So I tried Lil'Gun and seemed to have better results, good group, but still the same tendencies. Rem 7 1/2, 9.3 gr Lil'Gun, good crimp with LFC dies, 198 Lehigh Controlled Fracturing, 1011 fps.
BTW, one would think that a sub-sonic load shot through a suppressor would be relatively quiet, but...
Holy smokes, what a bull! A Euro of that bull would be cool, but it may be a challenge to get it in the pot without submerging any antler. Might have to be a bug thing.
Looks like the crewcab got a pre-runner front end, don't need that sheet metal, it just gets dented. Assume that he has all 8 cylinders powered up this trip?
Heck of a first elk, you are right, it may be hard to top, but sure you will try. May not really want to though, because they are so good to eat and fun to hunt.
I've always felt that tenderloins have been a bit more "gamey" due to being exposed to the blood/fluids during field dressing, rather than the blood staying within the muscle groups. I could be wrong, but maybe that has something to do with it??
Dawn dish soap and baking soda will not change the antler color. However, hydrogen peroxide will definitely take the staining out of the antlers. Never had a skull turn black like that. Did make a slight mistake on my elk this year. After getting the skull good and clean with numerous soap...