777 in revolvers

[Don]

Just bought some 777 to use in my revolvers and hopefully cut down on my clean up time. But I'm confused about 777 performance. Hodgdon says you should cut back 15% on the 777 from the usual load you use in BP or Pyrodex P. When I went on to the Hodgdon site to check data the velocities seemed low. I thought the 15% less of 777 was equal to the velocities you get with other propelants. Any of you guys have ballistic data for 777 in various loads?

Thanks

Don

 

Check out my published results on a post a few lines down from this one. This is data in a solid frame '58 Rem and the 30 to 35 grains of (not endorsed by me) 777 is HOT!! :nono:

 

[Don]

Maxiball,

Thanks for the numbers but I probably will never use that much 777 in my brass framed revolvers. Do you have any numbers for loads between 20 and 25 grains of 777? I use my revolvers for back up when woods loafing. We have coyotes in NH that average 50lbs with one shot recently by a hunter that weighed 115lbs! I want a load effective enough for these critters but not so hot as to shake loose my revolver. I have calculated the effectiveness of my revolvers with the Taylor KO scale and get a rating of 6 to 7 with loads of Pyrodex P of 25 to 28 grains. This is the same rating as a 38 special. Seems enough to put down a coyote if need be.

Thanks again,

Don

 

[Full House]

Example l5% reduction of 777. 30grs blkpowder times .85 =

25.50 grs of 777. Multiply any charge of blackpowder with

.85.

 

Sorry for the late response Don, I just saw your question. And yes he answered it perfectly right. 25 grains in the brass frame would be about right. Next time I get the '58 Rem. out I'll chrono some loads with 20 and 25 grains for you brass framed guys.
A word about pistol stopping power.
I didn't notice if you posted the caliber of your wheel gun. If a .36 I'd be leary, a .44 makes a bigger hole.
I'm sorry if I sound like I'm some kind of "expert" BUT THE FACT IS I AM!!![/b]
I will give you details of my credentials if you'd like, but you could just trust me.
With a handgun, especially one powered by black powder, the caliber makes a BIG difference. A bigger hole is better when dealing with these lower velocities where you will get no expansion.
If you poke a .36 hole in a coyote he will likey not eat you, but he most likely will run off unless you brain or spine it.

 

[Don]

Maziball,

Both my revolvers are .44 cal. Hickcock liked the .36 but the Taylor KO numbers for it are pretty weak even with full charges. Your right, the bigger ball makes a difference. I look forward to your test results with 20 to 25 gr. of 777.

Thanks Again

Don

 

I've not tried 777 in revolvers but have fired almost 2 lbs. in my Sharps and double rifles. It is definitely hotter and makes for about as good a substitute as one can find for BPC double rifles when attempting to regulate them using black or a substitue. I would concur with Maxiballs assessment.

Vic

 

Hodgdon's listed results show lower velocities than with BP when used in revolvers.
; I too, am interested in seeing what it atually chronos.
; Incidently, for running buffalo, point blank shooting and all, the.44/.45 cal revolvers were favoured by some. The .36 lacked the penetration, while the large smooth-bored guns were absolute.

 

Daryl:
i chrono'd a bunch of loads, 3fg Elephant, Swiss, and 777. Check past posts for the results.

 

Don: here it is.
30 grains of 777 under a Hornady .454 r.b.
High 913fps..low 871 fps.

20 grains 777 same bullet.
high 804 fps..low 750 fps.
less difference between the two loads a full ten grains apart than I would have thought.

The LUBE was Stumpys Moose Snot!

 

[Don]

Thanks Maxiball, thats good news.

Don

 

Yes, I caught them and brought that post to the top yesterday. Thanks.
Daryl

 

[AdirondakDD]

Is the 777 cleaner? Did you fire enough rounds thru the chrono to make your stats significant. I trust you did, just asking. Was it a 6 inch barrel.

 

8" Pietta '58 Remington .451 ball, swagged, Hornady. Two 6 shot strings. Orta be 'close 'nuff fer a good idea of ave. velocity.
This load is hard on guns, cut 20% for brass framed.
Yes it's clean enough, but 777 still leaves 'gray cake' fouling that binds around the cylinder pin. Keep this slubed with moose snot.

 

[AdirondakDD]

Thanks MB, Im off to buy some today and some 2f and 3f. I buy goex whenever I can. You never know when it will be available.