powder question

SSQ · Feb 16, 2014

So after measuring my powder by volume for years I decided to weigh it. My standard load is 110gr of triple7. Once it hit the scale it weighed out at 87gr. I use the typical brass slide measuring tool and it was fairly consistent. I'm not to worried about the difference as consistency is what matters to me. Is this typical to most powders?

Whiterock · Feb 16, 2014

I tried to weigh my loads to get a little better accuracy ,but it did not show me any better results than measuring by my brass measurer.

txhunter58 · Feb 16, 2014

Each powder has its own weight, but within the same powder that is pretty typical. Here is a discussion with some conversions of commonly used powders:

http://forums.handloads.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=28865

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

Cow Tag · Feb 17, 2014

Texas Hunter, I look to you for honest advice and pertinent information. I use 90 grains of 777 (ffg) in my Remington 700 muzzle loader. Looking at the chart you presented, my load by weight is actually about 71 grains of 777. I always use the volume method of powder measurement and I have been satisfied with my load. Should I be concerned with only 71 grains of 777 by weight? I have killed several cow elk with the 90 grains of 777 by VOLUME measure. Any advice would be appreciated. Cow Tag

txhunter58 · Feb 17, 2014

LAST EDITED ON Feb-17-14 AT 12:24PM (MST)[p]I have never personally weighed any powder. That said, all the powders are set up to be pretty close in power when compared by VOLUME. What they weigh really means nothing about how strong they are. And actually, 777 is at least 10% hotter or more powerful than real blackpowder, so your 90 grains is pretty close to 100gr of real black powder in power.

So, 90 gr of 777 is absolutely plenty for any elk walking. FYI, my elk load is also 90 gr of 777. I am even thinking of using a 460 gr lead bullet this year and dropping back to 80-85 gr of 777.

Remember too that the 45-70 killed lots of buffalo, and it was 45 caliber and 70 grains of black powder.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

Cow Tag · Feb 17, 2014

I remember your load recommendation from earlier correspondence. I follow your advice and that is why I asked you for your opinion on this topic. As always, thank you for your help. Cow Tag

SSQ · Feb 17, 2014

thanks for the answers. that is pretty close to what I was thinking...but I'm pretty good at thinking poorly at times

Phantom Hunter · Feb 26, 2014

TxHunter is right on. Black Powder and substitutes should be measured by volume. Smokeless powder is a whole other game and requires measuring by weight. TxHunter we too are looking into heavy lead cast bullets that will duplicate the old sharps ballistics, (hopefully).

Whiterock · Feb 26, 2014

I used to shoot the 385 grain Buffalo Bullet for Michigan whitetails with 70 grains of Pyrodex. Loading any more powder and the accuracy suffered. But with 70 grains of powder it was very accurate out of my Hawkin rifle. And that load shot thru many of deer ,often dropping them in there tracks.