Downloading Triple 7 Loads

[627PCFan]

So am toying with downloading Triple 7 loads in my 50 cal ML using 45 Long Colt Bullets and sabots to duplicate 45 long colt loads for small game hunting, however the loads would have to be way reduced. I'm thinking starting at 50 grains or lower. Is this a safe thing to do? I know smokeless powders do not react well to reduced charge loads, but Im wondering about 777. Thanks in advance-

 

[damoc]

i use 40 grains 777 fffg in my hawken 50 cal all the time it seems to be a nice plinking load with the ball.

one of the other guys her may know more but even the 40 grains i shoot may be a bit much for
rabbit and squirrel i still think it would take a deer with a clean close shot

 

[arcticap]

It's safe for the gun but the accuracy would need to be tested.
Lighter weight and shorter bullets might shoot better, and the right size .45 round balls can be used with .45 sabots too.
.451 round balls for revolvers could also work for small game.
Load 15% less volume of 777 to match equivalent loads of black powder and other substitute powders.
The powder charge can be reasonably adjusted to be as low as you want.

Sabots:

http://www.mmpsabots.com/

http://www.harvesterbullets.com/

 

[45-70 Ranger]

Fair accruacy with a sabot .429

I had a bunch of the old felt.2-piece plastic T/C sabots I found in a box way up on the shelf one day. I had some old Keith .429 250 SWC's cast up and so I began with 45 gr. of 777 and ended up with as high as 65. With the lighter loads it was printing well but of course way off from the sights for heavier patched loads. But as the charge increased so did the accruacy up to a point. It was an interseting test.

Wade

 

[andrewstorm]

50 grain is fine and the minimum load

a 777 50 gr pellet is good for 900 - 1000 fps mv ,and is advertised as OK by hodgson,mark your ramrod as such ,use magnum primers if shooting squirrels impact rite next to the head for better meat preservation,kills em dead with no bullet holes,except in the tree.