Backing off on the powder....

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mookie2112

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So....I'm taking a break from loose powder and trying the Hodgden Pyrodex 50 grain pellets. Seems like everyone does 2 pellets, so, I started with 2 (100 grains total).

Today, for some reason, I tried only ONE pellet, and I must say, I liked the result more. Less kick. Seems to group better (at least for me).

When I go back to powder, I think I'm going to cut my charge down a bit.

Anyone else using a lighter load of pellets/powder?

Traditions Tracker .50 cal.
 
Mookie Nnoooo... Step away from the pellets. Deep breath. Drink of water. You'll be ok in a minute. JK. Ron Laughlin is famous for his 50 grain bullet tests. No doubt 50 is an effective load but like Encore said. Reduced range. Depending on your bullet it may be as short as 50yds. are you planning to hunt with it or target shootin?
 
Here is the target my grandson shot with his 451 White M97 with his load of 60gr of 777-3F shooting the Lyman Gould HP bullet that weighs approx 346 or 347 gr. Unfortunately, he did not harvest a deer last year with it, but he has shot several with either 50 to 55gr of 777-3F with the same bullet. All deer either were DRT or within a short distance.
Rylan.jpg
 
T7 pellets shoot better in my wolf than any other powder , I used 2 pellets for 100 gr. equiv. and have made several kills over 150 yds, 295 powerbelt HP. but I bought those pellets fresh every year too. have gone to SML since.
 
Here is the target my grandson shot with his 451 White M97 with his load of 60gr of 777-3F shooting the Lyman Gould HP bullet that weighs approx 346 or 347 gr. Unfortunately, he did not harvest a deer last year with it, but he has shot several with either 50 to 55gr of 777-3F with the same bullet. All deer either were DRT or within a short distance.
View attachment 9906
I remember that target!
 
All of my patched ball flintlock long rifles shot stellar groups with what are now considered to be mild-to-moderate black powder charges. All of the barrels were 40"-42" long.

1. .45 cal. Douglas, 1:48" -- 55 grains
2. .50 cal. Getz, 1:48" -- 60 grains
3. .62 cal. Getz, 1:56" -- 70 grains
 
I have tried many loads over the years for my Whitelightings (have 2) and always go back to 65 grs 777/fff no matter what the bullet weight. I use 456 gr pure lead I make myself or sabot 240 gr XTP's or Nosler the same weight. My max distance shooting game is 100 yards usually less.

In my Whitetail .451 I use 60 grs 777/fff with 420 gr pure lead bullets.

Oh. I forgot, I don't like or use patches in any of my muzzleloaders. 🕶
 
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T7 pellets shoot better in my wolf than any other powder , I used 2 pellets for 100 gr. equiv. and have made several kills over 150 yds, 295 powerbelt HP. but I bought those pellets fresh every year too. have gone to SML since.
In your post you mentioned 295 grain PB's. I bought some of them at Walmart a couple months ago for cheap. Shot a few of them in my Traditions deerhunter rifle recently and thought they shot very well. You mentioned that you have taken deer with them so I think you are happy with their performance.
 
deermanok, yes I was advised by a man that had the same gun as mine to try them back when I was trying different bullets, he said the HP 295's not the polymer tipped ones shoot good for some people he knew with wolf's. I have flattened about 10 deer with them and maybe 5 over 140 yds. I remember 162, 187, 140 etc. anyway they are soft and shouldn't be pushed harder than 2 pellets of 50 gr. T7, they do come apart quite a bit even at 187 yds I found the back half of the bullet in the off side hide, with deep rifling engraved in it. It drops right fast past 130 yds but always seems to be right down the middle, not left and right. I shot a buck at 162 yds walking and I knew when I shot that I was back some in the mid section etc. and it was but he only went 20 yds. I would stay off the shoulder though. I spent 300 dollars on blackhorn powder and plug, and fancy bullets trying to get a better bullet to shoot only to come back to those 295 hp's with the green skirt. I would try the 300 gr. red tipped black ones though they wouldnt do as well in mine. I bought a cva conversion after the season last year from Hank's so maybe the wife will use the wolf if she goes. I put alot of lead weight in the front and rear stock too. I sit on the ground and use shooting sticks as I am disabled nowadays and can barely walk, kip
 
I couldn't believe that at 187 yds, 2 pellets of T7 would push that big bullet hard enough for it to shed all but 3/8" or so of the back end of the bullet. I have made neck shots on a few deer at around 100-120 yds with that bullet too. some say the 270 platinums are good bullets and I believe that too, just depends on what agrees with your gun. they would hold together better I believe, but that softer green skirt just feels right pushing down my barrel, and my barrel has tight and loose spots too so I dont have a special gun, lol
 

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