FFFG Triple 7 Load For .50 Caliber CVA Wolf 209

[rlm2007x]

Hi.  My dad accidentally bought a can of FFFG Triple 7 powder for his .50 caliber CVA Wolf 209 rifle.  I've read that it is okay to use FFFG in rifles .50 caliber and under, but will the load need to be adjusted?  He is going after elk in a couple weeks, and was planning on using 120 grains of FFG Triple 7 with a Powerbelt 270 grain aerotip.  I've read that FFFG can produce pressures higher than FFG.  The maximum recommended load for the gun is 150 grains of black powder.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.  Robert

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

No need to use that much powder.

Try 80gr T7 3f and swab the bore clean between each shot, take note of the group and then up it to 90gr. I wouldn't see a need for a load over 110 grains.

[LanceR]

Why not call Western Powders at 406-234-0422 and ask them about the FFFg powder?

Their website shows 120 grain as the max charge but the data sheet does not show any difference based on particle size.

Lance

[Busta]

Why not call Western Powders at 406-234-0422 and ask them about the FFFg powder?

Their website shows 120 grain as the max charge but the data sheet does not show any difference based on particle size.

Lance

Lance,
 
Hodgdon makes Triple Se7en, not Western Powders. Western Powders markets Blackhorn 209.
 
rlm2007x
 
Triple Se7en FFFG is a fine powder, and will work just fine in a 50 caliber. Just reduce loads by 10%, as compared to FFg.
 
I would be much more concerned about his bullet choice than the powder. PowerBelts are great on paper, but on animals like elk, NOT SO MUCH! 120 grains of powder under a 270 gr PowerBelt is just asking for trouble. You are likely to experience bullet failure pushing any PowerBelt with that much powder. I have witnessed it first hand at 28 yards with 110 grains under a 295 gr PowerBelt. You can bet that he doesn't use those anymore.
 
I took my last Elk with 80 grains of Triple Se7en FFFG under a 430 gr White Super Slug at 46 yards with a NEF Huntsman. He traveled 56 yards and was DOA. Do your dad a big favor, by finding a better bullet, and get out of the MAGNUM powder mentality. 80-90 grains of that powder under a good bullet, is more than enough to take elk cleanly. I would suggest a 350 gr Hornady FPB, if he wants a copper washed bullet for hunting, or better yet the THOR all copper bullet. The CVA's are not recommended because of weight for shooting the best bullets IMO for elk, any 430 to 460 gr all lead conical.
 

 
 
 
 

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

CVA's can shoot the big 460 bullets, you are only going to be pushing them with 70-80gr Powder. I shoot the 440 Lee S&W 500 from my Optima was 70gr Blackhorn209 with excellent results. No need to shoot that bullet at game when i have a copper thor conical that delivers the job faster.

[Busta]

CVA's can shoot the big 460 bullets, you are only going to be pushing them with 70-80gr Powder. I shoot the 440 Lee S&W 500 from my Optima was 70gr Blackhorn209 with excellent results. No need to shoot that bullet at game when i have a copper thor conical that delivers the job faster.

I know they CAN, but what does the Owners Manual say for a maximum bullet weight? 400? 405?
 
That is why I mentioned the 350 gr Hornady FPB, and the THOR. I would opt for the 300 gr THOR if I was going that route, which is a good one, IMO.
 
Just remember, faster is not always BETTER!

[theratdog]

i tried  777 in my cva same amount of charge i use in pyrodex it would blow the bolt back and recock the rife i reduce loads now