Max load for barrels?

[revbc]

Are the 24"barrels capable of shooting 150 grains mounted on a centerfire rifle frame.  I know the newer 26" barrels can.  Just wondering if anyone knows.

Thanks
Bobby

[Busta]

The straight answer is NO! The shorter tubes probably wouldn't be able to burn that much powder with the current ignition anyways.

I have a 2003 24" Stainless Steel Huntsman, and the Owners Manual has Recommended loads for best accuracy, none are over 100 grains. I have found no benefit of shooting over 100 grains of powder in any of my rifles. If you want some horsepower, get some 777 FFFG or if you can find Black Mag'3 and put 100 grains in there. I'll bet you will not benefit from anything more than that. 100 grains by volume of 777 FFFg is the equivalent of about 120 grains of Black Powder.

I shoot up to 100 grains with light saboted bullets, but 80 grains of 777 FFFG under a 460 grain conical will do the trick on any animal in CONUS.

Here is what my Huntsman Manual lists for loads.

[Busta]

Almost forgot. A muzzleloader barrel with a threaded breach plug, contains all the pressure in the barrel itself. A rifle (SB2) frame would not change anything with this type of design. If it had a push in breach plug, then the frame strength would come into play, since there would be pressure against the standing breach.

[ftw]

I just got my receiver back from H&R with a new Huntsman .50 cal barrel. My manual shows 120 grns for loose powder and 150 for pellets. 250-490 max weight conicals and 200-300 for sabots.

100 grns will work for me just like it always has in my other MLs but it is good to know it can take more.