Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
member
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2007
- Messages
- 13,146
This is a .50 cal inline ML.
Function ==> Fine, except that safety doesn't engage. I attribute this to the trigger job performed by previous owner or his gunsmith. Which is very good by the way; almost too light.
First, generally note that the bore is much larger than any other MLs I've shot. Most loads slid down the barrel with ease - way too much ease to be tight. So generally speaking, I think your larger bullets sizes will do better.
Granted, I didn't try very many, and certainly not even in exhaustive combos among the components I had, but what little I do report here may help someone, since I tried several HORRIBLE loads, then lastly, luckily stumbled upon one VERY good load.
All used Remington Kleenbore primers. I was using BP equiv rather than smokeless yesterday in this rifle.
First, the load combos that were "Teh Suckage" (and I do mean abysmal):
(A) 1. 100 gr Tri 7 (two 50 gr pellets)
2. Nosler saboted .429 HP bullets, 300 gr
3. Lube used on bullet?: YES
(B) 1. 100 gr Tri 7 (two 50 gr pellets)
2. "Precision" brand non-saboted ".50 cal" non-jacketed lead conical bullets, 390 gr
3. Lube used on bullet?: YES
(C) 1. 100 gr American Pioneer (two 50 gr cube sticks)
2. "Precision" brand non-saboted ".50 cal" non-jacketed lead conical bullets, 390 gr (same bullet as B above)
3. Lube used on bullet?: YES
Finally, the load that was spot on in producing nearly 1" groups at 75 yards (thank all that is holy because the sun was setting!)
1. 100 gr Tri 7 (two 50 gr pellets)
2. Sportsman's Warehouse "Vital Impact" brand 330 grain saboted bullet: Very long; unknown as to exact diameter of bullet itself or of the sabot
3. Lube used on bullet?: NO
Allow me to note that the "good" load was the only one that felt halfway tight going down, so I do believe the KEY here was NOT using any lube on the bullet. Evidently that allows the sabot to stick and thus obturate better. I can't prove it but that's my theory. Fine for saboted loads, although I doubt going without lube on a non-saboted bullet is a good idea, is it?
Why is the bore on the Savages so much larger than others?
Maybe my other ones would have also worked well had they not been lubed? Possibly? Other thoughts? (besides - I know, I know - use loose powder granules, not pellets....)
Who makes those "Vital Impact" bullets for the S.W. store brand? Thanks all.
Function ==> Fine, except that safety doesn't engage. I attribute this to the trigger job performed by previous owner or his gunsmith. Which is very good by the way; almost too light.
First, generally note that the bore is much larger than any other MLs I've shot. Most loads slid down the barrel with ease - way too much ease to be tight. So generally speaking, I think your larger bullets sizes will do better.
Granted, I didn't try very many, and certainly not even in exhaustive combos among the components I had, but what little I do report here may help someone, since I tried several HORRIBLE loads, then lastly, luckily stumbled upon one VERY good load.
All used Remington Kleenbore primers. I was using BP equiv rather than smokeless yesterday in this rifle.
First, the load combos that were "Teh Suckage" (and I do mean abysmal):
(A) 1. 100 gr Tri 7 (two 50 gr pellets)
2. Nosler saboted .429 HP bullets, 300 gr
3. Lube used on bullet?: YES
(B) 1. 100 gr Tri 7 (two 50 gr pellets)
2. "Precision" brand non-saboted ".50 cal" non-jacketed lead conical bullets, 390 gr
3. Lube used on bullet?: YES
(C) 1. 100 gr American Pioneer (two 50 gr cube sticks)
2. "Precision" brand non-saboted ".50 cal" non-jacketed lead conical bullets, 390 gr (same bullet as B above)
3. Lube used on bullet?: YES
Finally, the load that was spot on in producing nearly 1" groups at 75 yards (thank all that is holy because the sun was setting!)
1. 100 gr Tri 7 (two 50 gr pellets)
2. Sportsman's Warehouse "Vital Impact" brand 330 grain saboted bullet: Very long; unknown as to exact diameter of bullet itself or of the sabot
3. Lube used on bullet?: NO
Allow me to note that the "good" load was the only one that felt halfway tight going down, so I do believe the KEY here was NOT using any lube on the bullet. Evidently that allows the sabot to stick and thus obturate better. I can't prove it but that's my theory. Fine for saboted loads, although I doubt going without lube on a non-saboted bullet is a good idea, is it?
Why is the bore on the Savages so much larger than others?
Maybe my other ones would have also worked well had they not been lubed? Possibly? Other thoughts? (besides - I know, I know - use loose powder granules, not pellets....)
Who makes those "Vital Impact" bullets for the S.W. store brand? Thanks all.
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