|
|
Post by mission5 on Nov 11, 2014 11:22:37 GMT -5
So I had some trouble with my muzzleloader last year. Had really good shot placement on deer only to have them run forever. It even happened when I let others use my gun(with my powder and bullets as well). Lack of penetration? Lack of velocity? I have no idea, It just seemed like it lacked killing power. So I ask, what kind of powder do you guys suggest(Pyrodex,Triple Seven, etc) and what type of bullet should I be using to get the most out of my muzzle loader?
|
|
|
|
Post by drs on Nov 11, 2014 11:45:58 GMT -5
So I had some trouble with my muzzleloader last year. Had really good shot placement on deer only to have them run forever. It even happened when I let others use my gun(with my powder and bullets as well). Lack of penetration? Lack of velocity? I have no idea, It just seemed like it lacked killing power. So I ask, what kind of powder do you guys suggest(Pyrodex,Triple Seven, etc) and what type of bullet should I be using to get the most out of my muzzle loader? Mission5, I use the following: 90.0 grains (Volume) of triple "7" 250 grain .452" Hornady XTP Hollow Point bullet in a .50 Cal. (Black) sabot. Use a 209 shotgun primer. I've used this load for years taken seven Deer so far, all being one shot kills. Never had one to run more than a few yards. |
|
|
|
Post by HuntMeister on Nov 11, 2014 11:54:17 GMT -5
I would like to know what your powder type & charge, sabot and bullet selection was that you were having issues with.
|
|
|
|
Post by mission5 on Nov 11, 2014 12:30:00 GMT -5
I would like to know what your powder type & charge, sabot and bullet selection was that you were having issues with. Once I get back from class I'll get into my pack so I can give you the exact names of everything. |
|
|
|
Post by mission5 on Nov 11, 2014 12:49:07 GMT -5
250 grain .50 Spire point TC Shockwave Sabot
2 Hodgdons pyrodex pellets per load ( I believe they are 50 grains each?)
CCI primers
|
|
|
|
Post by dbd870 on Nov 11, 2014 13:46:15 GMT -5
In my 50 cal.: 100gr of ffg (Goex) and a 250gr Barnes Spit-Fire TMZ.
|
|
|
|
Post by HuntMeister on Nov 11, 2014 14:55:12 GMT -5
I have no first hand experience with the shockwave but 250 grain would be the minimum weight I would use with a BP 50 cal.
I have used the pyrodex pellets and decided they were not for me, much prefer loose powder to dial in a load that the rifle likes but that doesn't sound like aan issue for you. I do believe the pyrodex either gets "stale" over time or absorbs water, I dunno but I found out the hard way that some old pellets were not performing the same as a new box of them.
Before I went to a smokeless setup, I was really liking the Blackhorn 209 powder with a Barnes all copper bullet.
Hoping some more T/C owners can chime in on their experiences for you!
|
|
|
|
Post by hardwickbv on Nov 11, 2014 15:38:49 GMT -5
I use the same bullet and sabot with 100 grains loose 777 and 209 primer so long as it is put where it is supposed to be I have had no problems.
|
|
|
|
Post by squirrelhunter on Nov 11, 2014 15:40:14 GMT -5
I've got a Contender instead of Encore and it's a 45 Caliber instead of a 50 caliber so my info wouldn't be a lot of help.
|
|
|
|
Post by MuzzleLoader on Nov 11, 2014 17:17:53 GMT -5
TC Endeavor, 150 gr. (3pellets) of triple777 and a 250 gr Hornady SST low drag and a Remington 209 primer. Don't really need 150grs, I just tried it one day and never switched back. 100 gr. works fine (2pellets). Pellets?  Because when it's cold, I dont wanna spill loose powder everywhere or try to load it for a follow up shot. Loose works just fine if you like it. |
|
|
|
Post by dbd870 on Nov 11, 2014 17:40:14 GMT -5
Speedloaders have not been an issue to date for me.
|
|
|
|
Post by HighCotton on Nov 11, 2014 20:51:22 GMT -5
I've had my Encore since 1997. She's put down a deer 17 years in a row, all with the same load, the Hornady 240 grain XTP green sabot. Its basically a hollow point, 44 cal bullet over 2 Hodgdon triple seven 50 grain pellets. It is the deadliest deer weapon I have ever owned. The longest shot was a double lunged doe at 178 yards. I have experienced two kills that concerned me about the bullet. One had 2 entrance holes and I believe the bullet must have hit an object before the deer. The second did not have an exit...don't know a reason for that.
