What is the best load to shoot from a black powder rifle?

what powder loads and bullets for a t/c encoreWhat is the best load to shoot from a black powder rifle?
If the load info in your owners' manual isn't sufficient, invest in a black powder manual.


My 35 yr old Lyman has been fingered %26amp; flipped thru so often that the spine is falling apart. It is a really great reference, listing many loads for just about every 'smokepole' %26amp; pistol on the market.


If you get into the sport as much as I have, you might look into casting your own projectiles, as well.


I own a T/C .50 Hawken, a pair of Trad. .50 'Trapper' singles, and a pair of Ruger .45 ';Old Army'; six-guns, and I have had a BLAST with ALL of them over the years, including casting all of my own round balls %26amp; conical slugs.What is the best load to shoot from a black powder rifle?
Two or three pre-formed Pyrodex pellets, as per manufacturer recommendation, should be able to push anything out the right end on there. As for what bullets you want to use, it depends on what you're using them for. Thompson Center does sell bullets especially for use in the Encore muzzleloaders, and without knowing the caliber or intended purpose of your Encore I can't tell you which ones to get specifically, but look at their online store and take your pick: https://secure.tcarms.com/store/index.ph鈥?/a>
All of the load data is in your owner's manual.





I need more info in order to answer your question. What caliber? What use? Hunting? Target shooting? What is the twist rate of the barrel? If the barrel has a fast twist rate, then it is designed for conical bullets. If it has a twist rate of around 1 in 66, it is intended to shoot patched round balls.





I suspect that you are talking about a gun with a barrel with a fast twist rate more suitable for conical bullets. I'd also guess that the caliber is .50. If this is that case, you shold shoot the .45 caliber saboted bullets and load two pellets (100 gr) of Pyrodex. If the gun is a magnum, you could then go to 3 pellets of Pyrodex (150 grains) but be prepared for a pretty sharp recoil.
Don't ask us!!!





ASK YOUR RIFLE!!!!!





Take your rifle and an assortment of different bullets in different weights and shapes, some Pyriodex (spit) some 777, and a can each of Elephant, Goex, and Swiss (if you can get it). Also take different thicknesses of patches.





Try different powders, different bullets, different bullet weights, and different patch thicknesses to see what combination works best for your rifle.





Doc
This is what produces 1.5 inch groups at 100 yards in my Knight:





100 grains loose Pyrodex


240 Grain Hornady XTP-MAG or SST





If you would rather use 150 grains of powder:





150 Grains of loose Pyrodex


300 Grain Hornady XTP-MAG or SST








Hope this helps!