Powder?

[Big Blue]

Being new to BP shooting, I'm somewhat bewildered by the choices of powders available. I have a new inline, and will probably end up shooting sabot rounds, but want to try powerbelts. Pyrodex, 777, granular, or pellets, which should I use? Or should I stay with black powder? I plan on using this rifle for deer hunting. Thanks!
Don

[jgalar]

777 in FF to start

[Wolfhound]

IMO, you can't go wrong with Triple Seven. I prefer the loose as it is much cheaper and far easier to tune loads. With Triple Seven you do usually need to swab between shots when using 209 primer fired ignition. With sabots though you always need to swab between shots. With Powerbelts, swabing between shots is not AS critical, however you need to ensure the bore is always in the same condition when hunting as it is at the range. If you shoot your gun dirty at the range you'll need to fire a fouling shot (just powder) before hunting. If clean shooting, you'll need to make sure the bore is always clean before hunting. I'd probably clean every few shots with powerbelts anyway so the fouling doesn't build too bad.

[Big Blue]

I really like the idea of being able to fine tune a load. I reload smokeless for 10 different calibers and appreciate the advantage of being able to add small amounts of powder at a time. From what I'm reading BP isn't as critical as smokeless loads, or should I say it seems more forgiving. With smokeless powder, a 1/10 of a grain can make a difference, does BP gain an advantage by loading to those king of strict standards? I can understand the ease of using pellets, but the loads must vary greatly.
Don

[Wolfhound]

With smokeless powder, a 1/10 of a grain can make a difference, does BP gain an advantage by loading to those king of strict standards?

Yes, although it's not as critical. Within a 1/2 grain is more consistant than a volume powder measure can do regularly.

[whitfang]

I think Pennsylvania is a flintlock only, no inline rifles allowed, no Pyrodex allowed, no conical bullets allowed state!

Check your state regulations - if you're going to hunt in PA, I think you need a flintlock with round ball and loose powder.

[Big Blue]

With smokeless powder, a 1/10 of a grain can make a difference, does BP gain an advantage by loading to those king of strict standards?

Yes, although it's not as critical. Within a 1/2 grain is more consistant than a volume powder measure can do regularly.

I was thinking that after using a volume measure, I could weigh the loads, and then be able to correct them more accurately by weight. Doews that sound like overkill, or is it within reason?
Don

[Big Blue]

I think Pennsylvania is a flintlock only, no inline rifles allowed, no Pyrodex allowed state.

Check your state regulations - if you're going to hunt in PA, I think you need a flintlock with loose powder.

In PA. we have two very different BP seasons. The winter(traditional season) is flintlock only. The fall season is wide open, and inlines are allowed then.
Don

[Wolfhound]

With smokeless powder, a 1/10 of a grain can make a difference, does BP gain an advantage by loading to those king of strict standards?

Yes, although it's not as critical. Within a 1/2 grain is more consistant than a volume powder measure can do regularly.

I was thinking that after using a volume measure, I could weigh the loads, and then be able to correct them more accurately by weight. Doews that sound like overkill, or is it within reason?
Don

That's what I'd do. Find a volumetric load that shoots then tighten it up by weighing the volumetric charges and using the average weight. Check out this thread: http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=31105