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 in a new primer and fire again without for ensuring the bullet is seated properly!

.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.

1-24 & 1-18 button rifled barrels and saboted bullets:

Recommended loads are 225 Star Tip & 2​50 Star Tip saboted bullets with 100 to 120 grains of Blackhorn 209 by volume. Any other black powder or substitutes are acceptable, however we do not have recommended load data for these at this time. Refer to the powder manufacturer's instructions for load data. It is not recommended to use less than 100 grains by weight of Blackhorn 209, or expansion will be reduced.

When using our 175 Solid copper & 195 Solid copper saboted bullets Keep in mind, solid copper bullets expand better with higher velocity.

Any other black powder or substitutes are ok to use, however we do not have load data for these. Please refer to the powder instructions or manufacturer for load data. It is not recommended to use less than 100 grains of Blackhorn 209, or bullet expansion will be reduced. 


Smokeless powder and saboted bullets:

Saboted bullets can be used with many different smokeless rifle powders. You can expect better performance than Blackhorn 209, at a fraction of the cost.

Recommended powders are H4198, N120, N130 and Reloder 7. With any of these powders, typical charges are 57 to 58 grains by weight. Do not exceed 65 grains by weight, it is not necessary and accuracy may suffer as the sabot begins to fail. Lowering the charge may offer exceptional accuracy, but less expansion. It is not advised to use any wads with sabot's.

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 Blackhorn 209.

Blackhorn 209 and saboted bullets weighing 250 to 300 grains. Start with 80 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.

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