Chronographing muzzleloaders---a few conclusions

Just got back from chronographing my ttraditions in-line .50 and I learned a few things.

1. that third pellet of Pyrodex doesn't give you much, other than noise and recoil. With 100 grain loads, 777 and Pyrodex are pretty equal.

2. fouling must really slow the bullet. first 4 shots with Pyrodex, velocities were: 1990, 1829, 1770 and 1827. This is with a 200 grain XTP.

3. Keep the bolt and striker clean and lubricated. My last shot was a misfire. I assumed the primer had fallen out, since this happens occasionally, and had already happened today. When I opened the bolt to try again, the rifle went off straight up with the stock against my knee. It smarted, but at least nobody else was there to be hurt.

comments?

#1. This is a wise thing to learn, so now you know.

#2. Your chronographed velocities don't look out of line. Pyrodex doesn't foul near as much as BP. It is normal to have 200 fps variation.

#3. Sounds like your cap didn't fire when struck, but with the striker resting on the cap, the friction of the bolt opening may have fired it.