Pellet Powder Choices

[IL-Cornfed]

Hello guys and gals, new member here. I've been looking over many of the topics and posts here and it looks like a great forum with a bunch of knowledgeable folks. I was pointed to this forum as one that's loaded with great info, tips and tactics for the modern in-line shooter.

I have a question concerning powder choices. As mention in my threads title, I would like to stay with a pellet choice. With that in mind, what powder have you guys found to be the best performing? So what are you're thoughts and opinions on APP Shockey's Gold, Pyrodex, Triple 7, etc. ? I'm seeking the best powder to deliver a 250 grain T/C Shockwave in the 150 yard range from My Encore Pro Hunter.

Thanks for any and all feedback.

[Redhawk1]

First off welcome 

I have tried every formed powder available. I would only use the triple7 pellets. Saying that, I have switched to powder form for all my M/L shooting. I still use triple 7 powder though. Easy to find, everyone carries it and works the best in my Encores.

[IL-Cornfed]

Thanks for the welcome and the quick reply.

What is it about the Triple 7 that stands out? Is it more accurate with the different loads you've tried.  I have shot the APP JSG and the Pyrodex but have yet to try the Triple 7.  I was going to buy some last week but they only had the 50 grain pellets in stock so I ended up going tthe Pyrodex so I could experiement with the 50 and the 30 grain pellets. I've had a few folks swear that they got impressive results using 130 grains. What would you suggest?

I guess I really should get over my fear of trying loose powder and just buy some!

[Biff Mayhem]

That particular ML was designed and developed using Pyrodex. That brand is also the most economical for pellet use. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

[Redhawk1]

That particular ML was designed and developed using Pyrodex. That brand is also the most economical for pellet use. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Biff Mayhem,
Pyrodex was the powder used when the Encore first hit the market, but triple 7 was released shortly after and is just as good and in my case better than the Pyrodex. Trying different powder is not a bad thing, also finding out what works best in your particular gun is a no brainer.

IL-Cornfed, when you can get past the advice from some guys you will find, experimentation is the best thing. Try several different pellets and see what works for you. What worked for me with the triple 7 pellets was 2 of the 50 gr. pellets. With the loose powder I get more loads from a can of powder than I get from a package of pellets and the cost is a lot less. Plus with the powder, you can get a lot more loads to try and tailor it, to get the most from your particular gun. Not all guns shoot the same. But my Encore Pro-hunter loves 120 gr. of loose triple 7 the best. I am getting one inch groups on a regular bases at 100 yards with the 250 gr. bonded shockwave bullets.

[IL-Cornfed]

Redhawk1,

PM sent

[oldrookie]

My optima likes the 777 FFg loose powder better than the pellets. I used the pellets for the first 100 loads or so just to get used to the rifle. I switched to loose and my groups are more consistant. I think the loose burns hotter therefor quicker. My typical deer load is a 300g xtp pushed with 100g of 777 and a 777 primer. I also favor the harvester crushed sabot.

Good luck and have fun.

[poncaguy]

I use 120 grains of Shockey FFG Gold and 250 grain bullet, if I have to reload, I use 3 777 pellets. They both shoot close to the same POA. Other times I use the 348 grain Powerbelt and same powder load as above.  Z5 Omega and TC Encore.