Patriot Load Data

Do NOT use this data with previous G2 and older .50 caliber models.


You must use a witness mark on the ramrod to ensure proper loading. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death to the shooter and/or bystanders. The loads listed are recommended and tested loads. Loads are not limited to what is listed here, but it is crucial to know the operating pressures and limits of the rifle. We have listed several smokeless powders. While these are not the only powders that can be used, do NOT use other powders without knowing the pressures and if they are safe. We do not have data for powders not listed and will not offer advice on powders we have not tested for safety reasons.

In the event of a fail to fire, DO NOT attempt to put a new primer in and fire again without ensuring the bullet is seated properly!


How much pressure can a barrel handle?

Below is a link to a calculator for reference to aid in determining safe loads in any muzzleloader or rifle.

You must know the pressure generated by the load to use this calculator.

If you do not know the barrel properties, DO NOT assume anything and use incorrect values!

Steel rifle barrels are typically made of 4140/chromoly or 416 stainless. Typically these materials are

heat treated and offer a hardness of RC 28-32. This hardness offers the appropriate strength to handle pressures generated in smokeless powder applications.

All Woodman Arms barrels are made of 416 stainless. While this information is also relative to other brands/builds, it is your responsibility to know your barrel material so this calculator can provide safe information.

The calculator defaults to a yield strength 107,000 ksi. This value is at the lower end of the range for 416 stainless hardness. Chromoly is typically higher. Using the lowest yield strength assures more safety margin. If the hoop stress reaches the yield strength, this means the barrel material is approaching pressure it will not be able to retain. If the hoop stress was 1/2 the yield strength, you would have a 2X safety margin. We generally recommend safety margin under 65%

Safe pressure calculator

.40 Cal G3 Patriot muzzleloaders are built with 1-15 twist, hand lapped, cut rifled barrels. It is intended that these are shot with full bore, sized bullets. We do not have saboted load data for .40 caliber. It is recommended to use a .030 veggie wad between the powder and bullet.

Varget is an excellent powder for a wide range of .40 caliber smokeless muzzleloaders. These load recommendations are based on Varget.

Up 300 grain bullets generally shoot well with 75 to 80 grains by weight of Varget. It should not be required and is not recommended to exceed 80 grains by weight.

Bullets over 300 grains are not recommended. These are a better fit in a heavy bolt action muzzleloader.

Our .45 caliber muzzleloaders are offered in several button rifled barrels, and a 26" cut rifled option. Button rifled barrels, while not limited to sabots are more suited to shoot saboted bullets. The bore diameter may have minor diameter variances that will not work well with full bore/smooth sized bullets. A sabot will easily conform to the differences.

Blackhorn 209 is our recommended powder when it comes to substitutes. Any other black powder or substitute can be used however, these powders will offer lower performance and likely require cleaning between shots. Using the incorrect primers is guaranteed to cause ignition and accuracy issues.

Blackhorn and smokeless powders will not reliably ignite with 209 muzzleloader primers. 

All .45 caliber Woodman Arms Patriot muzzleloaders are capable of shooting smokeless powder. The breech plug used prior to G2 enhancements will typically show signs of excessive pressure due to the short flame channel.

This load data is only to be used in .45 caliber G2, G3 and older Woodman Arms Patriot muzzleloaders.

The standard breech plug can be used with mild smokeless loads. When experiencing excessive blow back or stuck primers, the standard plug should be upgraded.

Click here for .45 caliber saboted load chart.

Smokeless powder and full bore bullets:

We will be updating this info shortly...

DO NOT USE SMOKELESS POWDER IN PATRIOT .50 CALIBERS NOT MARKED G3!

Our G3 .50 calibers are offered in the standard 1-28, and a new 1-22 fast twist. We are excited to say we will soon be adding some smokeless load info for the G3 .50 calibers!

All Patriot .50 calibers are suitable to use any black powder or substitutes including pellets.

Blackhorn 209 is our recommended powder when it comes to substitutes. Any other black powder or substitute can be used however, these powders will offer lower performance and likely require cleaning between shots. Using the incorrect primers is guaranteed to cause ignition and accuracy issues.

Blackhorn and smokeless powders will not reliably ignite with 209 muzzleloader primers.

Blackhorn 209 and saboted bullets weighing 275 to 300 grains are recommended. Start with 70 grains by volume of Blackhorn 209. Increase in 5 grain increments and check accuracy. Do not exceed 120 grains by volume or 84 grains by weight of Blackhorn 209.

Always abide by the powder manufacturers recommended max loads.

Click here for .50 caliber saboted load chart.

Start with the customer – find out what they want and give it to them. 50 cal