250 gn. SST load for an Optima Pro
 

A while back I had recieved some information on this and I can't find it. I did a search and still cant find it. I have both the Pyrodex Pellets and the Triple 7 pellets. What load worked best for you. Did you use loose or pellets?

RE: 250 gn. SST load for an Optima Pro
 

I have gotten the best accuracy with 130 grains 777 pellets and have only 2" drop from 100 to 150 yds with 2 - 2.5" groups at 150. A good starting point would be 100 grains of either pellets and you can increase the load as long as it holds good groups with up to 150 gr. although I haven't shot up to 150gr pellets in my optima.

RE: 250 gn. SST load for an Optima Pro
 

Gun - Optima (26" barrel) Projectile - 250g SST with 90g loose T-7 ffg. Result? - One big ragged hole at 100yds (off the bench - 4 shots). Took a 145lb 6 point at 192 yds last year with this exact load. He never knew what hit him - he never took another step.

RE: 250 gn. SST load for an Optima Pro
 

When I went to get the Triple 7 yesterday, I looked for the 30 gn pellets like the 50 gn and they didn't have it. The guy said he didn't think they made them. Do they? Also, I see a bunch of you use loose pellets....does it make a big difference?

RE: 250 gn. SST load for an Optima Pro
 

Also, what type of scale are you using to measure your loose powder?

RE: 250 gn. SST load for an Optima Pro
 

Loose black powder and all substitutes are measured by volume and not weight. If you want to use a scale and a powder Thrower you better call the powder mfg to make sure it is safe.

RE: 250 gn. SST load for an Optima Pro
 

Loose black powder is not meant to be measured with a scale. It is supposed to be more consistent, in terms of pressure and velocity, when measured by volume; and there is no reason to even attempt a conversion. Only the folks shooting smokeless in the Savage guns need a scale.

Also, they do make 30 grain pellets in the .50 caliber. I think Cabela's has them. A number of gun stores around here carry them as well. Two fifties and a thirty - great load for 250 or 300 grain SST's/Shockwaves. Good luck.

RE: 250 gn. SST load for an Optima Pro
 

They do make the 30 grain pellets, cabelas will for sure have it. I got mine at scheels so yours should carry it too as well if you have one. I do use 2 fiftys and 1 thirty and it works really well. I took a 8 point buck at 198 paces and it performed flawlessly, including 3 other does and all were one shot one kills without any going farther than 10 yards.

RE: 250 gn. SST load for an Optima Pro
 

Sorry for the scale question. I have never used loose Black Powder so I wasn't sure if it was weight or volume. I went to the largest gun store that we have here in Lafayette, La. and did not find the 30 grain pellets. I may have to order them.

Since I have never tried anything but 100 grns. or 150 grns., when you load a smaller pellet does it matter what position that the smaller pellet sits?

RE: 250 gn. SST load for an Optima Pro
 

I always put the 30 grain pellet closest to the cap - but I'm not sure it really matters. For someone with a lot of time on their hands, it might be a good experiment - run some strings of shots over the chronograph with the 30 grain pellet in various positions in the chain - see which one has the narrowest SD.