ANYONE WEIGH THIER bp CHARGE, BY WEIGHT?

[HAWKEYE50ML]

This is another way to tighten your group. I measure 10 charges by volume, weigh each charge with a digital scale,(remnents of reloading). The average of 10 loads will be a much more consistent charge.
As for the pellet charges, if you have some already, throw them on a scale. You will find the weight varies quite a bit. This greatly effects accuracy. CONSISTENCY,CONSISTENCY,CONSISTENCY.

[remingtondude58]

I use the pellets without weighing them. I can definitely tell the are different. I think they rub against each other and break apart.

[HAWKEYE50ML]

I have never tried them. The other reason was that the container you buy them in does not seal after you peel the original plastic off. I am way deep into consistency. If the package doesn't seal, being HYDROSCOPIC, the pellets are constantly absorbing moisture and losing potency.
For what it's worth, my Wife thinks I need a meeting.

[Roundballer]

Absolutely! Well specifically when I am working up a load for a new rifle or smooth bore. I find out the charge that works best, then make a measure that will slip into the bore of the firearm (small diameter) and cut it down so that it will hold specifically that volume of that powder (ff or fff). I have found that if there is little area to "mound" the powder on the top of a small diameter measure, it will throw very consistent charges.

Here is a GREAT BIG WARNING. When they first came out with Pyrodex as a Black powder substitute, it was meant as a direct substitute BY VOLUME. Pyrodex is less dense than Black Powder, So.... if you were to weight out XX grs of Pyrodex it would be a much heavier charge than XX grs of Black Powder. I don't have any experience with any of the other substitute powders. When I found that Pyrodex had a poor ignition consistancy in a flint lock, I went to Black Powder only in all of my ML's ( I only own a couple of cap lock pistols, everything else is a flinter) :twocents:

[HAWKEYE50ML]

I guess you could call me a progressive on this subject only. My goal is to work up a 400yd combination. I respect all of you traditionalist, I'm not there though. If I miss my target, be it paper or flesh, I wan't it to be me. Not a delayed ignition of some type.
No offence intended.

[langenc]

I do not do BP. Couple sons-yes.

I have for some timewondered how long it will take for someone to weigh 50 grains of some powder and use it (or multiples of it) for a shot??

Maybe I dont understand.

How much does a 50 gr pellet of Pyrodex weigh?? (dumb question).

[Quack Addict]

How much does a 50 gr pellet of Pyrodex weigh?? (dumb question).

I have never weighed a BP charge, yet, but I bet 50gr (by volume) charge of FFg will weigh less than a 50gr (by volume) charge of FFFFg.

The smaller grains of FFFFg have less 'interstitial' (I think that's the word) air gap... thus a denser charge.

[HAWKEYE50ML]

I've read that a 50g pellet weighs about 35-40g. Not sure though because I only used one pound of 777, before I found out about the oil based, BLACKHORN 209. By the way, Blackhorn mandates the use of SHOTGUN 209 primers instead of ML 209's.

[Roundballer]

I have never weighed a BP charge, yet, but I bet 50gr (by volume) charge of FFg will weigh less than a 50gr (by volume) charge of FFFFg.

The smaller grains of FFFFg have less 'interstitial' (I think that's the word) air gap... thus a denser charge.

Absolutely! That is one of the reasons that I make a "charger" after I work up a good load. I do this for each individual firearm, and then keep that charger with that firearm. FFg has a different volume than FFFg which is different from FFFFg. I use all three for different purposes, as both prime and load.

Just a quiet little note: Traditional is my preference, not the extent of my knowledge base. I am the chairman of my clubs' muzzle loading committee and one of the "gray beards" of our group. I often help a "newbie" get his just-purchased-I-don't-know-anything-about-muzzle-loading-rifle into shape just before hunting season.

[Quack Addict]

Absolutely! That is one of the reasons that I make a "charger" after I work up a good load. I do this for each individual firearm, and then keep that charger with that firearm. FFg has a different volume than FFFg which is different from FFFFg. I use all three for different purposes, as both prime and load.

Just a quiet little note: Traditional is my preference, not the extent of my knowledge base. I am the chairman of my clubs' muzzle loading committee and one of the "gray beards" of our group. I often help a "newbie" get his just-purchased-I-don't-know-anything-about-muzzle-loading-rifle into shape just before hunting season.


Er, I just realized langenc asked about the weight of a 50gr pellet. My response was tailored to charges of loose powder... as was your response to my response :razz: .

Evenso, I would venture to say there is a considerable amount of weight variation in Pyrodex pellets, and others, on the market. While weight variation from pellet to pellet from the same package is possible, it is more likely there is a larger weight difference between pellets from different lots. I have always viewed pellets as a convenience and liken them to buying factory loads for a centerfire rifle; I have never used pellets in my ML's and probably never will.

What would I define as "a considerable amount" of weight variation? Suffice it to say I have run across several centerfire rifles with sensitivity to powder charge variation of around 1/2 a grain... granted, BP arms are usually a bit less sensitive...

[langenc]

50 grain pellet or a 50 grian charge of loose powder. Either or both.

Rephrasing --does anyone WEIGH charges of black powder?? If so, how is the weight arrived at??

[HAWKEYE50ML]

I'm way to anal about accuracy to bother with pellets.

[TJJ]

Loose powder by volume here. Can't really justify weighing charges.. Heck, you ever weigh each individual pellet in a pack of T7 pellets? They shoot more than consistant enough for most, even with the variation in weight.

[HAWKEYE50ML]

I guess I should explain something. I have the beleif that I can work up the right combination to effectively, and consistently, destroy a clay pigeon at 400yds. This is my goal. I figure if a 180g., .308 bullet, can be lobbed out to 1000yds., why not to at least 400yds. with a 200g. pill. After all, look what was accomplished with a .45cal round nose, ahead of 70g. BP(45-70).
Don't get me wrong, this is strickly for punchin paper. You ought to see how well my current combo punishes a phone book.

[TJJ]

Good luck :bow:

[HAWKEYE50ML]

It's good to have a goal.