Gun Problems with 777????

[smoky]

I was in a local sporting goods store yesterday (got an unbelievable deal on some alpine binos!!) and was discussing in-lines.  The store, which has a deep inventory of muzzle loading rifles and supplies said that they were unsure about their continued stocking of 777 (loose and pellets) due to various manufacturer statements of barrel and breech plug damage from the 777 being "too hot".  Not a "one-shot explosion danger" mind you, but rather a rapid wearing out of the firearm itself from exposure to repeated use of the 777 product.  The store manager claimed that the manufacturers, cava, Knight, and T/ca have all made statements of warning or outright opposition to the use of 777 in their firearms.

This is the first I have heard of this and have had no problems with 777 in my encore and wolverine rifles, other than dealing with the "crud ring" on occasion.

I just wanted to throw this out and see what all of you had to say.  I'm looking forward to comments and discussion on this.

Regards,

Smoky

[tscott]

I'm with you!!! Bought a pound of 777 on sale, after season some years ago. I have used it in CVA, Traditions, NEF (Huntsman).... Never exceeding 90 gr. Once my guns are zeroed, they shoot only deer. I continue to have fine accuracy, and very quick deer kills. Obviously I do not have a lot of time at the range. I'm sticking with 777 and powerbelts,
but I'd be interested what you range guys think... Thanks, Scotty

[Redhawk1]

Sounds like that dealer is a little out there. I shoot my Muzzloader a lot. And I do mean a lot.  I have tried almost all the brands of bullets out there for my 50 cal ML. I know I have well over 700 to 800 rounds out of my Encore ML. I have not had one problem other than the normal crud ring, which I solved with the 25ACP breech plug. And I have only used triple7 in my Encore.  I also never read any warning from any of the manufactures to not using triple7.  

[astrix]

Over 1500 bullets through my Sidekick,over 500
through my Omega,and over 700 through my
Encore and nothing is wearing out with most of
these shots with 777.NEF and T/C both recomme-
nded 777 to me when these guns were purchased.

[Keith Lewis]

I was in a local sporting goods store yesterday (got an unbelievable deal on some alpine binos!!) and was discussing in-lines.  The store, which has a deep inventory of muzzle loading rifles and supplies said that they were unsure about their continued stocking of 777 (loose and pellets) due to various manufacturer statements of barrel and breech plug damage from the 777 being "too hot".  Not a "one-shot explosion danger" mind you, but rather a rapid wearing out of the firearm itself from exposure to repeated use of the 777 product.  The store manager claimed that the manufacturers, cava, Knight, and T/ca have all made statements of warning or outright opposition to the use of 777 in their firearms.

This is the first I have heard of this and have had no problems with 777 in my encore and wolverine rifles, other than dealing with the "crud ring" on occasion.
It would be interesting to see what your store guy is recommending since 777 is probably the most popular synthetic at this time. Personally I don't like it as the crud ring in my Omega is heavy and the .25ACP conversion makes it a little better but still a big pain for me. I am playing with Black Mag'3 and Goex Pinnacle with BM3 shooting the best for me at this time. These two are difficult to find on any store shelf.

I just wanted to throw this out and see what all of you had to say.  I'm looking forward to comments and discussion on this.

Regards,

Smoky

[Wolfhound]

I was in a local sporting goods store yesterday (got an unbelievable deal on some alpine binos!!) and was discussing in-lines.  The store, which has a deep inventory of muzzle loading rifles and supplies said that they were unsure about their continued stocking of 777 (loose and pellets) due to various manufacturer statements of barrel and breech plug damage from the 777 being "too hot".  Not a "one-shot explosion danger" mind you, but rather a rapid wearing out of the firearm itself from exposure to repeated use of the 777 product.  The store manager claimed that the manufacturers, cava, Knight, and T/ca have all made statements of warning or outright opposition to the use of 777 in their firearms.

This is the first I have heard of this and have had no problems with 777 in my encore and wolverine rifles, other than dealing with the "crud ring" on occasion.

I just wanted to throw this out and see what all of you had to say.  I'm looking forward to comments and discussion on this.

Regards,

Smoky

If that were true, do you think the Knight shooting team would be using it?

http://www.hodgdon.com/stories/tripleseven/nmlramatch-2004.php

http://www.hodgdon.com/stories/tripleseven/nmlramatch.php

[bubba]

I was on the t/c site and found nothing about them saying not to use it.  In fact when I got my encore they recommended it.  As well as it shoots I will take my chances

[Buckskin]

I find it very hard to believe that 777 is too hot.

[K.K.]

I tried my new Encore with three 777 pellets and it would not group.  When I cut the charge to 100 grains, the holes were touching each other in the bulls-eye at 100 yards.  I have had the same issues with pyrodex as well.  It seems, at least for my rifle, that 100 grains shoots better (maybe more consistent burning).  What sold me on 777 is the accuracy, ease of loading, and easy clean-up.  It's a good product in my book, and certainly not "too hot".

[slayer]

Yes, those claims seam a little far fetched. The only complaint I seam to hear about 777 is the Crud Ring, and the accuracy with 150 grain load being not as good as a 100 grain load. Well, with a couple different small pistol and small rifle primer adapters available, the crud ring has been kept in check, so 777 seams to be pretty good, well, except for the high price :eek: I shoot Blackpowder and occasional Pyrodex, so it is quite a bit cheaper. Jack.

[AndyHass]

Inline barrels and centerfire barrels are made from similar (same?) alloys.  Smokeless loads are far, far hotter than ANY BP or BP replacement, 777 included.  Look at how hot a load you have to put together to burn out a centerfire barrel in a reasonably small number of shots.  You really have to shoot fast varmint rounds to worry about it.  SO I can't believe this about 777.

[Buckskin]

I had issues with the crud on my encore, but since going to the 25 acp breach plug these problems are minumized.  Also improving was the accuracy.  I could not shoot 150gr of 777 before the conversion, i settled for 120.  Now there is little difference from 120-150 grains as far a paper goes.