So this year, I have experimented and I have determined I will use the Hornady MonoFlex ML high speed low drag, 50 cal (.452), 250 grain red sabot with the flex tip technology. This over 2 triple seven pellets (100grains), has shown phenomenal accuracy at the range. Under one inch groups out to 100 yards! I will have to see how well they work on deer but I have a feeling they will do quite well.
All of that said, I would not hesitate to use my old green sabot load...how could I argue with 17 years in a row?!
|
|
|
|
Post by deadeer on Nov 12, 2014 1:03:18 GMT -5
Blackhorn209 powder, 100-120gr volume measured, Barnes 250gr TMZ or TEZ bullet, CCIM (magnum) or Federal 209A primers. You need to use a magnum primer with the BH209 powder. I can guarantee you will not believe what this load will do to a deer. I have shot thru and thru on several from point blank to 200yd with several being frontal shots, and exiting thru the back door! It will drive right thru both front shoulders if you get into them. You will not be disappointed.
Jay
|
|
|
|
Post by drs on Nov 12, 2014 5:25:09 GMT -5
I use the same bullet and sabot with 100 grains loose 777 and 209 primer so long as it is put where it is supposed to be I have had no problems. I've tried using those 50 grain pellets (two), both in Pyrodex & Triple "7" each being 50 grains. Found that the accuracy isn't quite as good then using loose Triple "7", especially when your load exceeds 100 grains (loose) or two 50 gr. pellets. |
|
|
|
Post by MuzzleLoader on Nov 12, 2014 7:50:56 GMT -5
I've had my Encore since 1997. She's put down a deer 17 years in a row, all with the same load, the Hornady 240 grain XTP green sabot. Its basically a hollow point, 44 cal bullet over 2 Hodgdon triple seven 50 grain pellets. It is the deadliest deer weapon I have ever owned. The longest shot was a double lunged doe at 178 yards. I have experienced two kills that concerned me about the bullet. One had 2 entrance holes and I believe the bullet must have hit an object before the deer. The second did not have an exit...don't know a reason for that. So this year, I have experimented and I have determined I will use the Hornady MonoFlex ML high speed low drag, 50 cal (.452), 250 grain red sabot with the flex tip technology. This over 2 triple seven pellets (100grains), has shown phenomenal accuracy at the range. Under one inch groups out to 100 yards! I will have to see how well they work on deer but I have a feeling they will do quite well. All of that said, I would not hesitate to use my old green sabot load...how could I argue with 17 years in a row?! I have used the Hornadys for awhile now, the holes it puts in deer is amazing! I have great accuracy with the pellets as well. |
|
|
|
Post by esshup on Nov 12, 2014 10:45:09 GMT -5
I've used the Hornady 250g SST bullets and the T/C Shockwave 250g bullets (NOT the bonded ones) with very good success. (Red tip for Hornady, yellow tip for T/C. From my understanding the blue tip T/C 250g bullets are the bonded ones.) Muzzle velocity is running from right around 2,000 fps to 2300 fps. MMP Black short sabot. As for powder, I can't help you there. I have heard that loose BP powder (and it's substitutes) is more accurate than the pellets due to the more consistent weight. It looks like what I heard was true by reading others experiences here with loose vs. pellets.
I use loose powder in my ML, and have no problem with spillage when using speed loaders or small plastic vials.
|
|
|
|
Post by drs on Nov 12, 2014 11:42:28 GMT -5
I've used the Hornady 250g SST bullets and the T/C Shockwave 250g bullets (NOT the bonded ones) with very good success. (Red tip for Hornady, yellow tip for T/C. From my understanding the blue tip T/C 250g bullets are the bonded ones.) Muzzle velocity is running from right around 2,000 fps to 2300 fps. MMP Black short sabot. As for powder, I can't help you there. I have heard that loose BP powder (and it's substitutes) is more accurate than the pellets due to the more consistent weight. It looks like what I heard was true by reading others experiences here with loose vs. pellets. I use loose powder in my ML, and have no problem with spillage when using speed loaders or small plastic vials. Are those spitzer type bullets fairly flat shooting? I've never tried them, and it would be nice to have a range improvement > 100 yards.  |
|
|
|
Post by esshup on Nov 12, 2014 19:08:18 GMT -5
|
|
Because when it's cold, I dont wanna spill loose powder everywhere or try to load it for a follow up shot. Loose works just fine if you like it. 
