Maximum Powder Charge

[bayman1975]

Can someone tell me what the maximum powder charge is for a Huntsman using Pyrodex pellets?  I'm currently using 130 gr., but was wondering if I can safely use 150 gr..  I've got an elk hunt coming up in December and thought I might need to extended range.

[Keith Lewis]

Can someone tell me what the maximum powder charge is for a Huntsman using Pyrodex pellets?  I'm currently using 130 gr., but was wondering if I can safely use 150 gr..  I've got an elk hunt coming up in December and thought I might need to extended range.
/quote]

Depends on what model you have. The earlier models had a larger breechplug and I believe the maximum loads were set lower than the later ones with smaller breechplugs. It also is relative to the barrel length. NEF felt the shorter barrel would not burn any more powder efficiently than the maximum that they listed. With all the new powders available it is wise to check specifically with the manufacturer but with the NEF situation I am not sure they are still in control. The Huntsman has been discontinued and even the Sidekicks are becomming rare. I hunt elk and have never needed more than 90gr. of powder with a 300gr. bullet but I try to limit my range to 120 yards.

[john keyes]

thats one of reasons I wish I had a chrono to see if velocity maxes out somewhere and extra powder is not getting burned.

[Swampman]

Best accuracy, & max velocity rarely go hand in hand.

[bayman1975]

Thanks guys.  Mine is a SB2 rifle with a .50 cal. muzzleloader barrel I purchased a few years ago.  It shoot great at 130 gr. 

[kevinsmith5]

What weight bullet are you using?  If it is 250 gr or up and accurate I'd leace well enough alone.

[petemi]

I always shot my traditional MLs over snow to see if they were blowing out unburned powder.  I don't believe you can overload a ML with powder, but you can with projectile(s).  I think, the extra powder will just blow out, unburned, and a heavy lead load, combined with lots of fuel will cause pressure problems......Busta, please correct me if I'm wrong. 

I shoot my .50 huntsman with two 50 gr. Tripple Seven pellets and a 470 gr. Maxi-Hunter.  It shoots well and should do an elk just fine. I've never tried 3 (150 gr. total) There's about a 3 foot drop with that 2 pellet load at 300 yards, and I don't think that will improve much with more powder.  I'd plan on getting up close and personal.  Pete

[jcn59]

My .50 cal. Huntsman shot a 300 grain sabot just under 1500 fps with (2) 50 grain triple 7 pellets and around 1850 fps with 3.  The powder was a couple years old.  The 150 grain load shot well.