New Blackpowder Hunter Question

Slawbuster · 09-23-2007, 12:58 PM

I have an Optima and was sighted inusing 3Triple 7 pellets. What is the benefit of using three pellets instead of 100 grains (2 pellets)? Just wondering. It is shooting pretty well right now but was wondering if I am using something I really don't need.

frontier gander · 09-23-2007, 01:06 PM

you dont need 3 pellets. its overkill and not needed

drop it to 2 pellets and your accuracy will problably get better.

wabi · 09-23-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

What is the benefit of using three pellets instead of 100 grams (2 pellets)?

You don't need to look at the primer to see if the firing pin hit!

(BTW - it grains, not grams.

100 grams would equal 1543.24 grains which would be close to1/4 pound!)

The 3 pellet load is usually unnecessary, and is a great way to develop some bad habits like flinching. I seldom shoot over 100 grains on the range, or hunting. Unless shots are expected at extreme ranges, there just isn't a good reason to burn that much powder. Most rifles I have owned maxed out in performance with 80 to 120 grains of powder. Beyond that the gained very little velocity, and usually lost accuracy.

rem 700 · 09-23-2007, 01:39 PM

The benefit is more velocity, flatter trajectories, and more stopping power. Necessary? Not usually. But I do prefer 110+ gr myself, because I hunt in open areas and appreciate having more forgiveness for range estimation.

Slawbuster · 09-23-2007, 01:45 PM

Thanks guys. Any more advice would be great!

sjsfire · 09-23-2007, 02:49 PM

My CVA Wolf which has just a few differencesfrom a Optima shoots real well with 90 and 100 grains of Pyrodex loose and also with 2 50grain Pyrodex pellets. I've never tried anything more than 100gr. What kind of sabots are you shooting? Mine prefers in 250gr Barnes Expander MZ's, Knight Red Hots, and Harvestor Sabre Tooths. In 300gr, the same Barnes's, Knights, and the Hornaday 300 XTP. All with the Crushed Rib Sabots.

nchawkeye · 09-23-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Slawbuster

I have an Optima and was sighted inusing 3Triple 7 pellets. What is the benefit of using three pellets instead of 100 grams (2 pellets)? Just wondering. It is shooting pretty well right now but was wondering if I am using something I really don't need.

It kicks the snot out of you each time you pull the trigger, cleaning up your sinuses...

I use 90 grains FFF in my Knight Disc and 80 grains FFF in my .54 caliber flinter....

cayugad · 09-23-2007, 05:57 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Slawbuster

I have an Optima and was sighted inusing 3Triple 7 pellets. What is the benefit of using three pellets instead of 100 grams (2 pellets)? Just wondering. It is shooting pretty well right now but was wondering if I am using something I really don't need.

Before I will suggest you not to shoot three pellets.. it depends on what you are hunting and the distances you are shooting. Especially if you have good accuracy right now. If your hunting elk, moose, bear, or deer at long distances, then three pellets might be a plus. For instance if all my shots on deer were 150 yard or in that area, then the use of three pellets might really be justified.

If your hunting deer and your shots are 100 yards or less, it is not really needed. Although let the accuracy of the rifle dictate what to shoot. If you get better accuracy with three pellet over two, then by all means shoot three of them. Also another point to bring up is the kind of projectile you are shooting. Some will tell you if shooting powerbelts for instance, you are better off with a less then magnum load. While if you were shooting Barnes Expanders, then a magnum load might be rather impressive in the expansion and penetration. Although with Barnes even 90 grains seem to do a good job.

The trouble with a lot of people, especially those new to the sport is... they are under the impression that more is always better. Well that just is not the case. Just because your rifle shoots magnum loads does not necessarily mean that you should shoot magnum loads. Two pellets might and probably is all you need. You will save money, probably get better accuracy, less fowling, no sore shoulders, flinches, scope attacks, and just enjoy the rifle more. Unless you are one of them that really likes to be smacked around. After all before the three pellet rifles came around, all the animals were being taken with between 70-100 grains of powder just fine. No one told us or the animals they needed more.

Good luck with the rifle. Let us know how it shoots if you go to two.

Slawbuster · 09-23-2007, 06:13 PM

Thanks again guys. I am just trying to learn as much as I can. Right now I am shooting sabots with 250 grain Hornady hollow points. I may try something different later but these were shooting pretty well.

cayugad · 09-23-2007, 06:25 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Slawbuster

Thanks again guys. I am just trying to learn as much as I can. Right now I am shooting sabots with 250 grain Hornady hollow points. I may try something different later but these were shooting pretty well.

That Hornady XTP is responsible for a lot of dead deer. Great bullet there... good luck.