Black Powder Questions - Max Load

[mtwelch]

I have a Traditions Pursuit Ultralight Rifle. The manual indicates that you can safely load a charge of 150 grains of Black Powder ... or 130 grains of Triple 7 Black Powder Substitute. When I read the packaging on the Triple 7 bottle it recommends not to exceed 100 grains. Which is correct? I successfully fired several rounds this weekend with 130 grain charges ... but am I risking damage to my rifle? Is Hodgden just playing it safe by low balling the charge?

Thanks,

-Michael

[Eljay]

People usually figure there's about a 15% power difference between the two. So 130 would be the more normal recommendation. Who knows why - maybe Traditions changed their max at some point, maybe you're misreading something, I dunno exactly what's on the bottle and I don't have one in front of me. 100's a pretty stout loud and plenty for hunting so maybe it's just more of a general "there's no real reason to go over this".

[Tom-ADC]

Most of the time, the heavier the load the worse the accuracy. Keep it mild and find out what the rifle likes. Start low and work up a little at a time.
I only use real BP but I'd follow whats on the can, they make the stuff and should know.

[Eljay]

OK, I looked and they have a general statement that basically amounts to the max loads for .50 being 100 and .54 being 120. Again, as an absolute max I'd go with the information for that specific gun over the generic rating, but also again, there's no reason to go up that high. I bet if you try every 10 grains from 50-100 and then try plus or minus 5 grains from there you'll find a sweet spot that is much more accurate than just maxing it out. Mine usually end up at around 70 777 3F.

[mtwelch]

OK, I looked and they have a general statement that basically amounts to the max loads for .50 being 100 and .54 being 120. Again, as an absolute max I'd go with the information for that specific gun over the generic rating, but also again, there's no reason to go up that high. I bet if you try every 10 grains from 50-100 and then try plus or minus 5 grains from there you'll find a sweet spot that is much more accurate than just maxing it out. Mine usually end up at around 70 777 3F.

Thanks, I'll use your advise.