Heavier bullet - less powder?

[captainbob]

I'm new to muzzleloading/blackpowder shooting. Got a used .50 Hawken caplock. With the smokeless reloading I've done, increasing bullet weight means reducing the powder charge to prevent too high pressure. Is this the same in blackpowder and/or substitutes?
I found Triple 7 loading data for 250 grain bullets but I have some 300 grain and some 410 grain bullets that I want to use. Should I reduce the (70 grain) load listed for the 250 grain bullets or increase or...?
Where can I find data for shooting these heavier bullets?

 

[roundball]

I'm new to muzzleloading/blackpowder shooting. Got a used .50 Hawken caplock. With the smokeless reloading I've done, increasing bullet weight means reducing the powder charge to prevent too high pressure. Is this the same in blackpowder and/or substitutes?
I found Triple 7 loading data for 250 grain bullets but I have some 300 grain and some 410 grain bullets that I want to use. Should I reduce the (70 grain) load listed for the 250 grain bullets or increase or...?
Where can I find data for shooting these heavier bullets?

The best answer really is to go by the rifle manufacturer's recommendations.

If the .50cal Hawken is a .50cal TC Hawken, they'll send you a free owner's manual which has their load data charts in the back.

For example, load data for .50cal TC Maxi-Hunters:

275-320grn TC Maxi-Hunter = 80-110grns FFg;
350-370grn TC Maxi-Hunter = 70-100grns FFg;
460-470grn TC Maxi-Hunter = 70-100grns FFg;

 

[lonewolf5347]

Triple 777 powder should be reduce to 15 percent starting load when you compare the chart grains to real black or pyrodex.

 

[WV_Hillbilly]

I'm new to muzzleloading/blackpowder shooting. Got a used .50 Hawken caplock. With the smokeless reloading I've done, increasing bullet weight means reducing the powder charge to prevent too high pressure. Is this the same in blackpowder and/or substitutes?
I found Triple 7 loading data for 250 grain bullets but I have some 300 grain and some 410 grain bullets that I want to use. Should I reduce the (70 grain) load listed for the 250 grain bullets or increase or...?
Where can I find data for shooting these heavier bullets?

I have been reminded by a little sticky note on my PC, to check the user info to the left of the post...

WELCOME to the Forum! I hope you will like it here as much as I do. I've been to other places and still visit some occassionally, but this place feels more "like home". I think everyone is a valuable asset and has something worthwhile to bring to the table. Glad you are here.

IF, I am understanding what you are asking correctly... The answer is YES. Heavier bullets require lower powder charges than lighter ones. Especially lighten the charge if you switch from round ball to (solid based)conical bullets, and minie bullets need even lighter charges.

As far as the substitutes go, I don't know exact loading data or specifics. BUT I can say that the same general principle applies. Light bullets "can have" bigger charges... and heavier bullets should have lighter charges.

Also, don't presume from the above that you HAVE to load the lighter bullets with the maximum charges. The gun will last longer and it's not as hard on the shooter to load the powder charges in moderation. Think of it like running your car's engine at full throttle all the time, it's going to start to wear out various engine parts sooner and really ruin the car.

Like most things in life, doing things in moderation is the wisest principle. I didn't come up with that idea either--it's been around for quite a long time.

I can't give you any better advice than that, but you probably can get some data from the "powder" manufacturers.

Shoot Safely!
WV_Hillbilly

 

[jim gray]

Since you are familiar with reloading smokeless cartridges, I think it should be mentioned that when dealing with the BP manuals regarding loads for BP and its substitutes, the loads given are measured bu volume and not by weight. Every BP substitute that I've seen is equivalent by volume to BP, and by weight, will vary significantly.

 

[jim gray]

The best answer really is to go by the rifle manufacturer's recommendations.

I can't give you any better advice than that, but you probably can get some data from the "powder" manufacturers.

That's good advice from both Roundball and WV_Hillbilly, however the information from those two sources may vary considerably as well. Most manufacturer recommended loads stay well within what the gun will actually tolerate for liability purposes, but they are more than adequate for any normal hunting or shooting situations you'll ever encounter.

 

[captainbob]

Thanks for all the replies. I do plan on using moderate loads, not (pardon the pun) "balls to the wall" loads.
I do understand the "by volume, not by weight" concept and have a nice powder measure that confirms this. When I scoop 100 grains of Triple 7 it WEIGHS about 72 grains.
I will be going to the range tomorrow (Wed.) for my very first BP shooting session. I look forward to many more.
I have been selected for an "early muzzleloader season" deer permit here in Ohio so I need to be ready for 10/24, meaning good loads and rifle sighted-in for them, if I expect to bag Bambi.
If anyone has any muzzleloader hunting tips I'll be glad to get them.

 

[Rebel]

Be sure to wear eye protection when shooting your MLer. Have fun.

 

[captainbob]

Roger on the eye protection!
First session (ever) went great and I had a "blast!"
Got to shoot 12 rounds before I stuck a bullet down the bore without powder and that was it for the day but I was tired (and a bit dirty) by then anyway.
ML shooting is really different than "regular" shooting and I like the relaxed pace. Now, if I can just remember the powder before the bullet...

PS: Got it (.45 cal saboted to .50 cal) out OK at home by trickling in about 20 grains of FFFG thru the nipple mount hole and firing it into some phone books. Just kind of "blooped" out and stuck in the first book. I can probably reuse it...

 

[gordy]

Captain Bob!You are now an official muzzleloader.Some of us shot twice that amount before we dry-balled.Good luck,You may seldom take those cartridge guns from the rack after this. :thumbsup:

 

[Donny]

What does the .58 minie weigh? I can't remember, but it is heavy. 500gr.?? And the service charge was only 60 gr. And the .45-70 test at Sandy Hook showed penetration at two miles, (1870)??.. I learned the hard way..Loading heavy loads (90-100 gr.)in a TC Hawken with a buffalo bullet almost made me cry..

 

[sidelock]

Hay Bob--- I been shootin BP since 1977 and 2 days ago dry balled on the 3rd loading (say semi loading). It happens. Sounds like you handled it right. :RO:

 

[Herb]

Hodgdon publishes a free "Basic Muzzleloading Manual", which you can order from them, or a sporting goods store may have it. It is for Pyrodex and Triple Seven powders. www.hodgdon.com or www.pyrodex.com. Their Triple Seven Data for .50 caliber shows bullets from 240 grains up to 410 grains with 70, 80, 90 and 100 grains of BOTH 2F and 3F grade powder. So you do not need to reduce the 70 grain charge but could go up to 100 grains if you want the kick.