muzzle loader loading question

mohr308 · October 17, 2012, 01:08 PM

This may seem like a dumb question but, can you use a loose powder for loading a muzzle loader other than pellets? I'm asking this here because it's in the area of reloading in a way.

**Brian Pfleuger** · October 17, 2012, 01:12 PM

If you're referring to the same powders we use to load rifle cartridges, the answer is a resounding NO!, with the exception of the Savage ML-10, ML-10II muzzleloaders and a few aftermarket barrels for TC Encore/Contenders.

If you're referring to a powder designed for muzzleloaders, well, yeah,

it's called "Black Powder", and various substitutes.

Doyle · October 17, 2012, 01:19 PM

What Brian said. Plus, I'll add that most people get greater accuracy out of loose power than they do with pellets. Contrary to what it would seem, pellets are actually less consistent than a carefully measured loose powder load.

mohr308 · October 17, 2012, 01:37 PM

thats all i was looking for, I dont own a muzzle loader but want one. Because I reload I figured you could tweak your loads for accuracy. My good friend has a muzzy and uses pellets and has poor accuracy. Im looking into getting a TC 40 cal, not sure of model or anything. Is there a good starting point for powders? Brand etc? I think i might use Barnes bullets.

mohr308 · October 17, 2012, 01:41 PM

ok, so I guess TC doesnt have a 40cal? hmm

Doyle · October 17, 2012, 02:36 PM

Why would you want a .40 caliber? Industry standard for a modern in-line is .50 (which uses .45 cal bullets in a sabot). .45 cals are available but have far less of a following than .50's (meaning finding supplies to fit a .45 is also tougher).

Rebel9793 · October 17, 2012, 03:13 PM

CVA also makes a good muzzle loader, and cheaper than TC in most cases. Its usually a toss up between .50 and .45 cal. I shoot a .50cal cause its easier to find components for, but it also has a bit more power. the .45 cal shoots a little flatter. I shoot Hogdon Triple Seven 50gr pellets (150gr loads) and a 250gr Hornady SST sabot and it cuts about 1" groups at 100 yards open sights

PA-Joe · October 17, 2012, 06:15 PM

Yes, you can improve the accuracy of a ML by finding the sweet podwer charge. Most target shooters use 50-60 grains of powder to get the best groups. This will also take down most NA game. You don't need 150 grains of BP. Real BP would also be my first choice.

mrawesome22 · October 17, 2012, 06:40 PM

I would love to get my hands on a 45 cal. Can't say I've even seen one.

I'd trade 2 of my 50's for a 45.....

Edit: Be very careful with that 777. The suger ring/can't seat bullet deep enough/barrel obstruction is very real with that stuff. Bought some of the pellets a few years back. 3 shots and I was done with it. Put a mark on your ramrod to be certain you get seated deep enough. Plus it didn't have the wonderful rotten egg smell.

g.willikers · October 17, 2012, 06:57 PM

TC has made .45s.
I once had one, a traditional design with external percussion hammer.
It had a vernier rear sight, a globe front sight and double triggers.
Yeah, I know, I should have kept it.

Doyle · October 18, 2012, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Edit: Be very careful with that 777. The suger ring/can't seat bullet deep enough/barrel obstruction is very real with that stuff. Bought some of the pellets a few years back. 3 shots and I was done with it. Put a mark on your ramrod to be certain you get seated deep enough. Plus it didn't have the wonderful rotten egg smell.

This brings up one of "Doyle's tricks" to get good accuracy. When shooting at the range ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, remove the breech plug and do a wet swab between every shot. That is the only way you can be 100% assured that the shot you make on a deer (from a totally clean barrel) will match with what you sighted in.

mohr308 · October 18, 2012, 10:57 AM

^^^good advice

October 17, 2012, 01:08 PM	#1
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 340	muzzle loader loading question This may seem like a dumb question but, can you use a loose powder for loading a muzzle loader other than pellets? I'm asking this here because it's in the area of reloading in a way. __________________ Lock and load, the zombies (democrats) are coming (to take your guns)!

