AP sticks & WIDE velocity spread

[Varmint Hunter]

I've been using 777 (loose) for a few years now. I get 1,725 ft/sec when using a 100gr equivelent charge and a 300gr XTP sabot bullet in a Knight MK85. Velocity doesn't vary more than 25 ft/sec in either direction. I still find 777 to be dirty and was looking for a better alternative.

I bought a can of American Pioneer pellets. The stuff looks like broken off pieces on concrete and apparently has plenty of air space around the pellets when loaded. I fired 7 rounds without swabbing between shots and got velocities between 1,250 ft/sec & 1,700 ft/sec! Accuracy was poor with the 270gr Platinum Powerbelts that I was using at the time.

Anyone else have an experience like this with AP?

[Keith Lewis]

I found APP sticks to be very wide in weight and appearance. I also found they performed slightly better if crushed before shooting by loading the bullet with sufficient force to crush the sticks. Personally I will not use the sticks any more.

[alsaqr]

"I found APP sticks to be very wide in weight and appearance. I also found they performed slightly better if crushed before shooting by loading the bullet with sufficient force to crush the sticks."

Rifleman Magazine tested all the black powder substitutes and found exactly the same thing.  They also advise slightly crushing the sticks.     

[gt2003]

Not to be a smart azz but why not lose the sticks and go with loose powder?  I bet you would get better performance.  Buy a few quick loaders and pre-measure 2 or 3 loads before you go to the field.  Loading is pretty quick between shots and you'll have more confidence that your loads are equal. 

[Keith Lewis]

Not to be a smart azz but why not lose the sticks and go with loose powder?  I bet you would get better performance.  Buy a few quick loaders and pre-measure 2 or 3 loads before you go to the field.  Loading is pretty quick between shots and you'll have more confidence that your loads are equal. 

I think that is just about what we said also. Personally I find loose powder in premeasured containers just as easy to use as pellets or sticks and a lot cheaper.

[Varmint Hunter]

Not to be a smart azz but why not lose the sticks and go with loose powder?

Personally, I don't like pellets but it was the only APP or JS Gold that they had available. I've always used the 777 in powder form and had good results except for the fouling.

[poncaguy]

I use both in FFG, good accuracy and very clean in my Knight and Encore..............