I did a search but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. What are the advantages and disadvantages of pellets vs loose powder? Also, can either be used in most of the guns on the market. thanks, Brad

bowfisherman

For me it is really pretty simple - cost per shot - pellets are terribly expensive and I like to think I shoot a lot - 4-5 bottles per year.

Second with loose you can taylor your load to the projectile you are shooting - hopefully getting better accuracy

Yes, most often both can be used in modern inlines - different story in sidehammers though.

Advantages of pellets:
designed for ease of use and occasional MLer shooter
most guns shoot well for 250g and 300g bullets with 100g load
carried by most stores (Walmart and the like)

Disadvantage fo pellets:
costly
can't shoot 90g or 110g easily
bit harder to ignite than loose powder
loose power a bit more powerfult that pellets

Advantage of loose power:
easy to adjust charge to 70, 80, 90, 110, 120 etc
less costly than pellets
keeps better than pellets

Most inline guns will shoot either loose of pellets, most Flintlock and sidelock guns will NOT shoot them well, since they require the hotter 209 ignition.
Chap

Also with pellets you really should be using a 209 or small rifle primer system for your ignition.

Sabot loader pretty well covered it. Especially the cost. I was looking at some pellets when I was in the big city last time..$34.00 a box. And that is for only 50 shots. I get a pound of black powder good for about 70 or more shots for $12.99 a pound. You do the math.

All powders have to be swabbed (other then APP, Pinnacle, and Black Horn 209) so the advantage of pellets.. some rifles are very accurate with them. They are easy to load as you don't have to pre measure anything. And they have excellent power.