October 17, 2012, 01:12 PM	#2
Brian Pfleuger Staff Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Central, Southern NY, USA Posts: 14,514	If you're referring to the same powders we use to load rifle cartridges, the answer is a resounding NO!, with the exception of the Savage ML-10, ML-10II muzzleloaders and a few aftermarket barrels for TC Encore/Contenders. If you're referring to a powder designed for muzzleloaders, well, yeah, it's called "Black Powder", and various substitutes. __________________ Still happily answering to the call-sign Peetza. --- You do not HAVE a soul. You ARE a soul. You HAVE a body. -C.S. Lewis He is no fool who gives what he can not keep to gain what he can not lose. -Jim Eliott, paraphrasing Philip Henry.

October 17, 2012, 01:37 PM	#4
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 340	thats all i was looking for, I dont own a muzzle loader but want one. Because I reload I figured you could tweak your loads for accuracy. My good friend has a muzzy and uses pellets and has poor accuracy. Im looking into getting a TC 40 cal, not sure of model or anything. Is there a good starting point for powders? Brand etc? I think i might use Barnes bullets. __________________ Lock and load, the zombies (democrats) are coming (to take your guns)!

October 17, 2012, 01:41 PM	#5
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 340	ok, so I guess TC doesnt have a 40cal? hmm __________________ Lock and load, the zombies (democrats) are coming (to take your guns)!

October 17, 2012, 06:40 PM	#9
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	I would love to get my hands on a 45 cal. Can't say I've even seen one. I'd trade 2 of my 50's for a 45..... Edit: Be very careful with that 777. The suger ring/can't seat bullet deep enough/barrel obstruction is very real with that stuff. Bought some of the pellets a few years back. 3 shots and I was done with it. Put a mark on your ramrod to be certain you get seated deep enough. Plus it didn't have the wonderful rotten egg smell. Last edited by mrawesome22; October 17, 2012 at 06:47 PM.

October 17, 2012, 01:19 PM	#3
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Bradenton, Fl Posts: 4,128	What Brian said. Plus, I'll add that most people get greater accuracy out of loose power than they do with pellets. Contrary to what it would seem, pellets are actually less consistent than a carefully measured loose powder load.

October 17, 2012, 02:36 PM	#6
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Bradenton, Fl Posts: 4,128	Why would you want a .40 caliber? Industry standard for a modern in-line is .50 (which uses .45 cal bullets in a sabot). .45 cals are available but have far less of a following than .50's (meaning finding supplies to fit a .45 is also tougher).

October 17, 2012, 03:13 PM	#7
Rebel9793 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 121	CVA also makes a good muzzle loader, and cheaper than TC in most cases. Its usually a toss up between .50 and .45 cal. I shoot a .50cal cause its easier to find components for, but it also has a bit more power. the .45 cal shoots a little flatter. I shoot Hogdon Triple Seven 50gr pellets (150gr loads) and a 250gr Hornady SST sabot and it cuts about 1" groups at 100 yards open sights

October 17, 2012, 06:15 PM	#8
PA-Joe Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: NEPA Posts: 661	Yes, you can improve the accuracy of a ML by finding the sweet podwer charge. Most target shooters use 50-60 grains of powder to get the best groups. This will also take down most NA game. You don't need 150 grains of BP. Real BP would also be my first choice.

October 17, 2012, 06:57 PM	#10
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 2,544	TC has made .45s. I once had one, a traditional design with external percussion hammer. It had a vernier rear sight, a globe front sight and double triggers. Yeah, I know, I should have kept it. __________________ Lock the doors, they're coming in the windows.

October 18, 2012, 10:57 AM	#12
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 340	^^^good advice __________________ Lock and load, the zombies (democrats) are coming (to take your guns)!