Silly question

[horst]

I gotta ask something.I been shootimng 90 grains of 777 through my Knight for two years.The gun kicks like a mule with this load but I get very good groups.My son used it this year for the early season.I had to bring the load down to 75 grains for him to handle the recoil.But after dropping the load 15 grains we didnt even have to adjust the scope, it shot out to about 90 yrds anyway, just like it did with the higher load.Never really tried it out past that range to see what it did past 100 yrds.

My question is, is there any reason I should continue to shoot 90 grains of powder when Im getting the same results with less recoil at 75 grains?I dont shoot long distances at deer much, matter of fact muzzleloading Ive only killed one deer that was farther out than 40 yrds.I like to get close, but still want to be able to shoot out to around 100 yrds if the need should arise.So am I losing enough energy by dropping the load to 75 to worry about?Just wondering, the gun kicks so bad Ive laid my nose open on 3 occasions in 3 yrs with it, my fault for getting to close to the scope I know but still

[David_218]

Re: Silly question

First: There is NO such thing as a "Silly Question" when it comes to any type firearm use. I also own a Knight MK-85 .50 caliber, but use 90.0 GRS (VOLUME) Pyrodex RS "Loose Powder", and a saboted .452" Hornady XTP 250 grain bullet. Accuracy is excellent! I've never had any good useful accuracy using "777" powder in my Knight, but it works fine in my T/C Black Diamond . I would suggest, since you are receiving the best accuracy with 90 grains of powder that you stick with this load. I don't know what type bullet you're using but it seems like it is compatable with your current load. However if you like to experiment try using Pyrodex RS around 80 grs. (VOLUME) and see what happens. <GOOD LUCK!>

[horst]

Re: Silly question

I used pyrodex for years, I like 777 because it seems to clean up a lot easier.Accuracy was almost identical between the two loads, 90 and 75 shot the same.I was more concerned about how much energy Id be losing by dropping the load by 15 grains.

note: With 75 grains of 777 at 80-90 yrds my son shot a deer in the shoulder, the bullet went all the way through and took out both shoulder blades but didnt mushroom at all.That was with Hornady 240 grain XTP mags.With the higher powder and the same grain bullet Ive been getting very good mushroom but the bullet usually didnt come back out, it winds up lodged under the skin on the far side.The only difference between them other than powder was one was a 44 cal bullet and one was a 45 cal.

[wtnhunt]

Re: Silly question

Chris, I shoot 120 grains pyro with the 240 grain tc xtp mags. Think they are the same pistol bullet you are shooting. Have my daughter shooting the same bullets with 90 grains of powder for practice. I dont plan on telling her that I will load a normal charge when she hunts this weekend. She will likely have an extra layer of clothing on to help pad some anyways.

Not sure how much the penetration and the mushrooming might be affected by the lesser load, but I am sure it would have some affect. Might try shooting with both loads into milk jugs lined up to be able to compare how much difference you actually get.

[AJ]

Re: Silly question

[ QUOTE ]

There's too much inconsistency with XTP"Mag" bullets when using a "non-Mag" powder charge. Buy the "regular" XTPs in the bulk bullet reloading aisle of gun stores... then buy the appropriate 50-pk plastic sabot for that bullet.

I believe the Hornady 240 XTP Mag bullet is 45-cal... the 240 T/C Mag Express Sabot is 44-cal (I think... not 100% sure since I don't use them). i do know that the T/Cs in 44-cal are a special design "Mag" bullet produced by Hornady. They are not available in the bulk bullet aisle.

Remember

Not shooting magnum powder charges?... don't buy the thicker clad XTP Mag bullet.... stay with the regular XTPs.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree. I would not shoot the XTP Mag in a standard muzzleloader. The plain XTP will work better since your velocity is lower. The Mag has a thicker copper jacket allowing it to stand up to the higher velocity. This also makes it harder to open.

[lil hunter]

Re: Silly question

[ QUOTE ]

note: With 75 grains of 777 at 80-90 yrds my son shot a deer in the shoulder, the bullet went all the way through and took out both shoulder blades but didnt mushroom at all.That was with Hornady 240 grain XTP mags.With the higher powder and the same grain bullet Ive been getting very good mushroom but the bullet usually didnt come back out, it winds up lodged under the skin on the far side.The only difference between them other than powder was one was a 44 cal bullet and one was a 45 cal.

[/ QUOTE ]

I believe the 44 caliber bullets you were shooting are just XTp. NOt the Mags. A couple years ago we accidentaly bought the wrong ones. I don't think hornady makes a 44. cal xtp/mag, only 45. Check your box and see what it says.

[Guest gt2003]

Re: Silly question

Change to Precision Rifle bullets. Dang, you'd think I was their spokesman by now. I shot 300 grain XTP's for a couple of years with 90 grains of pyrodex RS. They grouped GREAT but didn't do much damage when they hit deer. I lost a few deer and figured it was the muzzleloader. I literally almost gave up muzzleloading. Come to find out it was the bullet. AJ turned me on to the precision rifle all lead bullets and they are absolutely incredible. I shot a deer during muzzleloader. Heck, instead of running he simply fell over dead. I was shooting a 220 grain bullet (pr dead center) with 100 grains of pyrodex 777 ffg powder. The monstrous entrance hole was about 2 inches wide by 4-5 inches long. It was so good I'm considering shooting my muzzleloader during rifle season here. I had the monkey on my back for a few years with my muzzleloader. I'm ready to get rid of the monkey for good. There may not be enough time for a bullet change this year but try these suckers next year. Cabelas has the best price on them. Good luck to you and your daughter. Take care, Greg

[AJ]

Re: Silly question

[ QUOTE ]

Change to Precision Rifle bullets....Cabelas has the best price on them.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, if you buy them in bulk from Precision Rifle, the cost is not too bad. I buy them 125 count every few years. Go in with some buddies and place a bulk order.

[horst]

Re: Silly question

Ok, so what Im getting outta this is its ok to lower the powder load but I need to switch bullets.AJ where do you buy them in bulk from? Lil, I know the 44s werent the mags, guesse I was a little unclear on that, the 44s mushroomed great, the 45 mags didnt mushroom at all.Was not aware the mags were for magnum charges, its all they carried over there so its what I got, looks like Ill have to order some new bullets through the mail or drive up to Cabellas

[Guest gt2003]

Re: Silly question

Horst, the website is www.prbullet.com . It'll tell you all you need to know about the bullets. They also have a toll free# and will gladly answer any questions you have.