[Dave T]

Anyone here have any experience loading Hodgdon's 777 in black powder cartridges? I'm initially interested in the 45 Colt but if it works well would eventually try it in 44 WCF rifles and some others.

Any experiences, info or helpful hints would be appreciated.

Dave

 

[Davers]

No experience using Triple 777 in my .44-40 rifle, but don't see why one couldn't use it. It would have to be a volume to volume bases. Use your Black Powder measure set at 40 and then use Triple 777. Sure would be cleaner burning than Black Powder or Pyrodex.

 

[carpooler]

Dave T. T-7 is really tweaky. So go to the Hodgdon's Powder portal page, and poke around. Sooner or later you'll find their T-7 2F chart. it gives the correct charges, for several cartridges. T-7 is lighter than B.P. and more powerful. So you have to pay close attention to what they tell you, with their cartridge reloading chart for it. The good part is that T-7, 2F will measure through my RCBS powder measure. It doesn't like air space over it, and it doesn't like being compressed more than a smidge. So only load it in the cartridges listed, and keep the air space down, to as close to zero, as possible.

Also, be aware that this powder will try to settle somewhat, giving you some unexpected air space, under your bullets.

 

[Bong Son Buck]

I'll say it's more powerful! I used it volume for volume in my percussion 12 gauge, and like to have TORN MY MIDDLE KNUCKLE AND FINGER off! I can't believe the stock didn't split! Use a little caution when loading that stuff!

 

[gunpa]

FFFG T7 is really fine grains. It would be really easy to load. It packs a punch too!

 

[carpooler]

Gunpa, Hodgdon's web page chart only lists T-7 2F for their cartridge loads. They do show loads for the 45 Colt, and the 44 WCF.

 

[SKIP47]

777 in b/p cartridges..

I believe that literature accompanying 777 powder stated that said powder should be reduced by 15 % from what one would use in loading black powder...and, of course, on a volume to volume. If i remember correctly, they offered the example of if one is using 100 grains of ffg black powder, then, when using777, one should use 85 grains.
But, if I recall correctly, this was noted some time ago....so, the safest way around it would be to contact the manufacturer of Triple 7 and put it to their
techs.
Hope this reply didn't cause you more concerns......but, the advice of the manufacturer is what is to be followed.
Be Safe / And be SURE to vote to save our shooting sports.....

 

[Dave T]

Guys, I called Hodgdon today and actually spoke to a person (lol).

He said there is no load data per say for BP cartridges, just fill the space to the base of the bullet as carpooler said earlier. The factory guy also said it was safe to use Triple 7 in a powder measure, even in a progressive loader. He did caution that the powder measure should be cleaned periodically. Since I have a Dillon SDB set up for 45 Colt that may hold some promise down the road.

He emphasized several times in our conversation to be sure and not leave any air space between the bullet and the powder and not to compress it more than maybe a 1/16th of an inch, maximum.

Now I have to find some place locally that sells it and load up a few rounds for a test run. (smile)

Thanks for the input and feed back. I'll chronograph the results I get and pass on the info here in case anyone is interested.

Dave

 

[gunpa]

Gunpa, Hodgdon's web page chart only lists T-7 2F for their cartridge loads. They do show loads for the 45 Colt, and the 44 WCF.

I don't load for BP cartridges but accidentally bought some 3f T7 with my usual maxi ball in my muzzleloader, WOW! That got my attention!

 

[Griffiga]

I use 777 quite regularly in my BP cartridges, but I cut back 15-20 percent less then work up. I like the fact that I don't have to clean the cases so much.

 

[cosh]

This! "cut back 15-20 percent less then work up"

RE: 45 Colt loads As noted - pay close attention to eliminate the gap, don't compress if only a very little to remove air gaps.

 

[carpooler]

Other than the fact that CAS, or maybe it was NCOWS, calculated that it takes 15.5 grs. of T 7 2F to make Black Powder Frontier levels of smoke, in a 45, you can just reload shorter cases. 45 Colt, 45 Schofield, & now, the 45 Special ( 45 Cowboy ). This is how I deal with eliminating any air gaps, under my bullets.

 

[toot]

whenever you use 777 you are recommended to cut back 15 per cent on the charge/ load be cause it is hotter than any other substitute for black powder.

 

[PWH]

I've used Triple 7 FFg in Schofield cartridges. I couldn't find any load data for the Schofield cartridge, so developed my own by filling the case loosely to the lower end of the seated bullet, then weighing that amount to see what it came out as. It was 28 grains by volume and 24.5 grains by weight. That load worked well in my Uberti Schofield (I didn't try it in my 1876 original Schofield) and did not seem to be too hot.

 

[bfrshooter]

T7 does not like any compression at all so in a cartridge you might not get enough in. You need to touch the powder with a bullet but never compress it. The stuff breaks easy to powder. Even Pyrodex will break in shipment so I remove fines through a filter. As you get to the bottom of a jug shots go haywire from broken grains. Dust does not make a good powder.