What Group Size Do You Stop Load Development

[Reporchie]

I used to shoot muzzleloaders a lot but haven’t done anything for 10 years. Drew a muzzleloader deer tag so having to relearn all I had forgotten. I tried a new load (100 grains 777, Barnes TEZ 290) and was very pleased - with open sights my group was 2.25” at 100, two of the three in the same hole! I’ve heard of people getting 1 MOA but with my old TC Triumph this is the best group I’ve ever gotten that I remember. I was planning to do some load tuning but I’m considering saving some time and money and at least try this load more… maybe not even try other loads. What kind of groups do yall chase when developing a load? Keep in mind I’m in an open sights state.

 

[gwhunter]

Id stick with that, and leave all your shots under 150 yards. Seems good enough out to the effective range of the bullet/energy.

 

[typhoon916]

My load is 70 gr of bh209 with 340 gr eld x and get 1 inch groups at a 100

 

[Dan O]

I used to shoot muzzleloaders a lot but haven’t done anything for 10 years. Drew a muzzleloader deer tag so having to relearn all I had forgotten. I tried a new load (100 grains 777, Barnes TEZ 290) and was very pleased - with open sights my group was 2.25” at 100, two of the three in the same hole! I’ve heard of people getting 1 MOA but with my old TC Triumph this is the best group I’ve ever gotten that I remember. I was planning to do some load tuning but I’m considering saving some time and money and at least try this load more… maybe not even try other loads. What kind of groups do yall chase when developing a load? Keep in mind I’m in an open sights state.

I would shoot this load for additional groups and see if it's consistently grouping. Also maybe address fouling control and see if that makes a difference. A 2.25 inch group at 100 yards with open sights will be an effective hunting load.