I'll make this simple. I've got a bunch of old DuPont 2F powder. Circa 63 if I read the date code correctly. It's always shot very well.
I have this 54 I've never shot and will probably take it over buying a new barrel for the encore for a cow elk hunt in the fall.
I also have loose 777 powder. And some pyrodex somewhere.
Since I'm starting from scratch and have a bunch of 2F DuPont I was going to use that. But I'm open to all suggestions. Since I am starting from scratch I can go buy the "best" thats out there now if needed.
I'll be finding a rear aperture. Add a pad. Change to musket caps more than likely.
Also-- I put this one together from a kit years ago-- I bedded the barrel full length with steel bed-- was that a mistake? The tang is bedded also.
Thanks for the input. Its been maybe 10 years since I shot any of my MZ. Other than a round with a new Encore 2 years ago.
Jeff
I would throw the Pyrodex and Triple 7 out. I have found it degrades from year to year, and you end up chasing ghosts when there are none. Can't say about the Dupont. If it were me, I would go buy fresh cannisters, no matter what you use.
I'd go with the DuPont FFg if it is still in good condition. Since you indicate that you have a good supply, shoot some with your bullet of choice and get that rifle sighted in properly with your chosen load. I have two T/C Renegades in 54 caliber. This is my favorite BP caplock hunting rifle. The 777 is good powder if one can't get real black, or just prefers a substitute. I've shot a fair amount of it, and have been pleased with the results. However, I went back to shooting black some time ago, and prefer the genuine article. Good luck on that elk hunt. Are you shooting PRBs or conicals?
You can't go wrong with real black less any moisture....true grain weight, weighed on a scale....That's where my itty bitty groups are found.
The rest is good for sumthin other than burning in a rifle barrel......
I have never used anything but ff in mine.
I bought a used .54 Renegade last summer -- the nice thing about buying a used ML is getting the benefit of the previous owner's load workup.
In this case, my rifle shoots very well with the T/C Maxi-Ball and 90 gr. of Pyrodex Select.
PRB, 2f 60 to 100 gns depending on the range you are going to hunt. I have used 110gns of p pyrodex and a .535 rb with .020 patch lubed. That load never seems to fail in a good kill, it will group a minute of a quart oil can at 100yds.
My buddie has always used 120FFF with a patched round ball in his Renagade. 2F just didn't work for him. I don't know the ball size or patch thickness, but the load is an Elk Killer!
The only propellent I've used in my 54 Renegade is Pyrodes RS. I like the accuracy I get from it with the T/C 430 gr Maxi-Ball, but heavier and lighter bullets didn't work well with this. I does shoot the round balls fine though.
Hey Youp
Real BP goex FF. It wont rot your gun. Clean it after use.
BB
I have found that 100grns. of 777 gives me a higher velocity than Pyrodex rs. Can't remember how much of an increase but I still notice the increase in recoil. I've been told that 100grns. of 777 is the same as 120grns. of Pyrodex Rs. If I recall I used to get an increase of around 50 to 85fps when using a 100grns. of Pyrodex P Powder vs. 100grns. of RS. If the area you hunt involves any fare amount of moisture (rain-snow) then it's been my experience that 777 is about as good as it gets. I spend way to much time and money hunting and scouting to not have my gun go off. I shoot a T/C firehawk and have close to 700 rds through it with out even a hang fire!! It always goes off!! I shoot 295 gr Blackbelts and 100grns of 777. I use a peep sight and 2 1/2 to 3 inch groups are the norm. I once put 3 shots into an inch group at 100 yds!!! The gun will shoot as good as I can aim it. I spent years messing around with primmers, powders, bullets. And my gun likes 777, any blackbelt bullet and 385 gr. great plains bullet by Hornady. The 385 gr. Hornaday shoots as good as the blackbelts but doesn't load as easy. Every muzzle loader is different. So if you want to get the best results try everything. With the 777 I can foul the barrel with one shot and hunt all season without cleaning. At the end of the season if I'm not sucessful I'll shoot it then clean it. I've had the gun for about 6 years and it looks like it been shoot maybe 20 times. It's spotless!!! I love 777!!! Good luck CD
BB: In what way will Pyrodex rot my rifle?
Hey Youp
Why use real BP??? I have been Muzzel loading for 33 years before it was popular. Pyrodex was marketed under the guise that it was not as corrosive as real BP. I tried it and went back and never looked back. Thats why I make that statement. So, why do you use it??
Bearbeater
I've only been shooting muzzleloaders for 3 years, and don't know much about them. Your post is the first time I've heard that Pyrodex is more corrosive than black powder, and I wanted to hear more about it.
Hey youper
I have 2 renagades both 54 cal. I use patched round ball. with .018 pillow tick patch. 80 grains of FF BP goex is my most accurate load. I use moose snot Homemade lube. I also hunt with PRB and works great. I also cast my own conical REAL lee mound 340 grainer. moose snot lube with a wonder wad over powder this works great in a 48 twist barrel with 100 grns of FF goex. Best advice I can give is read, ask and use, Shoot alot and you will find the renagade is one hell of a good rifel. never had a miss or hang fire with real BP. pyro crap I had very bad experiance.
My $.02
Bearbeater