets, provided the minimum caliber shall be forty (.40) for all big game except elk and moose when hunting with conical bullets and fifty (.50) caliber when hunting with round ball bullets.
The minimum caliber for elk and moose shall be fifty (.50) when hunting with conical bullets and fifty-four (.54) when hunting with round ball bullets. All muzzle-loading rifles and smoothbore muskets from forty (.40) caliber through fifty (.50) caliber must use a bullet of at least 170 grains in weight. All muzzle-loading rifles and smoothbore muskets greater than fifty (.50) caliber must use bullets of at least 210 grains in weight.
As stated above, the new minimum caliber for hunting elk and moose with a conical bullet is .50 caliber. The minimum caliber for hunting elk and moose with a round ball projectile has been raised to .54 caliber.
Thor Bullets are 100% legal in Colorado and meet all State hunting requirements for a muzzleloader projectile. If you have any questions about using Thor bullets on your Colorado muzzleloader hunt, please feel free to call us at 1-855-281-9000 and one of our customer service representatives can assist you!