Currently I am shooting 100 gr. (2 50 gr pellets) of triple seven powder.I am shooting a TC encore 50 cal.with 245gr XTP sabots.
I would like to gain a little more range in my gun. On Some of my free ranging sika hunts the shots can be out to 200 yards.
If i add another 50 Grain pellet to the charge, for a total of 150 Gr, will I be able to extend my distance out to 200 Yards, (with practice of course).
Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks,
W.

probably, but it's gonna leave a mark...

Rich

Thanks,
I presume you mean recoil?
W.

Standard theory (we should maybe take this up with Myth Busters) is that you can load black powder guns out to the muzzle and not generate dangerous pressures.

Theory goes that excess powder is blown out of the bore before it ignites.

A check for unburned powder is to shoot across clean snow. Unburned powder will leave black specks on the snow. Lacking snow, you can shoot across paper (printing presses for newspapers have "end rolls" for this). Paper will show unburned powder as black specks.

A less reliable approach is to shoot at night and watch for "streaks" out of the muzzle -- unburned powder that looks like "shooting stars."

The other "rule of thumb" in figuring a charge for black powder is to multiply the bore diameter by 1.5 . . .

50 cal. X 1.5 = 75 grain charge.

You're running 100 grains, which is a heavy charge. I run 80 gr. Pyrodex in a 54 cal. Plains rifle.

The hard-core locals here assert that instead of trying to work out a longer range load, you need to develop hunting skills with the BP to get you in range of the gun.

But then they're really hard core.

I am not hardcore, and cant walk across swamp water, so I am going to try for a longer shot.
W.

quote:

Originally posted by woodsie:
I am not hardcore, and cant walk across swamp water, so I am going to try for a longer shot.
W.

Well hell . . . ! ! !

You need to learn how to get the game to swim on over to you!

I shoot my powdergun alot, A few yrs ago I did the same thing. If your gun shoots long range then go for it. Mine will shoot under 2" out to 225yds with 3 pellets. Some guns do some don't and you may have to re-experiment with a new bullet wt. than it shot with 100gr. My gun is sighted in at 175yds. I divide a reg size deer target into 1/3's at 225 I hold on the top 1/3, 200 yd mid 1/3 175 dead on, inside of 175 hold low. Beyond 225 I feel is pushing the limit.

You should shoot this combination and your old one over a chronograph. You will be disappointed by the result. I promise.

OXO Quote "Standard theory (we should maybe take this up with Myth Busters) is that you can load black powder guns out to the muzzle and not generate dangerous pressures.

Theory goes that excess powder is blown out of the bore before it ignites."

CAUTION!!!!! H777 is not black powder. Do not exceed 3, 50 grain pellets.

thread is a little old but I just found the b.p. forum

I shot an encore 3 pellets and a 240gr xtp w/black sabot. With a 100yd zero I get 5" drop at 200yds. Velocity is 2200fps, sub 1.5" groups at 100yds,under 4" at 200yds. Will stay on a 12" steel plate at 300yds but I had a big scope on when I shot at that range, don't think I would try 300yds with a 1-4x scope.

I have killed many witetails out to 200 yds with this setup, 81 since 1996(no bag limit in my zone. As always, how you load (seating pressure) is more important for accuracy then how much powder.

ted thorn: would you share with us your results shooting 2 pellets & 3 pellets over a chronagraph would like to know what you got.
thanks.

Next time I shoot I will re-do the 100 vs. 150 test and let you know....won't be until late November though.