Waksupi, I almost choked on coffee when I read that text about bullet-proof elk. 

I have a T/C Hawken with a T/C R/B 1-66" barrel.  It is far more accurate with the PRB's than the 1-48" barrel ever was with any elongated projectile that I tried, and at a variety of powder weights varying from 55 grains to 120 grains of Goex 2F.  I really can't find a "sweet spot", although things open up a bit at any weight past 100 grains.  Not greatly, but noticeably. 

Al, are you shooting 2F or 3F? Mine shows a definite preference to 3F.  Try out both grades. Also, try a tighter, and looser, patch. Pillow ticking that has been washed a few times is the standard. Avoid the store bought pre-cut patches. most of them are not good enough.

How much has the rifle been shot? It generally will take 4-500 shots from a ML to smooth out the barrel enough for top accuracy. I have a Judge Resley barrel that is so hard, it was still cutting patches after 500 rounds. So, I shot about ten shots with valve grinding compound on the patch, at low velocity. No more blown patches. It's a real tack driver, now.

Ric--

Haven't tried the 3F in the critter yet, but the loose vs. tight and .530" vs. 535" has been tried with pretty repeatable results, those being "pre-cuts" @ .010 + .535" balls giving the best so far.  I agree the washed pillow ticking is probably superior, and that will be next along with some 3F.  Those pre-cut monsters are more trouble than they are worth, and not real authentic either.  Both my 32 and the 54 prefer the .010"--is pillow ticking available that fine?  Seems like most runs about .015"-.018".

The barrel has some use prior to me trading for it.  Its owner was Kenny, the now-departed rangemaster friend that Buckshot speaks of frequently.  I sure miss him--hell of a fine man.  Those thin little patches don't cut in the barrel, and have the classic "cross" centered like it should be, and are only frayed at the edges.  The groups stay at or inside an inch at 50 yards/5 shots, so the combo works fairly well.  Of course, one of the occasional Burritoistas (Bearwalker) can beat that firing offhand with his .36, so there is room for refinement--as always.  Centering those pre-cuts is a PITA, whereas the ticking is "self-centering" via the patch knife.