Author Topic: Pellets vs. Loose Powder: Are they worth it? (Read 1497 times)

RandyWakeman · « **on:** December 17, 2003, 04:37:49 PM »

Triple Seven and Pyrodex pellets certainly cost more per shot than their loose powder equivalents, but they are quite popular. Are they worth it to you personally?

Wolfhound · « **Reply #1 on:** December 17, 2003, 04:56:24 PM »

Not really. I used to use em when I first started but have since quit using them. They're convienant and reliable (unless your shooting powerbelts out of a slightly oversized bore in cold weather with em :wink: ), but little more than that. I'm basically sticking to loose powder now. I get more bang (pun intended) for my buck.

Underclocked · « **Reply #2 on:** December 17, 2003, 05:47:32 PM »

NO :shock:

We have vials here, vials are the answer, little vials with caps, little vials that pour and empty easily, vials of loose powder - premeasured and easily carried. VIALS! :grin:

Besides, in a hunting condition where a quick reload is needed, I always throw one load on the ground just to get that part out of the way.

Dutch/AL · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2003, 06:21:43 PM »

I bought a box of pyrodex pellets and tried em, but never bought another. I like the convenience of being able to match my powder volume to a particular projectile. With the pellets I feel like I am compromising on accuracy. I guess if I found that exactly 100 grains was just right for a particular projectile, I could use em, but I feel better about measuring out my powder charges. To me, that's what going to the range and getting dialed in is all about.

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2003, 08:25:53 PM »

Quote from: Underclocked

Besides, in a hunting condition where a quick reload is needed, I always throw one load on the ground just to get that part out of the way.

Could you please upload a video clip of this fascinating, but little known technique in action?

big6x6 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 18, 2003, 02:06:43 AM »

Of course I use practically everything available. 777 ffg, 777 fffg, Pyrodex Select, Pyrodex RS, 777 .50 pellets, and both 777 and Pyrodex .45 pellets.

I usually try loose fffg 777 first. That is unless I'm low on fffg then I try ffg 777. If I can't get satisfactory groups with that I'll usually go to a 777 pellet in .50 or Pyrodex pellet in .45.

Old Cane · « **Reply #6 on:** December 19, 2003, 03:23:21 PM »

Yes, for me they are great. Yes, they cost a lot but i don't shoot a lot. I stuff some powerbelts in the empty slots and have a quick reload set up, you know in case I miss one. (Alfred E. Newman: "what, me miss?")

Omega · « **Reply #7 on:** December 19, 2003, 03:29:00 PM »

I love Pyro pellets. Even today, I shot right up to 125 grains of T7 and didn't come with in 150 FPS of 3 pellets. Accuracy, with loose T7 forget it! 1 and 3 will touch and 2 will be on my neighbors target, gad that disgusts me.

sheephunterab · « **Reply #8 on:** December 19, 2003, 03:30:54 PM »

For the convenience no but for the extra velocity, you bet! The extra 200-300 fps is worth it for me. :wink:

Old Cane · « **Reply #9 on:** December 19, 2003, 03:36:11 PM »

Do you mean from the same charge or because you can get 150g loads with the pellets? My CVA Optima says only go to 100g loose powder. For 150g loads use pellets. I'm using t7 and only use 100g. It is very mild to me and I'm a recoil sissy.

sheephunterab · « **Reply #10 on:** December 19, 2003, 04:12:19 PM »

No, 150 grains of Pyro pellets gives you 200-300fps more than 150 grains of loose Pyro. It has to do with the hole in the middle and the way the spark reaches the pellets.

contendernut · « **Reply #11 on:** December 19, 2003, 05:09:44 PM »

Quote from: Underclocked

We have vials here, vials are the answer, little vials with caps, little vials that pour and empty easily, vials of loose powder - premeasured and easily carried. VIALS!

UC,

Could you post the link where you ordered the vials? These are the ones where you have to order them by the 1000?

Dutch/AL · « **Reply #12 on:** December 19, 2003, 05:39:41 PM »

Well, looks like I am gonna have to get me some triple 7 pellets! :lol:

Underclocked · « **Reply #13 on:** December 19, 2003, 05:45:59 PM »

You bet! http://www.eandkscientific.com/scintillation_plastic.htm .

606017X - 7 ml with Screw Cap

They will hold a bit over 110 grains equivalent. I think Randy fixed some up with two T7 pellets and a PowerBelt for a handy load.

What do pellets cost? Last I knew they were about $35 for 100 pellets of 50 grain "equivalent" size. By weight I believe two of those pellets would be about 60 grains total measured weight (probably a bit less than that).

So, giving the benefit of the doubt.....

7000 grains/lb divided by (30 grains/pellet X 100 pellets/box) =

7000/3000 boxes = 2.33 boxes of pellets and at $35 per that would be $81.55 per pound of pellets!!! :eek:

I think I can make do with $20/lb loose powder....thankyouverymuch. :-)

Bullseye · « **Reply #14 on:** December 19, 2003, 05:59:01 PM »

Not worth it to me. I shoot it to much and am way to cheap. Loose all the way!

sheephunterab · « **Reply #15 on:** December 19, 2003, 06:16:07 PM »

Dutch/Al: You may not notice a big velocity difference between 100gr of T7 loose and pellets. It's with 150 grains of Pyro where you'll see the biggest difference.

jh45gun · « **Reply #16 on:** December 22, 2003, 01:00:25 AM »

Never used pellets first of all they are more expensive and you do not get as many shots. Also they limit your charge to what the pellets are in grains. I will stick with using a empty pill bottle or a commercial loader and use the loose powder that gives me more flexability.

woodseye · « **Reply #17 on:** December 22, 2003, 03:05:29 AM »

Quote

vials are the answer, little vials with caps, little vials that pour and empty easily, vials of loose powder - premeasured and easily carried. VIALS!

Thats the ticket for me. If that don't work try some small vials :wink:

woods

Old Cane · « **Reply #18 on:** December 22, 2003, 03:06:23 AM »

If they were $35 I never would have tried them. I am way too cheap. They are $20 at BPS and we happen to have one 5 miles from my office. That is just my luck. 100x50g=5000g which is 5/7 of one pound. I didn't price it loose by the pound but not having to pre-measure and worry about getting it all in is worth an extra 10 cents a shot to me. Your milage may vary.