For about three years i usedvery heavy charges of Pyrodex in my muzzleloaders. Used 130 grains and more of granularor three, 50 grain pellets to shoot hogs and deer. Talked with several experienced m/l hunters and found out thatthese heavy loads were not necessary.

Stopped using Pyrodex pellets andwent to 100 grains of granular Pyrodex with the 240 grain XTP bullet. This load killed deer and hogs just as dead as the heavier loads. A few hogs were killed with 100 grains of granular Pyrodex andthe .44 caliber, 300 grain XTP bullets from my CVA Mag. Hunter.

Bought an Encore last fall. Found out that it shoots very well with 90 grains of JSG and the 250 grain SST. Killedseven deer and hogs with that load. All were bang flops except one deer that was shot low in the shoulders.

Found some 50 grain Pyrodex pellets stashed awayand have started using them in my cheap and very accurate Stag Horn. That gun likes nearly every load i have ever tried in it.With the .44 caliber XTP it shoots to thesame point of aim with 100 grains of granularas it does with two 50 grain pellets.

For me there isa challenge to hunting with a muzzleloader. You have one shot. It gives me the incentive to hone up onhunting skills that i do not use whenzapping a pig or deer at 400 yards with a .300 Win Mag.Do notknowthe velocity ofmost of my favoritem/l loads and could care less.They work well for me, even at ranges longer than 150 yards.

The .58 caliber Springfield rifled musket used during the Civil War used 60 grains of black powder. The Minie "ball" weighed about 500 grains. Velocity was about 1,000 fps. At 600 yards the bullet would penetrate six one-inch pine boards. We have come a long way since then: Or have we really?