RE: Question reg: BP types,caps and also....
The Start Out powder charge recommendations are just that.. recommendations. We know that the rifle will not probably get the best group with those initial suggested powder charges. We only don't want someone starting with such a high powder charge, that the bypass the most accurate charge. As you work the load up in the rifle, you will get a tight group. Then as you increase the powder charge, the group will begin to open up. Finally it will start to spray the target. Each rifle and bullet combination reach a point of diminished returns. At that point you do not gain in velocity like before by the increased powder charge, and also you do not get the kind of accuracy that you are looking for.
As for the differences in strength and ignition.. all powders have basic characteristics. The base powder to keep in mine is Black powder in 2f strength. You can compare all other powders to that.Here is an example.. Also all powders have different flash points or the amount of heat needed to ignite it. Black Powder is the easiest, and the others follow after that. The exact difference in them I do not know.
100 grains of Black Powder 2f in strength (meaning produces similar velocities with the same projectile) = 100 grains Pyrodex RS = 100 grains American Pioneer Powder 2f(although many feel APP is just a little less powerful) = 100 grains Pinnacle 2f = 85 grains of Triple Se7en 2f = 80-85 grains of Black Mag3
100 grains of Black Powder 3f = 100 grains of Pyrodex P = 100 grains of American Pioneer Powder 3f= 100 grains of Pinnacle 3f= 100 grains of Triple Se7en 2f or 90 grains of Triple Se7en 3f= 100 grains of Black Mag3
When you shoot pellets, Pyrodex RS pellets are equal in strength to the standard Triple Se7en 2f pellets, APP & Shockey Gold Sticks approximately. This all changes finally as again, with diminished returns in pellets VS loose powder, we find that 90 grains of loose powder will approximately give you the velocity of two pellets. 120 grains of loose powder will give you the velocity of approximately 150 grain of pellets.
Also sense you shoot a rifle with a #11 ignition system like a T/C Hawkins. Then do not shoot pellets. Shoot loose powder. Pyrodex or Black Powder will probably do you very well. Also some of the other powders work fine in them. A .490 roundball and patch is what would be needed for a projectile, or maxiball, great plains conicals, or REAL conicals. #11 Caps vary in strength as well. Use as hot a cap as you can. RWS, CCI Magnums, Remington 40% Hotter, and last are the standard CCI cap.
If you need any help, ask. I hope I have not really confused you now..