Itchy trigger finger.

[ELKBUGLE5]

Anybody coming down with signs of smoke pole fever, can't wait, Dads a archer, talked to him today and he wont be able to sleep tonight.    had a question, i have a knight smoke pole and using a 260 lead bullets and 110 g of powder, does anybody out there use more g's of powder? and if so have ya noticed a difference?   

[bobcat]

I've never used more than 100 grains of Triple 7. Any more and you're really just wasting powder, and increasing recoil. What are you hunting- deer, or elk?

[ELKBUGLE5]

Hunt'n for elk, thanks for the info, it was just a question i had, and have heard discussion around hunting camp.

[bobcat]

If you want a more effective hunting load, I'd look at increasing your bullet weight rather than the powder. 260 grains is a very light bullet in a muzzleloader. What kind of bullet is it? I'd seriously recommend finding a bullet that is closer to 350 grains.

If it was just for deer, it wouldn't matter. But for elk you need a bullet that will penetrate. I wouldn't even consider a bullet that is less than 300 grains. With the exception of possibly a Barnes 100% copper bullet. They make a 275 grain that would probably be alright. But even then, they have a 325 in the same bullet that would be much better. Of course, it all depends on what your rifle shoots the best too. But I'd be really leery of any bullet that's only 260 grains.

[carpsniperg2]

  that's spot on. i have shot from 80 grains to 150 grains with 777 i would not shoot more then about 130grains because they say to reduce by 15% because of the power with it. so if the gun is 150 grains for black powder or pyro do not put 150 of 777 is what i would say. that being said i have had the best luck with 120-125 grains of pyro rs anything more like bobcat said is just more fouling and recoil. i am switching to 777 this year and am going to try 110grains. i would for sure look into a heavy bullet i like 300 min bullet but prefer around 340. i am using the 290tmz's all copper and they will do the trick.

[ELKBUGLE5]

Hey fellas thanks alot for the info, this is the reason i joined a site like this one, for the people by the people.

[ML_Hunter]

I aslo agree with both bobcat and carpsniper.  At an absolute minimum I'd say 275 grain bullet for elk, but you would gain a lot by jumping to the 300 grain mark!!  I shoot an all copper Barns Spitfire TMZ in 290 grain with 115 grains of 777. 

As you can see, your doing just fine with 110 grains of powder, but beef up the bullet weight there buddy  .  And you still have some time before hunting season the pick up some heaver bullets, raise your elevation, make sure your shooting 4 inches above zero at 100 years (if your comfortable with shooting at 100 yds), and your ready for hunting season.  Should be a quick adjustment.

What type of bullet are you using?  Happy shooting!!