Powder vs pellets

[dirt_a_KISS]

When it comes to using your black powder, what do you guys prefer the powder or the pellets? I've always used the powder, but was wondering what the difference is or the advantage is to using the powder or the pellets?

[BKhunter]

_{I've only used pellets. Easy to carry load and measure real quickly. Never had a problem with my TC so have not had a reason to go to powder.}

[Buckmaster7600]

Powder for me I have tried them all. I use black horn now as I have for a few years. I once weighed my pelets and found a variation of 3-7 grains that could lead to a 14 grain difference that's pretty substantial, although it would make you miss a deer it will move point of impact.

[Grizz1219]

Yup... Powder here... Pellets aren't as consistent.. Don't burn as consistent either I don't think... I use BH209 as well.. Working up a load with my scale to dial it in better.. Right now I just shoot 110 by volume of it..

[martin hunter]

you guys use loose powder in the inlines with no problem ? is blackhorn 209 loose powder ? i know its pricey, do you order it or get it at a shop ? im thinkin on trying it, heard all good about it

[fishuntrapper]

powder here, American Pioneer. for reasons already mentioned and I can "work up" a more accurate charge.

[greensider]

i just cant see carying and measuring powder commpaired to dropping in a couple of pellets so i will use pellets untill the make something better

[wildcat junkie]

I wasn't aware that "black powder" came in pellets. All I am aware of is Fg, FFg, FFFg & FFFFg.

Edited December 10, 2014 by wildcat junkie

[ny hunter]

I did try both,now I only use pellets,I just find it easier....

[wildcat junkie]

i just cant see carying and measuring powder commpaired to dropping in a couple of pellets so i will use pellets untill the make something better

I could reload real black powder with a patched RB & prime a flintlock in about 20 seconds. I could get off 2 aimed shots at a 50yd pie plate sized target in a minute with some time to spare & hit it every time. They "made something better" as far as getting reloaded quickly over 100 years ago.

 

I used a 120gr charge thrower on a flask, the patched/greased RBs in a wood loading block tied to my short starter & my priming horn around my neck. It takes a few seconds longer to use a round leather/brass capper to load a cap gun.

 

I used to shoot 100rds at skeet including the doubles every Sunday with a percussion dbl bbl 12 ga ML. I would get filthy & in the Southern Indiana August heat & humidity, the sweat would mix with the sulfer & salt peter residue on my forehead & sting my eyes. The fulminate particles from the cap exploding on the left nipple would embed into my left forarm until I learned to wear a sock on that arm. It was heavenly. I enjoyed the hell out of it & had to take a shower when i got home..

[greensider]

i can re load 3 pellets and a power belt in 6 seconds and cap and shoot a second deer and have done it a few times

[Recurver]

I use powder you all my loads are in a plastic loader take no more time than pellets and you can also shoot what ever load you want were with pellets your limited >>>---> ED

[Jeremy K]

I measure and fill speedloaders with a round and 100g of blackhorn. Pull it out and dump it in , doesn't get any easier.

[fishuntrapper]

yep, speed loaders. 107g powder 348g hp power belt. my speed loaders serve as bullet starter also. not that you would need one with power belts. just worked out that way.

[spltlim]

I shoot loose powder, only way to find the sweet spot your gun shoots the best. With pellets your restricted to either 50 , 100, or 150 grains.  Loose powder you have more flexibility with your powder amount and can pull the most accuracy out of your rifle

 

Some guys trade off the ease of loading pellets and sacrifice some accuracy for it.  Loose powder you can get the most accuracy from your rifle but you trade off a little bit of the ease of loading,  Not much difference using a speed loader and pre measuring your loose powder, but after the shot and when the adrenalin is flowing I've spilt powder all over the place pouring speed loaders down the barrel (shaking hands, LOL)

 

 

[martin hunter]

now you can get pellets in 60 grain size too. But im thinking on going back to loose powder.

[papabear]

I bin for  using powder for my gun. At 50 yards it is always on. Then a friend told me to try pellets I did and I was all over the place with them.  no grouping at all.

[Daveboone]

Loose powder for economy and improved ignition, but I carry pellets in my reloads for field use. The loose powder is more prone to binding the speed loading tubes, and field accuracy/ off hand shots wont tell the diff.

[ncountry]

This . Reminds me about the time when I missed or thought I missed a nice buck . In my excitement, I missed the barrel with 1/2 my powder charge. Thankfully I didnt need it. Because that happened to be all I had with me that day.. lol  I stick with the pellets, Even my shaky hands can get them down the barrel when I'm excited..

[older042]

Hodgdons data list 2 50gr pellets and a 245 barnes tmz at 1785fps and the same bullet with 100gr. loose triple seven at 1851. The only benefit to pellets are load ability. Ill stick with the loose my knight loves it and never had a problem loading loose.

[Bowshotmuzzleloader]

I have always wondered why they can't produce a pellet with a coating that is waterproof yet burns , to keep moisture out of the pellet ?????

[ants]

My ML shoots dead on and consistent with 2 fifty grain pyrodex pellets.  I like the convenience  of just dropping in 2 pellets as opposed to pouring out powder. Find what ever works best with your rifle/reloading set up.

 

  .

[Five Seasons]

This . Reminds me about the time when I missed or thought I missed a nice buck . In my excitement, I missed the barrel with 1/2 my powder charge. Thankfully I didnt need it. Because that happened to be all I had with me that day.. lol  I stick with the pellets, Even my shaky hands can get them down the barrel when I'm excited..

 

i dropped a pellet out of the stand last weekend. I agree pellets are easier but anything can happen.

 

[ants]

This . Reminds me about the time when I missed or thought I missed a nice buck . In my excitement, I missed the barrel with 1/2 my powder charge. Thankfully I didnt need it. Because that happened to be all I had with me that day.. lol  I stick with the pellets, Even my shaky hands can get them down the barrel when I'm excited..

Same thing happened to my buddy a while back. He hit a buck and did a fast, nervous reload with loose powder. The deer ran out in front of me and piled up. A second shot wasn't needed. On our way out we passed the spot where my friend reloaded and it looked like most of his powder was spilled all over the snow. He even had powder all over the front of his wool coat.  We still bust his chops over it LOL!!

[SteveB]

I have always wondered why they can't produce a pellet with a coating that is waterproof yet burns , to keep moisture out of the pellet ?????

How about just putting them in a brass case and press the projectile on top.

Could even put the primer in the base of the case.