Whats my next step?

[Broadbill]

Thats right. I went to the range, no problems surfaced, I had a blast, and shot a 1 1/2" 3shot group. Now what?
I'm shooting a 50cal Hawken type rifle. 1-48" twist.
I fired a PRB over 60gr of FFF Triple7 with a 010 patch.
Is there a reason to load more powder?
I know a 015 patch is more traditional, should I be doing that?
Should I try the FF Shockeys Gold I have?
This is all leading to a blackpowder deer hunt in three weeks. Is the load I have sufficient? Should I just fine tune my shooting skills?
I've got some Conicals and some new nipples coming, I'll have to give them a try.
I cleaned the gun with windshield washer fluid and alcohol then bore buttered it up. Is that enough?

I know there are a lot of questions but what the heck.

Broadbill

 

[arcticap]

Is there a reason to load more powder?

I can't say with certainty whether your load is strong enough for deer hunting or not.
It very well could be or it may not be enough.
If you were hunting from a stand within 40-60 yards, it's probably good enough without much of any extra margin for the unforeseen.
Every deer hunter wants a pass through double lung shot or a heart shot if possible.
I guess that it's all about percentages regarding what the optimum velocity is that's required to increase one's chances for success at various yardages.
Is the hunting load good enough if the projectile hits bone, shoulder or rib?
Is the hunting load good enough if the projectile hits the branch of a sapling?
I can't answer those questions.
I don't know how big the deer are in anyone else's area.
I'd personally rather see a hunter loading with 70 or 75 grains of 777 rather than 60, although I can't say that 60 is not enough. That all depends on the circumstances and how much risk a hunter wants to take to track a wounded deer on the run.

I cleaned the gun with windshield washer fluid and alcohol then bore buttered it up. Is that enough?

I don't know how clean your gun is either.
It very well may be. Maybe after a couple of days of letting the Bore Butter dissolve any powder residue, swab it out and check the patch for traces of residue. If it's clean and the barrel is smooth then simply re-apply some more Bore Butter.

Should I just fine tune my shooting skills?

Folks should always check the first shoot accuracy out of a cold clean barrel with their hunting load to simulate a hunting situation when they go to the shooting range.
Hunters generally do not go hunting shooting groups, they go hunting for deer with a single shot from a cold, clean barrel.
Range accuracy after the barrel is fouled and warmed up doesn't really matter much. What matters the most is that first shot and developing the shooting skills required to accomplish hitting the mark with it.

Should I try the FF Shockeys Gold I have?

Why not try the Shockey Gold or a duplex load utilizing both once you receive the conicals to compare accuracy and dependability results against using the 777 alone.
The 777 seems to be shooting so well with round balls, the only thing left to test is a higher powder charge if that's what you decide to do.

I know a 015 patch is more traditional, should I be doing that?

Unless the patched balls being used are already too tight, why not try some .015 patches and compare the first shot results using higher powder charges?
If the thicker patches are too tight to load in the field, then reload with the thinner patches for follow up shots when hunting. You will most likely be initially loading before going into the field to hunt anyway.

 

[BlackNet]

Do this. Pick a powder and stick with it. Learn that powder in and out. You can tinker with the load for the sweet spot on that unit, change it up and down in say 5 grain increments or so until you find it.

 

[Ratdog68]

I've gotta agree with the advice to pick a powder/round and go with it. Find out what is getting you the best accuracy with that (between now and your hunt). Keep a log of what you've done and what nets you the best results. Countless deer have been harvest with your type of gun and PRB. Do your "experimentation with other variables" in the off-season. What someone else's gun likes... yours may not. Work with what you have and find the BEST combo you can find for accuracy.

 

[Broadbill]

All good answers. I have to say that this was the first time i had ever fired a black powder rifle. There were some older guys there who were giving me advice and they were great don't get me wrong, but they are target shooters who shoot alot. I think that leads to minimum loads for economy, accuracy, and recoil. I don't think I'll try another powder yet. Just too many variables. I'll try more powder. tighter patch, and conicals.
I know its minimal but a tighter patch should produce more velocity, correct?

Good idea about cleaning it again after a few days to see how clean it really is.
This is really a lot of fun. I told my dad its like hands on handloading.
When we used to handload centerfire we could work up a load but then we'd have to wait to see the results. With this you can change your loads right at the bench. Very cool.

Hey, one more question, is the FFF Triple7 okay or should it have been FF?
It seems that 50cal is right on the suggested borderline.

Thanks,
Broadbill

 

[Ratdog68]

Agreed... the .50 is a bit of a borderline for the two. For rifles... I think I'd gravitate towards the ffg in the Triple7.

I keep a log when I shoot BP... that way I have a starting point for continuing my tuning the next time out. It's just as useful for PB as it is for reloading centerfire.

 

[arcticap]

Every gun and load is different.
You never know which granulation will be less reliable or accurate in your gun unless you try them.
There's no easy answers when it comes to performance issues.
There's not even a hard and fast rule. Only many exceptions to somewhat accepted rules depending on the individual gun and the shooter's personal preference...honest!
Famous people have hunted the largest game in Africa with some big BP bores and heavy conicals using fffg. So selectively toss out some of the "rules" and make decisions based on practical functionality.