Whitetail load suggestions for .45 cal?

[KenB]

I recently purchased a .45 cal percussion cap rifle with a 28" barrel. I've had good results on the target range with a patched round ball and 50 grains for Pyrodex RS (FFg equivelent?). Anyways, my plan is to try this rifle for deer hunting in Michigan this fall. What loads would you guys suggest for me to try for hunting? I don't know the manufacturer of the rifle so I don't know how much is too much for the rifle.
Thanks,
Ken

 

[Stumpkiller]

Bump it up a bit to 65 or 70 gr FFg or equivalent in Pyrodex. The .45 doesn't leave much margin, so a bit of a stouter charge is called for.

Good luck and tasty venison. :front:

 

[Rebel]

If Pyrodex is all you have available you might try the P grade. It sometimes works better in a .45 cal. Try 65-70 grs of it and see how she shoots.

 

I use a 45 on whitetail and shoot 70 gr of FFFg with PRB. I can go to 80 if I want but much over that starts blowing patches. Anyway, 70 grs is accurate and lets me hit within my comfortable range.

 

[KenB]

Thanks for the input. Pyrodex is easier to come by around here than real black powder. I'll try and load 65 gr of Pyrodex RS and see what happens. What difference could I expect if I use the "P" stuff?
I appreciate the help I don't know much about black powder.
--Ken

 

[roundball]

Thanks for the input. Pyrodex is easier to come by around here than real black powder. I'll try and load 65 gr of Pyrodex RS and see what happens. What difference could I expect if I use the "P" stuff?
I appreciate the help I don't know much about black powder.
--Ken

Ken...
Pyrodex-RS(Rifle/Shotgun) is 2F equivalent;
Pyrodex-P (Pistol) is 3F equivalent;

Since 3F type powder is a little 'faster' than 2F, it's pressure spike jumps more rapidily and cause higher pressures than an equal load of 2F.

So the industry rule of thumb when using 3F powder is to reduce it 10-15% below the 2F load data.

Example:

If you were normally going to use 100grns of Pyrodex-RS, you should consider using only 85-90grns of Pyrodex-P so it's pressure would be approximately the same as the larger charge of 2F.

 

Thanks for the input. Pyrodex is easier to come by around here than real black powder. I'll try and load 65 gr of Pyrodex RS and see what happens. What difference could I expect if I use the "P" stuff?
I appreciate the help I don't know much about black powder.
--Ken

Depends on where you live as to how difficult it is to get...it's like morels--you just gotta know where to look! If you don't want to say in public where you live--can't say I blame you, we might all come over for beer--shoot me a PM with your local and I'll find you a shop. Or, you could always buy bulk from powderinc or someone like that.

BUT, if you can't find real powder, I would use 65 or 70 of "P" grade pyropoop. If you want to see a dramatic demonstration of how well it works sight in your deer load on a 4X4 post at 25 or 30 yards. If you can consistently shoot through the post, you're good for deer. Least that's what I do...

:results:

 

[Pork Chop]

SB,

If that offer is open to anyone, I sure would like to know where to get real black powder here in Northeast Florida without getting Santa involved. ::

 

[roundball]

".....I sure would like to know where to get real black powder here in Northeast Florida without getting Santa involved.

Here's a quick reference list of Goex Distributors...

http://www.goexpowder.com/distributors.html#pa2

 

[Pork Chop]

Thanks for the help! The nearest distributor is only 528 or so miles away! :haha:

 

[roundball]

Thanks for the help! The nearest distributor is only 528 or so miles away! :haha:

But distance really doesn't matter all that much unless it's on the opposite coast...I got started buying my cases from J&JPyrotechnics in PA...$10/Lb delivered to my front door in NC...FedEx is FedEx

 

[Pork Chop]

well, there's the problem. I don't have any desire to buy 5, 10 or 25 lbs of powder at one shot. I just want one... Sigh...

 

[Rebel]

See if you can find a few friends to split a case.

 

[Pork Chop]

Well, once I find a few folks that are interested in both muzzleloaders and real black powder, I will do just that. Right now, I know of one other guy that has that interest. Another is thinking about it though!

 

[mowolf]

I have been using a .45 perc for deer hunting for several years and I USE 65 GRNS 3f WITH prb. in the past I used 90 grns of Pyro RS. I like the Goex now :m2c: