So here's my story. Been a deer hunter for years, but never had to use a muzzleloader until now. I'm currently stationed at Fort Knox, KY, and do a hunting trip to Ohio once a year during gun season. Because Fort Knox is an WMA, you can only use Shotgun or ML, the same with Ohio. Have hunted with a shotgun for the past two years, but this year I decided to go with a muzzleloader. So here's what I have, and what I plan to use for this season.

-Traditions Pursuit LT Accelerator ( nothing special, but what I thought would be a good beginner gun since Traditions has been around for awhile)
-Triple 7 Pellets: which I plan on using 100 grains
-Thompson/Center Shock Wave Sabot 250 Grain with a ballistic tip; at least that's what it's called on rifle rounds

I chose the round because from my experience, the ballistic tip will not have as much drop as say a hollowpoint will for longer distances. Not that I will be taking long shots, because very rarely will I have a shot over 100 yards at either place I hunt.

Couple of questions I do have: 1) My rifle says "blackpowder only". Triple Seven is an alternative. Does this make a difference, or will it be safe to shoot? I'm pretty sure it's safe, but wanted to make sure.
2) How is my round combination? Since I don't know much about muzzleloading, was curious if the setup I plan to shoot will work for me based on other's experiences.

Any help or advice from you guys would be greatly appreciated, as I know very little about what I am doing with this gun. Although, I'm very excited about taking it to the woods and leaving the old shotgun at home. Any other advice you have would be greatly appreciated as well.

Thanks in advance for you help.

It sounds like your on track. Triple Seven is fine. It is a substitute powder and will work fine. Personally with your rifle, I would use Pyrodex RS in pellet or loose form. I have a Genesis. With two Pyrodex RS pellets and a 250 grain Barnes MZ bullet... that rifle will shoot amazing groups. Our barrels come from the same factory. So this might be a good choice also. Shockwaves should work just fine. And 100 grains will be a good load.

Good luck.

Thanks for the reply. I chose Triple 7, because of recommendations of burning cleaner. I'll buy some Pyrodex and take it to the range with me when I go to shoot to see if I can tell a difference. Thanks for the advice.

If you want clean, the cleanest BP sub powder to date, just buy a can of Blackhorn 209 and never look back. It will take the swab factor out of the game which is one less step for a beginner. You will need a volume measurer which will only set you back $10-$15. 100gr by volume is a great place to start and should provide you with great accuracy. Good luck.

I have to agree with omega. BH209 and the bullet you chose will give you great accuracy. later on after your familiar with loading,measuring, cleaning and so forth you can play with different bullets.the sabot supplied with the bullets may be to large,i would also buy a pack of harvester crushed rib sabots just in case.. have fun and feel free to ask as many questions as you like.. Ray

Thanks for all the help guys. I'll be looking into all of it.

I'm a little confused with the harvester sabots. I've seen two different kinds. 50 caliber for .45, and 50 caliber for .44. Is that the only two, or do I need to find a different one?

Also, when I measure out 100 grains of powder, what do I need to know about that? From my understanding, there are two different measurements of powder, and one will be way too much. Sorry for all the questions.

Measurements of powder. Black Powder and subs are normally measured by volume for this I recommend a TC U-view if you have a grain weight scale [reloading scale] then you will have quite different amounts and they will be considerably smaller.
If the sabots that come with the Shock Waves will work alright use them they are MMP HPH 24 and they are a good standard sabot .
I would make one other recommendation for hunting. The Yellow ballistic tip is best used for practice and the Blue ballistic tip is exactly the same except it is bonded they shoot the same but the blue is much better for hunting.
There are actually 3 50/45 is 50 caliber for a 45 caliber bullet 50/44 and 50/40 are also available, MMP also makes sabots. It is my experience that in cool or cold weather the MMP are best in hot weather the Harvester hold up best. There are only two major suppliers.
Muzzle-loaders are load sensitive it has to do with barrel whip when you have time and opportunity try 90 and 110 grains volume.
Most loads will have a W or a V behind them this stands for weight or volume measure, most of us use volume as it is not only more faster and easier but has been shown to be just as accurate if a good measure is used.