i was wondering if 777 is the best powder to use, or is the pioneer powder advertised on television really any good. and which on average is cheaper. thanks for your responses in advance.

p.s. i will be using an encore, incase you need to know.

777 is an excellent powder; I've used two pounds. It is pricey, though. Even better is Pyrodex RS, when you can get it post-season for five bucks a pound!

The best powder for your rifle is the stuff that fits your shooting style and budget. If I recall from your first thread Triple Se7en is easy to come by where you live and is sold at a good price. I would buy the loose FFF equevelent and start around 100g and work up from there. DO NOT EXCEED 125g of loose T7 it is more powerfull than Pyrodex or black powder.

Keep saboted .44cal bullets over 240g and .45 over 250g and you should have good results. Encores are not that picky what you stuff down the bore.

so i just need to play around with different things and see what works in my gun? would my gun shoot the same with the same stuff as somebody else who has an encore?

Not exactly your envirorment/ rifle and style of loading and all will make things a little different but base loads offered up here should give you a good starting point.

For example I live in NH and some of the loads I love would never shoot good in Nevada because they lack the humidity to make them work well. Same with cleaning methods.

Well now you have my attention . Please elaborate, this sounds interesting.

Used to shoot 777 but now I shoot American Pioneer and I will not switch back as I'm sold. It is about 3 dollars cheaper where I get mine.

I've always had good results with T7 and Pyrodex for that matter. APP has just started showing up on some shelves up here and price is comparable between the 2 that I have seen. Reviews of it at the range have been raving to no big deal. Only true way is trial!

Good Luck and enjoy your new ml.

All depends on your definition of "best"!!!!!

Some folksfeelthe cheapest powder is best.
Some folks feel the most potent powder is best.
Some folks feel the cleanest powder is best.
Some folks feel the most accurate powder is best.

.... etc.... etc..... etc!

I agree; I have an Omega and it absolutely refuses to shoot T7 regardless of breechplug design (I have tried all three available from T/C), or primers (I have even converted to the .25ACP breechplug and small rifle primers). It makes a severe crud ring no matter what I do. I know of others with the "same" Omega that have no problem with T7 at all. I shoot in Arizona (very dry) and I shoot 300gr. bullets or heavier as I hunt elk. You definately have to find out what your rifle likes where you hunt. I also hunt at altitude and when I shoot near sea level the conditions are not the same so I have to finalize all my loads at altitude.