IMR white hots compared to Triple 7 FFG

[RemiR7]

Curious for those that have used IMR white hots and made the switch to Triple 7 FFG, did you notice a substantial increase in efficiency, accuracy, etc.? Currently shooting an older model CVA Accura MR, Hornady bore driver ftx 290gr, 150gr. Of white hots. 1-1 1/2” groups at 150 yards, but noticed the groups open up at 200 substantially. Been picking through the weeds on anything I can find and have read that loose powder is the better route. Blackthorn 209 is scarce around me, but triple 7 is readily available. Like to hear your experience between the two if anyone has any experience. Where I hunt 200 yards is a common shot.

 

[dsotm]

Never used pellets but loose powder is definitely the way to go for load development.

 

[KyleR1985]

I haven’t used the white hots but used different pellets.

The only time it saves is measuring powder at camp for preloads. It saves about 14 seconds.

Loose powder the way to go.



I use FFG exclusively because it’s what I’ve got. Using the same bullets as you. 100gr has them touching or very close to at 100 yards with my Disc extreme.

I can’t really shoot past that where I’m hunting so I haven’t pushed further with the powder.

 

[ElDiablito]

Yes, loose is the way to go.

Here’s the current load data if you haven’t seen it.

https://hodgdonpowderco.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2023-MDATA.pdf

 

[dsotm]

Once you get a loose load shooting well measure out and weigh 10 volumes or so and average it out. More consistent with weighed loads.

 

[Kyguy]

Loose powder makes it easy to tailor loads, but if you shoot the same accuracy with the loose powder as you do with the pellets, in the same conditions, loose powder is not going to make your 200 yds groups smaller than the pellets. If you're getting MOA or less groups at 150 yds with the pellets, I don't think I'd change anything. The loads widen up at 200 because the additional 50 yds of bullet exposure to the conditions play hell on the bullet. Once you get to 200 yds with a muzzleloader, that's when things start to get really exacerbated in regards to wind deflection and drop.

 

[BPI_Outdoors]

Never used pellets but loose powder is definitely the way to go for load development.

Not a fan of white hots or t-7. If you use T-7 try 3F and reduce the load data by 10%. Be sure to swab between shots. It produces a terrible crud ring in the powder column. If not brushed can cause the bullet to not set flush on the powder and causing an air-gap in the barrel. This is a very dangerous situation. Just my opinion.

 

[dsotm]

Not a fan of white hots or t-7. If you use T-7 try 3F and reduce the load data by 10%. Be sure to swab between shots. It produces a terrible crud ring in the powder column. If not brushed can cause the bullet to not set flush on the powder and causing an air-gap in the barrel. This is a very dangerous situation. Just my opinion.

It's not as fun to clean but it's a lot cheaper than being gouged for BH209 right now