By Glen Wunderlich
For those of us that handload their own ammunition, the resulting accuracy can be quite satisfying. Even though modern factory ammunition rivals that of the do-it-yourselfer, shooters that want to squeeze the most from a given firearm, still build their own loads. With muzzleloaders, however, each of us becomes a handloader of necessity.
Although many facets of muzzleloading have changed over the past 150 years, – including powder, primers, projectiles and firearms – we still handload each charge one at a time. Traditionalists use genuine black powder, while the modern hunter may opt for black powder substitutes, which minimize the potential for fouling and corrosion.
One of the most popular muzzleloading powders on the market today is Hodgdon’s Triple Seven powder. The modern powder can produce some of the most consistent results and that’s what accuracy-minded handloaders want. This fuel comes in various configurations – pellets of various weights and granular in sizes of FFg and FFFg.
Before getting into granular formations, a few words about the handy pellets are in order: pelletized powder is not consistent. When weighed, they can vary as much as several grains. Add to this malady the fact that the pellets can be damaged by bouncing them around, they become even more inconsistent. Not so with granular. Read more
