T-7 and the 500 BPE

[sharps4590]

Having just read a couple threads on synthetic black powder substitutes and T-7 in particular prompted a question I had a few years back. Hodgon doesn't list data for the 500 BPE and I have a nice Reilly double chambered for that cartridge. It has Henry rifling and while I have a Nitro for Black load that shoots exceedingly well I have never been able to come up with a BP load that regulates. I confess that so far I have been loathe to try paper patching which is supposedly where Henry rifling excels. I did contact Hodgon twice those years ago and never received a reply. My question is has anyone tried T-7 in the 500 BPE in an older rifle? If so, your results?

[dromia]

Unless Hodgdon has data specific to your cartridge then I wouldn't touch the stuff with a barge pole, it has its limits and those are defined by their load data, get tripple seven wrong and there are dangerous pressure spikes.

I wouldn't demean that fine rifle with the stuff, why not work up some black powder cartridge loads for the gun, safer, in the spirit of the original and shows the rifle the respect it deserves.

[gandydancer]

Unless Hodgdon has data specific to your cartridge then I wouldn't touch the stuff with a barge pole, it has its limits and those are defined by their load data, get tripple seven wrong and there are dangerous pressure spikes.

I wouldn't demean that fine rifle with the stuff, why not work up some black powder cartridge loads for the gun, safer, in the spirit of the
original and shows the rifle the respect it deserves.

dromia Called it. use what the firearm was designed for. "Black Powder"

[sharps4590]

I really can't agree more with both of you. I really detest the subs for my use. dromia, yours are the exact reasons I never tried T-7 in the rifle.

I've been shooting BP cartridge rifles for close on to 30 years and have always been able come up with a load that gave excellent results. Even in my old German double in 43 Mauser I was finally able to come up with a BP load that regulated. However, this rifle has been a challenge. My thought for a number of years has been the Henry rifling simply doesn't like naked bullets and BP, no matter the lube, bullet, load or loading technique combination. About 8 inches at 50 yards is the best it's done. Nitro for Black loads shoot slightly over 2 inches composite group at the same distance so it isn't the rifle. I've discussed this with a few owners of rifles in the same cartridge and Henry rifling and evidently the answer is to paper patch the bullets. When winter breaks into spring I suppose I will have to learn how to patch bullets.

Thanks to both of you for your thoughts.

[johnson1942]

triple seven is accurate but i would use blackhorn 209 powder if i was you as it is really clean and very accurate. more clean than triple 7.

[salpal48]

I have a Reilly Double 500 BPE. I am Currently using AA 5477 . 425 Gr. .509 cast using Lyman mold . Powder wight 50 Gn . I have also Used 4198 , and 4759. . I was planning to Use 777 but not much Info with It.. I use a Lot Of 777 with other BP rifles.
Loads for This are not plentiful. I also email Hodgens with no Response. I guess They do not want to go Out On a Limb. The black Powder load 120-130 Gn is a Lot Of Powder . It would be easy to work something Up. But No one wants to be The test cast.
There isa Lot of Info On Doubleguns .com. Or Nitroexpress.com.
.Sal

[salpal48]

There seems to be aLot Of Useless chatter above concerning The Praises of Black Powder. if there not Interested in Other stuff . maybe they should Respond There.. Speaking about The 500 Nitro for Black . A Mandatory reading Is Graeme Wright. " Shooting the British Double Rifles." 3 rd edition. He does list many commercial US powders H4198. Varget and H 4350 All are Pressure test loads using a 440 Gn bullet.
He list many Nitro load. with a 570Gn. bullet jacketed but are Higher velocity

[salpal48]

Well today was test day with The Reilly and 777. I made up 20 Round using 10 Rounds Hornady Brass. and 10 Round with Kynoch Original Berdan primed. After settling On a Basic Load . I went with 2F 777 / 75 Grains By weight ( Not Volume). I always weigh My sub using My chart Vol to weight conversion.. I also Primed with CCI mag LR primer.. 75 Gn filled the case appox 3/8 to 1/2 from base if Boolit. . I also Used a 50 cal Wonder Wad and on top an Overshot Cardboad wad Not Compressed.
My cast Boolit was The Lyman 425 Gn hard cast sized 510 diameter. . I notice That Powder Position was different Between Case manufacturer. Kynoch was Thicker. . The Cartridges all shot well. a good stiff Recoil. with no Unburned Powder with Good smoke Report. . This load did Not Regulate . But was on the paper @ 50 yards.. I thing My Next attempt . will be To Try to Regulate with 777.

[salpal48]

I took the Reilly Out again with a Little better results. I increased The charge to 79 gn by weight T7 2F. Again The Group started to Get a Lot closer. But the recoil was Getting aclot stiffer with me. I sure Getting in the 80's will be enough . maybe Next Time

Sal