So, my opinion is going to be different than many on here but here goes.
I went to the range yesterday with my 50 cal Model 700ML with a Nikon scope. I used the APP sticks (2 sticks per load should be 100 gr.), 295 grain hollow point powerbelts, and Winchester 209 primers.

My results were excellent. I could not be happier. I shot 4 groups of 3 shots at 75 yards. My first shot of the first group was a little high; about 5 inches. I am sure that was me. So, to remove any question on my inadequacies as a shooter, I used a really nice bench rest and my shots were incredible. Every shot taken after the first one was in a 1" - 1 1/4" group, dead on the bulls eye. I dont know about you all, but that is freakin spectacular for me! I have read horrible reviews about this powder and I have to question their tactics if their groups are that off. I have tried pyrodex and 777 and have had nearly the same results in accuracy, no complaints there, but that stuff (both the pdex and 777) are just filthy!! could only shoot twice, the third one would just click. the 777 was worse than the pdex in my experience.
I wound up shooting my ML 13 times yesterday. Every shot was excellent, and the greatest thing to me, was that I never cleaned it until I got home. I shot all 13 times right in a row without cleaning it! try doing that with pdex or 777... I know a guy needs to find the right combination for his ML and stick with it, and I definitley have. So, I dont understand all the negative press about APP. With my set up, it worked flawlessly, had very good groups, and was way cleaner than the rest.
And yesterday it was raining all day long here in MO. So I didnt not even have optimum conditions for shooting. I think you need to give this stuff a try, I love it!

I have never used the APP sticks.
I have used the pyrodex pelletts,I got them on clearence,I have 4 box's of them

The ONLY time I use compressed or pelletized powder is when I take my daughters or youth's to shoot for the first time I use 1 50 grn pellett so they can get used to it.Thats the only reason I keep them

I came to this forum shooting pelletts,The great folks here got me to try loose powder.That's all I shoot now is loose.

If sticks or pelletts are working for you,great.
But give loose a try also,don't close your mind to it.

I'm using black mag 3 this year. Is it in the same chemical makeup as pioneer as far as absorbing moisture.It shot great in my mk85 this summer when sighting it in. How do you dehydrate moist powder?

Deer 655
I suspect there are many ways; the one I use was to put it right next to the dehumidifier in the gun safe, in a few days it would start grouping again. But nothing helps the fact that it is the weakest powder we know of, and if it sucks up some moisture on a hunting trip you better have a sealed can handy. Lee

My experience with APP loose was less than satisfying but I see others doing really well with it. I bought that powder at the same place I buy blackpowder. When I went back for more blackpowder the shop owner told me that if I removed the grease from my conicals that it would work. So I tried that. I had the same problem. Erratic burn. So were duds which didn't much report and chrono readings which were subsonic confirmed why they didn't report loudly.

At the time I was shooting a NEF sidekick. I think part of my problem was that it didn't blow alot a flame into it. It was a new jug and it isn't humid here so I can't blame it on humidity. Also I had stocked up on Rem and Win Muzzleloading 209 which are weaker (when they were going for $1 a box at Walmart). I have yet to try it in my Apex or Kodiak Pro. Maybe I should try it in them. But I am so fond of blackpowder for its consistency I just haven't reopened the the jug.

Has anyone other than I noticed that Jim Schocky no longer talks about American Pioneer on his hunting program. I wonder what powder he is using now. I did watch a show of his filmed in Africa and right on camera it showed flaming pellets being ejected from the bore when he shot. He turned to his PH with a stunned look on his face as the PH asked him, What the &^*l was that?

While it works good fresh out of a new can I found it unreliable, after a while and had to keep it dehumidified. I could not even give it away around here so it end up being flushed. Lee

By always keeping the lid/seal on the can tight....WITH extra Desiccant/Silica gel packs in the can. You should do this with all powder--even smokeless powder included:s1::cool2:

These are very inexpensive and work great!!!



This will ensure bone dry powder every time. You should also store your loads in air-tite/waterproof tubes or speed loaders for the range or hunting.

Folks, honestly, there is no reason/excuse for damp/moisture contaminated powder anymore....:patriot: