Smokeless Muzzle Loader FAQ's
PVA Smokeless ML's are created around the idea of using modern, centerfire rifle actions for the parent rifle. The SML is a different animal than anything else we hunt with. If you load a regular black powder rifle or a centerfire rifle lightly the rifle is still accurate and can be softer shooting. This is not the case with SML's. The SML using swage-sized or No Sized bullets requires a substantial "punch" at ignition for the bullets to obturate (swell into the rifling) and become stable.
- If you're shooting a light load and getting key-hole behavior or poor accuracy the likely solution is to put in more propellant to raise the "Shot Start Initiation Pressure".
- We have seen excellent results with many bullets from Pittman, Arrowhead, and Fury as well as using simple .452 pistol bullets from the 45 LC and 45ACP lineup.
- Keep in mind when you're loading these guns that while the barrel is 0.458 groove, which is normal rifle bullet size, the bullets being used are typically pistol bullets or very soft jacketed designs meant to obturate as described above. This means that shot placement is important to reduce the risk of utter destruction of game animals. Likewise, the bullets have been known to have poor penetration on big animals with heavy bones when shot at short ranges. Remember, most pistol bullets aren't designed to be shot at rifle speeds (2-2.5x faster than design speed). When hunting heavy or dangerous game where higher penetration and weight retention is required we recommend using 0.458 rifle bullets designed for heavy game and pre-engraving them in a reloading press.
- A basic concept to remember when looking at load data is to take 45-70 centerfire smokeless data and use that to start the load process. If you're using a 300 grain bullet, pick the data for a 45-70 using 300 grain data and begin loading there.
- We have heard of people running the ASG breechplug with well over 70 grains of H4198 and 300 grain bullets. We've also heard of people rupturing breeches trying to chase speed with these. With 300 grain bullets our recommended start data is 62 grains of H4198 or IMR 4198 and working up from there.
- Do not compress the bullet on top of the powder charge, just seat the bullet until it touches the propellant main charge.
- It is acceptable to use black powder and BP substitutes in our barrels as well as smokeless. It is required to clean all the BP residue out when switchign between BP and smokeless.
- It is acceptable to use sabots and wool-based bullets as long as no muzzle devices are used at the same time. Sabots and wool based bullets do not mix with suppressors and muzzle brakes.
Suggested 45-70 centerfire load data resources can be found online at