How much powder should I use this weekend?

[johnnymowmow]

I use a .50 caliber cap lock muzzle loader rifle and have always used between 100 to 150 grains of powder. I was listening to the recent KY Afield podcast and an expert said to use 50 to 75 grain. Is that enough? How much do you use? Do you use actual powder or substitute? I guess I'll sight my gun in with 75 grains.

 

[philipfleek]

I use a .50 caliber cap lock muzzle loader rifle and have always used between 100 to 150 grains of powder. I was listening to the recent KY Afield podcast and an expert said to use 50 to 75 grain. Is that enough? How much do you use? Do you use actual powder or substitute? I guess I'll sight my gun in with 75 grains.

You ever killed anything with that load in your cap lock?

 

[quackrstackr]

If you are stuffing a caplock with over 100 grains you are most likely dangerously overloading it. They may be out there but I've never seen a sidelock rated for over 100 grains. Even my magnum inline is not rated for over 100 grains of loose powder. It has to be pellets to load it any hotter.

 

[hunter1943]

Over 100 gr is much too much for a sidelock. In my opinion you are in the danger zone.
There are a lot of variables that go into working up the best load for any weapon.
I'm not even going to say what might be best. No way to know. One thing I will say is please do not put over 100 gr in it and usually quuite a bit less is sufficient and will shoot much better due to all the powder being burned up before exiting the barrel.

 

[Salty]

I have a 50 flintlock & a 58 caplock...............I use 80 grains of ffg black powder in both. They kill deer very effeciently.

 

[325WSM]

I would say, holy crap you're lucky to be with us. When I was still using a cap lock I used 70 grains of pyrodex with a round ball, and 90 grains with a maxi-ball.

 

[WaterDog88]

Wow, I'm glad you still have fingers. 80 grains of ffg is what I use in my long rifle.

 

[jayder85]

Aside from safety, which is the obvious worry for shooting a load that heavy, you also need to keep in mind that much of that powder is just being wasted. If, when you shoot, you see fire come out the end of the barrel, you are using too much powder. That flame is your powder that didnt ignite inside the barrel catching on fire when it comes out. I used 50 grains in my 50 cal. and i use 65 grains in my 62 cal. The best way to judge a load is to match it to the caliber of your gun and go from there. So if you shoot a 50 cal. try 50 grains, shoot a 45 cal. start with 45 grains.