Thinking about loose powder

[Goinghuntin]

I'm thinking about switching from pelletized pyrodex to the loose stuff. Are there any advantages to loose powder over the pellets, or does it really not matter?

Nathan

[Orion_70]

I'm pretty new to ML myself, but I prefer loose powder over pelletized. It gives me the ability to tailor a load that my gun likes to shoot. I currently shoot 110 gr. 777 in my TC pro hunter and it shoots like a dream.

[Tecumseh]

Loose powder is the way to go in my opinion, You can custom taylor the load for your gun.

[Goinghuntin]

I love the convenience of pelletized powder but loose powder has more of an appeal to me. I ordered a range flask and powder measure so I'll try them out and see how I like them. I still have about 20 or so pellets left that I'll use of the range tomorrow though Can't leave 'em layin around.

Nathan

[wtnhunt]

Loose powder allows you to play with the loads and see what will work best with your setup and bullet choice. You can change in increments of 5 grains and see what groups best in your gun, cannot do that with pellets.

[muzzy1]

I shoot triple 7 loose powder and like it way more than the pellets. 100gr 777 and 250gr shockwave is deadly out of my gun!!!!!

[dbHunterNY]

...what they said. i've got 30gr and 50gr 777 pellets to mix and match, but you're still limited. I've been in contact with Don Luhr from Western Powders and I might be switching to loose powder soon. Keep premeasured amounts with you in the field, don't spill, and the inconvenience factor goes down.

[Goinghuntin]

Yeah I think I'll try some loose powder next time I'm at the range, try out a few different measurements and see how it works out.

Nathan

[dbHunterNY]

http://www.realtree.com/forums/showthread.php?t=903

If you haven't yet, you may want to read this first. It's the stickied thread in the muzzleloader room.

[Ethan Givan]

I have heard that the pellets are rather inconsistent. Measuring your loads with loose powder is more accurate and I think you will see better accuracy out of your gun.

[johnp034]

If you use loose powder, try BlackHorn 209. Cleanest burning powder on the market. I can fire 30, 40, 50 shots without swabbing or cleaning and accuracy is not affected a bit. Its pricier than 777, but trying loading after 3-4 shots with 777 and you'll see the difference. 100 grs., 200 gr. Hornady XTP, 1 1/2-2" groups all day long.

John{

[Orion_70]

I want to try the BH 209 this year but haven't seen many stores around here carry it. The hazmat shipping on it is nuts so ordering it is out imho. It's definitely on the pricey side, but might be worth it. I've read lots of good things about it.

[Nickel]

When I shot pellets I found it hard to tell what side was the darker side to put down the barrel first when it was dark. Also the powder is way cheaper to shoot than pellets. I would strongly recomend pyrodex black powder it shoots fairly clean.

[Goinghuntin]

Also the powder is way cheaper to shoot than pellets.

I have noticed that and that is one of the reasons I'm considering switching. I checked at Gander Mountain this morning but they were in between moving aisles around so I couldn't find any powder. Oh well, try again later I guess.

Nathan

[Adjam5]

I have certain BP guns that prefer certain powders. My 20 year old T/C Thunderhawk will only shoot loose powder accurately. For some strange reason with even pyrodex pellets it is all over the place. Put 90 grs of Pyrodex RS down its throat, and it drives nails. My CVA don't like loose powder, only 777 pellets.

I think one gets a better burn with loose powder. More surface area with all the nooks and crannies from the granules to catch fire when the primer ignites. That what the hole in the pellets is supposed to offer. A burn spot to assist from the inside out.