load info for a squirrel rifle

[marada]

hello all, i just acquired a traditions squirrel rifle in 32 cal. and am needing some load info . i have some .310 round balls and picked up some .015 patches, can i use regular pyrodex rifle/shotgun powder or do i need to use pistol powder? and what is a good starting load for squirrel hunting 25 to 35 yds?

[mooman76]

You can use Pyro R/S but the pistol powder should do better in the smaller calibers. I'd start at 15gr and work up to find the best most accurate load. Probably somewhere in the 15-25 gr area.

[HARRYMPOPE]

Triple Seven FFF and Pyrodex P Worked good in mine with .315 Ball and .014 patch.It shot as well as the FFF Goex and G-O did.I used 10g for 25 yd shooting.

[Squeeze]

Im pretty sure that rifle is a 1-48 twist. this twist in a .32 cal is a bit more fussy about loads. It will still be a fine shooter, just a bit harder to find that sweet spot load its asking for. it will be a bit different for each powder, but mine seem to want 22-26 grns of either goex or graf powder, each a little different. It seems to want to group tighter with a heavier charge. ( I don't have a traditions, but do own several other brands with this twist in ,32 cal) I use a .010 patch with a .315 ball, .013-.015 with a .311 ball, and a .015-.018 patch with a .310.

[Hanshi]

I have a Crockett .32 that has taken squirrels with 30grns of 3F. And despite what is often said about such loads, body shots did no more damage than a .22LRHP. There is nothing valuable in the midsection anyway. So head shots or mid body shots for minimal damage. I never aimed for the shoulder or hindquarters but am convinced THAT would cause a mess. I now think 15grns to 20grns is probably even better; it seems to be just as accurate as 30grns or at least close enough.