Recommended load for Traditions Buckstalker

[altitude_19]

Friends:
I just got a Buckmaster .50 cal starter kit. Honestly, I'm more impressed than I thought I would be with it, given the price. Now on to fueling it!
What would you recommend for projectile/powder? I'm looking for cheap and I'll be happy with minute-of-whitetail accuracy. Not willing to pay more than $.50 per bullet and I'd rather stick with pelletized powder (since I'm just getting started with BP). What does that leave on the menu?

 

[Busyhands94]

if you don't want expensive projectiles you could use pistol bullets and sabots, or maybe cast your own ammo. I think loose powder is better, but if you really want pelletized powder then it's your choice. I would recommend you go with Triple Seven if you want power, that stuff is hot! I cast Lee Improved Minnie balls for my .50 rifle, they are really easy to cast and load as well. I have had very good results with them! I strongly suggest you experiment with loads and see what works in your rifle, make sure you try both sabots and full bore bullets. Either of those could be what your rifle likes.

 

[altitude_19]

It's an evolving plan, but right now, it looks like I'll be trying sabots with .452 250 gr Hornady XTPs. I've heard good things about that combo. I want to get into loose powder later, but right now I just need to get the platform up and running for ML season. Triple seven seems to have the reputation I'm looking for...have you heard anything about T7 Magnum? Seems if I can really use fewer pellets, it would aid consistency (my theory).

 

[arcticap]

Shouldn't need more than 2 pellets

Make sure to try the Pyrodex pellets too.
One fellow with a Traditions Pursuit (just like a Buckstalker but with a longer barrel) posts that Pyrodex pellets work the best in his rifle.
There's also the White Hots pellets which are a slightly more refined form of 777 pellets. They're know for being more accurate and powerful while only loading two.
There's usually never a need for more than 2 pellets of any kind since performance can suffer.
All of the forms of 777 pellets are capable of leaving a crusty "crud" ring in the breech. Some complain that it forms and others don't. Using the less hot Winchester 777 primers often does help to prevent it from forming.
I don't know of any saboted bullets that are less expensive than the TC "Cheap Shot" sabots which have simple lead hollow point bullets.

TC Cheap Shot:

http://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=TC8296

White Hots pellets:

http://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=WHP50

Winchester T7 209 primers (out of stock):

http://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=SML209T7