Knight Revolution help requested

[codoug]

I'm looking for anyone who might have personal experience with a .50 cal. Knight Revolution. I'm hunting in 2 weeks here in Colorado and we have to use open sights, no sabots and no pellets. Looking for recommended bullets, powder type and loads. I tried sighting in yesterday for the first time with limited success. I tried American Pioneer Powder (Regular and J.S. Gold, which contrary to what I've read everywhere was no cleaner than Pyrodex ) with Powerbelts (348). 90-100 gr. powder and had no consistancy at all. Lucky to hit within a 10-inch circle @50 yds. and in all directions. I switched the powder to Goex Black Powder 90 gr. and no difference. I then swithed bullets to TC maxi-Hunter (lubed) 350 gr with 90 gr blackpowder and started to get some consistancy (within a 4-inch group) then after 3 hrs of shooting darkness stopped me. I did get a hold of a Knight Rep who happened to be at a local Store today, and they suggested trying 100 gr of 777 with TC maxi balls or Parker bullets in the 375 gr. range. I've been hunting with BP about 15 years and always learning more every year. I'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions anyone has!

 

[arcticap]

Edit:

 

[BigV]

Since you can’t use Sabots, the next best thing (in my opinion) is the Powerbelt. I find that loose powder (pydrodex) shoots more consistently than pellets. I found that 130 grains of pydrodex with a 240 grain Powerbelt was the ideal combination for me. I consistently hold 2” groups (scoped ML) at 100 yards. Shoot 5 round groups without cleaning the barrel before cleaning and switching to a different combination. You are on the right track. I would stick with one brand of powder and then try different bullets and powder charges to narrow the variables. Just keep trying until you find the right combination. Good luck!

 

[codoug]

Thanks BigV. I am using it for hunting and cannot use sabots as you noted. I've read that for consistancy, a spit patch swab between shots will produce the most accurate pattern (regardless of gun or powder). I definately have found if I don't at least swab, I'd not be able to load and shoot 5 shots without swabbing (which was why I was hopefully the APP would live up to what I've read). That was with Am Pioneer Regular or Gold or Goex BP. I believe I'll try what the rep suggested in using 777 with TC Maxi-Ball bullets. As for Powerbelts, this is Powerbelt country since sabots cannot be used here, they are very popular. I had good luck with them in my Cabelas .50 with Pyrodex which I hadn't tried yet with the Knight. The rep said they have had problems with Powerbelts in Knights but I realize different guns sometimes shoot different. fyi, The rep also noted that I could get a new breach plug and trigger mech as they have noted problems with them. I'm not sure what the breach plug issue is. So, I might replace them after the hunting season although I've not had the trigger problems that I have seen on other internet posts. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[BigV]

codoug
Actually when using Powerbelts, the powder residue left after shooting causes the bottom plastic “skirt” portion of the bullet to engage the rifling better which in turn provides greater accuracy. Most folks that I know do not clean after 4 even 5 shots. We all use either Pyrodex, or 777 powder and never had any problems seating the Powerbelt. The Powerbelt is designed to fit down the barrel a little on the loose side. The expanding gasses when the gun is fired causes the plastic “skirt” to expand and engage the rifling fully.
If using standard BP you are correct that you must swab the barrel between shots so that you can seat the next projectile properly. Hope this helps.

 

[codoug]

Powerbelts

Thanks BigV. I've found with the Knight, I seem to get more fouling that in my other Cabelas sidehammer. I don't think I could get 4 or 5 shots without just a spit patch swab between shots with the Knight. I have a friend with an older Knight that has a similar routine in that he can't get the bullet down after 2 shots unless he swabs between shots. I tried the 100 gr of 777 today with 370 gr TC Maxi-Balls and finally got really good groups @ 50 yds. after having to adjust the sights a few times. I still might try the powerbelts later but at least I have a good hunting load and feel really good. The Knight rep made a good suggestion! Thanks for your comments!!