Muzzleloader grouping.

[Roboz]

First year of muzzleloading, shooting Hornady FPB 300 grain with 90 grains volume of Blackhorn through a T/C Impact. First time out to the range, i am fairly happy with my grouping at 50 yards (see Picture), shooting open sights. Tomorrow will be a 100 yard test to see what is really going on!
Suggestions on powder? Do you think less powder would be more accurate? Heavier or lighter bullet ? Will be hunting deer. Just looking for some things to try out this weekend.
Far left shot was first shot, adjusted sight and hit bullseye, then adjusted sight to move bullet up. Seems to be working well so far.

 

[Old Hunter]

I wouldn't use less powder for elk.

 

[Murdy]

To a point, less powder does increase accuracy, but 90 grains isn't that much, and going down from there might not do much. When I started about 5 years ago, I imediately loaded mine up to 150 (max). When I backed off to 120, accuracy imporved greatly -- getting good groups at that load, so I don't really see a reason to go down any further.

 

[Old Hunter]

Last year I took an elk with 80gr of real black powder and a round ball. The shot was 70 yds, and had no problem with putting the elk on the ground.

I never recommend my loads, because I don't know what kind of hunter i'm talking to, and they might try and take longer shots. Even though i'm using an inline this year, and could take 200+ yd shots. I'll load just 80gr of BH with a 250gr Thor, and keep my shots under 100yds. I do it in the spirit of what muzzleloader season was originally intended to be.

Just my outlook on it.

 

[jay]

Roboz, how do you like your TC Impact? It was one of my considerations in buying my bro a muzzleloader for the upcoming season.

 

[Roboz]

Considering this is my first muzzleloader, i dont think it is too bad. I didnt want to spend alot of money on something if i found out i didnt like doing, so it fit what i was looking for. It's easy to clean and seems to be pretty accurate. The trigger gaurd is plastic, thought they could have made that steel. Fit and finish are good, but not exceptional. It should be great for hunting.
Still haven't got out to do my 100 yard testing, maybe some night after work this week. If i can get good groups at 100 yards i will be happy, planning on keeping my shots under 100 anyway.