Based on an e-mail discussion I had with one of the contributors to this board, I began to wonder if what I thought I knew about Pyrodex pellets was true with charges below 150 grains. Years ago, at the SHOT show, I talked to one of the muzzleloading "celebrities" about the pellets. At that time, the only ones available in .50 caliber were the 50 grain Pyrodex. He indicated that the pellets burned more efficiently, gave more velocity, and more consistent velocities. I tried this with my Knight rifle and confirmed what he had recommended. Loose powder was about 150 fps slower and gave about twice as big of a group with 150 gr. charges.

Today, I was out at the range and decided to compare a "light magnum" charge of 130 grains behind a 250 gr. Shockwave. Out of my 26" Black Diamond XR, the pellet load averaged 2021 fps and had a SD of only 22 fps. The loose powder (Pyrodex RS) averaged 1958 and had a SD of 41 fps. The pellets, with this bullet,usually produce groups from one-hole to as big as around 1.8". The loose powder produced a five shot group of 2.2".

Yes, the pellets are still a better mousetrap with the 130 grain loading (at least in this gun), but the difference is no where near as great as with the 150 grain charges. I could hunt with the loose powder at this charge - and probably save some money in the process.