My neighbor got a savage 50 cal we have been using imr 4227 at 75-90 gr of powder, is anyone else using this powder and if so how is it working out for you and do you recommend any other powder. It is shooting good at 100 yards haven't tested for accuracy yet as far as grouping go's but hitting a steel target 8x11 every time.

Is IMR 4227 a rifle powder? I didnt know you could shoot rifle powder in a muzzle loader, thought it had to be black powder?

The Savage ML10 can handle smokeless... at least I think that was the claim-to-fame years ago

A very few muzzleloaders are rated to shoot smokeless powder. If his is one of them, you're not pushing any limits with the powder. I can't speak to the charge because I don't know anyone that actually owns one of these rifles. If it's not specifically rated for smokeless powder, the shooter is holding a pipe bomb in his hands that IS going to remove body parts (or at least a good bit of meat) when it does go.

One word of caution here. The ATF considers black powder an explosive as far as regulations go. They consider the black powder substitutes as "smokeless" powder and they are only regulated to the same extent as regular rifle, shotgun, and pistol powder. If you're aware of this, DO NOT let the ATF classification fool you into thinking you can shoot any smokeless powder in any muzzleloader.

If I'm telling you things you already know, please don't take my soapbox speech as demeaning towards you or your friend. Without knowing your level of knowledge, I didn't know what to leave in and what to leave out.

Yeah, I should have added that same safety-speech. Thanks Primitive Hunter! Always check the manuals for the gun you're shooting...

website found:

www.sav10ml.com

Says that the maximum load is 48gr of IMR4227... and that you should only use Federal 209A's since that powder is hard to ignite... check that site out and the manufacturer's site/manual for more guidance

From what little I've read, the Savage appears to be a good rifle. There's really only one guy out there that seems to be on a crusade about them and he may have a personal agenda. Or it could be because his blew up in his hands.

Having said that, I think his website is still worthy of reading. According to him, there have been 4 failures of the rifle (in one case, he was the actual shooter) but nowhere in his article does he say anything about the charges used. Since that's such a critical part of the puzzle, I can't help but wonder why he left that out. I wouldn't be surprised to find that some, if not all, were using too high a load. Anyway, give the site a look and consider it just a little more knowledge to tuck away.

Added correction: He does state that the failure in Canada was using the Savage recommended load.

Savage Failures

Good info I passed this along to him we have shot his about 25 times so I would say it is fine, one thing that comes to mind though is that the Leupold scope mounts the kind with the windage screws just fell apart we remounted and in three shots just fell apart again to much recoil for them and we did not loctite them.

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my NULA muzzleloader, and from the advice I have been given so far, 40-43 grains of VV N-110 or SR-4759 seems to be the magic loads/powders in the NULA.

I think you are hitting the powder a little strong. I have a smokeless Savage 10 ML11 and I use SR4759 weighed at 44 gr.
I use the Winchester Primers for shot shells #209 Dougs message board is the best there is on learning about the smokeless Savage. Also read your owners manual and if you don't have one call Joe at Savage and he will send you one at no charge.
Many of the guys on Dougs do a lot of experminting with various loads. Learn your basics and go with it.
The Limb Saver recoil pad is a must as far as I am concerned but I am hold and my shoulder is weak. Have fun and be safe.