Powder differences.Pyrodex vs 777 and others

[FarmBoy]

I'm new to muzzleloading, and have only shot Pyrodex RS.
Most guys I know shoot Pyrodex due to the price.

I'm thinking of trying some 777 or something else to try and get less fouling. From what I read here I think I should start with 15% less 777 than the Pyrodex. Is this correct across the board for 777 ? What about others ? BM3?

I'm shooting a 50 cal Thompson Omega if it matters.

Thanks for your time.

-jeff b.

 

[Slamfire]

Read the label on your 777 bottle, mine said reduce charges by 20%, that seems like it means across the board to me. It is easier to clean up, but hasn't given me the accuracy I'd like. Pyrodox did better, I have some black powder on the way. :results:

 

[FarmBoy]

Well, I haven't read the bottle because I didn't buy any yet.

I was wondering what people were finding with real life experiences. There seems to be a lot of folks here using chronographs to check their charges, and I was wondering how the two compared volume wise.

What were your differences in accuracy ? I'm doing OK with Pyrodex, but it is dirty. Not really a big issue, but for few dollars more easier cleaning while shooting might be worth it.

-jeff b.

 

[Tahquamenon]

I'm new to muzzleloading, and have only shot Pyrodex RS.
Most guys I know shoot Pyrodex due to the price.

I'm thinking of trying some 777 or something else to try and get less fouling. From what I read here I think I should start with 15% less 777 than the Pyrodex. Is this correct across the board for 777 ? What about others ? BM3?

I'm shooting a 50 cal Thompson Omega if it matters.

Thanks for your time.

-jeff b.

Hi Jeff! Welcome! :thumbsup:

The Omega is an excellent rifle.

This post is likely best served in the Modern ML category, but if it's too blasphemous it will get moved there by a moderator. :winking:

I would not even foul my Omega (or anything else) with Pyrodex. Nasty, fouling, smelly and corrosive powder. It does shoot pretty well though.

Yes, with loose Black Mag'3 and 777 3FG the charge needs to be reduced 15% for 777 and 20% for Black Mag'3.

I would say that 120grain would be your MAX charge and less depending on your projectile choice.

Shoot the 3FG and forget the 2FG synthetics.

I would highly recommend Black Mag'3 if you are looking for excellent performance and an exceptionally clean shooting powder.

777 is also an excellent powder, but will foul more and can cause a crusty build up near the bore which will require frequent if not every shot swabbing clean.

Use Winchester 209 primers.

Go to the search utility here on the forum and search for Omega in the Modern Muzzleloader category filter.

Lot's of info about the Omega and Encore here (loads, procedures, caveaut's etc.

Again, welcome! :thumbsup:

 

[FarmBoy]

Thanks Tahquamenon.....just what I was looking for.

I've read a lot about the Omega here and other places. I'm getting pretty good accuracy out of the Pyrodex, but man is it nasty. I don't mind the smell, but the fouling is awful. With the Omega there is no way you can not swab after each shot using Pyrodex.

I've been shooting ~90-105grain loads with Pyrodex RS.Just playing around with different charges. I think I'll buy me a pound of 777 and Start at 80 and see what happens.

Man this stuff is fun. I'm already starting to think about a traditional rifle. To think I've been missing all this fun for 20 years


-jeff b.

 

[Tahquamenon]

Also FYI, Swiss 3FG (my favorite) and Goex 3FG black powder will also shoot excellent in the Omega.
But much more fouling and corrossion.

BTW, I swab clean after every shot in the Omega for the most consistant POI unless I'm shooting PRB's.

:winking: