powder charges for muzzleloaders

[icollectfrogs]

I bought a Thompson Omega muzzleloader, I haven't shot it yet. I am trying to decide on which powder to use. I've decided on the Barnes 285 spitfire expander MZ slug. I hear there is a new pioneer powder that isn't sulphur based. Has anyone tried it or am I better off going with Hogdson triple 7 charges thanks

[lunker651]

Those barnes spit fire are a real deer killer. That is what I shoot out of my CVA kodiak .50cal. I use 777 100gr pellets to push them. 777 is clean burning and real easy to clean. I don't even use any bore cleaners, just plain water and it cleans real good. I get good groups from the pellets so I'm sticking with them. I don't shoot alot so pellets are okay, money wise but if you are going to shoot alot, you might want to go with powders. American pioneer, 777, and jim shockey's gold is what I would look into for powders. You have to try what your gun likes, every gun is different. Good luck on your new muzzy.

[mnmuzzleloader]

I have used the pioneer powder last fall and just love it, easy to use and cleans up easy. Very happy with it and I was using a Sabertooth slug and a real killer combination.

[Hines R]

I'd recommend Triple Seven Loose. Cheaper to shoot. Higher power with fewer grains of powder. 90 grains of loose is 15% more powerful than other loose powders of that grain. This means that 90 grains of powder actually shoots with the power of 103.5 grains of powder. You need to keep this in mind with Loose Triple Seven. Cleans up really easily.

Ryan

[irvingdog]

I'm with Hines. 777 loose is as easy to use as pellets (measure and dump. Takes a second) is way-way-way cheaper, and you can tailor your shot charge. More is not always better. Shoot and clean your gun often, experimenting with the charge amount to find your guns "sweet-spot".