21 May 2007, 04:03
DeertickWorking up a muzzleloader load
What methods do you use to
systematically work up a load for a muzzleloader?
Do any of you use a spreadsheet, or something like that?
How many grains of powder do you start with, and how many shots load? How big of an adjustment for each load -- 5 grains or so?
How do you adjust for barrel heat and powder residue? Do you have a specific habit, like "2 wet swabs, then a dry one ..."?
At what
yardage do you do this? I'm thinking to start at 50, then once an accurate load is settled-on, moving to 75 and 100 (open sights -- no need to be throwing them out there too far.)
Anyway, I know there are some shooters who have very specific, systematic ways of doing this ... and I'd like to hear from them.
Thanks in advance.
21 May 2007, 05:09
nordrsetaDon't run anything too methodical but I keep a notebook whether running cartridge guns, blackpowder guns, or modern muzzleloaders (pellets, plastic, jackets, 209s). I only change one variable at a time; ball diameter, patch thickness, powder charge, powder granulation, etc.
21 May 2007, 17:04
brayhavenquote:
Originally posted by nordrseta:
Don't run anything too methodical but I keep a notebook whether running cartridge guns, blackpowder guns, or modern muzzleloaders (pellets, plastic, jackets, 209s). I only change one variable at a time; ball diameter, patch thickness, powder charge, powder granulation, etc.
More "methodical" than I am, but good advice
. I start with a bore (land) size ball and .020 ticking patches. A combination which has always worked for me, after over 40 yrs of ml'ing. Then I just start @ 10 % over caliber in grains & work up from there. EG: 40 cal -44 grains. I also use 3F for most stuff; except over 50 cal & shot guns I use 2F. I shoot a lot of ML target & compete with them so I have 2 loads for each gun. One for target & one for hunting. Sometimes they are the same but usually not.
I keep notes on the targets and then shoot 5 shot groups, running a wet patch (windex) and then a dry one between shots. I clean after 5 and start with the next load.
I like pellets, so I bought a box of 50s and a box of 30s, I started with 90 grains of pellets (3x30). Then I went up 10 grains at a time until I got to 150. 100=2x50, 110=1x50+2x30, etc. I found that in both my rifles, 110 grains was the most accurate, so then I started playing with other components.
I have not tried pointed bullets yet. That is for this year. It is about time for Cabelas to have them on sale in the bargain cave.