I took up ML last year. Had a blast and got a nice doe. No elk, but it was fun. This year did it again and have seen tons of deer, no elk. I am waiting for late season and should at least fill my deer tag. Too many deer seen so far not to. I am really hoping to get a shot at an elk. I spoke with the guys at Sportco and Puyallup Valley taxidermy and ML supply. They were very helpful. I decided to stay with the easy route. Powerbelt bullets and Pyrodex pellets. I shoot an inline ML. Pellets will not work in side locks I have been told. I can reload my rifle in less then 10 seconds and have found that if you keep everything dry, you should have no misfire problems. Oh, carry a deer call too. I was amazed how many deer on a dead run will stop and lock at who the heck just bleated at them. I keep mine set on doe. I am planning on deer on the 19th, that is when the Rainer Tree farm reopens for me. Elk is the 24th and I have not decided between areas yet. I may hit 667.