So I use my .54 cal. GPR with 35gr of 3f Goex for squirrels. I get very good accuracy with this light load, but even with only 35gr of powder it will still produce enough energy to punch through a 2-1/2” diameter maple tree!
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Don’t underestimate a small charge of black powder
- Thread starter Boomerang
- Start date
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I shoot 50 grains in my .50 for targets and steel. Saves powder. 
Good lesson. Too many of us only think in terms of more or bigger is better. I have often read where early frontiersmen, mountain men, etc. loaded with only 1/2 loads to save powder. It was enough charge to kill deer or indians. Buff and griz needed a full load.
Buckskinn
45 Cal.
There is no doubt about that. When I've pushed a ball without powder I have to trickle powder into the flash hole to remove it. Maybe get a couple grains in and it throws the ball out at I would guess about 400 ft/sec. You can see it but wouldn't want to get hit by it! My estimation comes from my kids airsoft rifles, they are about 400 also and seems about right...
Ya and that tree was about 60yds away.
Old saying, Little powder, much lead, shoots far, kills dead.
Forgive me if I am seem insulting, but it seems to me that using more powder is just an attempt to make up for poor marksmanship.
I use enough powder to be accurate at 50 yards for all my flintlocks. sadly each one need more than I would like, but it’s less than what is considered a “hunting load” from I had read on this forum.
I use enough powder to be accurate at 50 yards for all my flintlocks. sadly each one need more than I would like, but it’s less than what is considered a “hunting load” from I had read on this forum.
I managed to pull the end off my cleaning rod when a patch got stuck at the bottom of my muzzle loading shotgun. Nothing I tried would get it out. As a last resort I took it to the range, refitted the wooden rod into the stuck end, removed the nipple and filled the hole with a .22 case of 3f powder then refitted the nipple.
Upon firing the ramrod flew about 100 yards, unfortunately it snapped as well but you can't have everything.
Even very small amounts of powder can do much more than you expect.
Upon firing the ramrod flew about 100 yards, unfortunately it snapped as well but you can't have everything.
Even very small amounts of powder can do much more than you expect.
armoredman
32 Cal
I will keep that in mind! Ouch.
So, where is the squirrel?
I wasn't shooting at a squirrel there. I was just wanting to see how much penetration I would get.
The Squirrel learned the difference between cover and concealment.
