LAST EDITED ON Sep-27-17 AT 01:16PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Sep-27-17 AT 11:50?AM (MST)
Volume!!
Whenever you hear people taking about using a certain amount of powder, they are talking volume unless they specifically state they are weighing it.
Manufactures make recommendations that are ALWAYS by volume. It is a convenient method for comparing different powders of different weights.
When you buy a "magnum" blackpowder that can handle UP TO 150 gr of powder, they are talking volume.
That said, some powders are stronger than others. 777 and Blackhorn 209 powders are at least 10-15% stronger than pyrodex by volume
IMO, you should always work up a load by volume. Then if you want to weigh that volume and stick with that weight, you would be fine
I have never gone over 110 gr of powder by volume on any hunting load. My elk load is 90-100 gr of BH 209 (volume) depending on which bullet I use.
When I work up a new load with loose powder, I start at 90 gr (volume) and shoot 3 times, then 95 gr, 3 times, then 100, 105, 110. Usually by that time I find an accurate load and concentrate on that amount. If I go over 110 gr of loose pyrodex (or 100 gr of 777 or BH209), the recoil starts affecting my accuracy (I flinch)
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)