peterk1234
Member
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2017
- Messages
- 272
Have owned my muzzleloader since last Sunday, have yet to take a shot. Doing a lot reading about loads and cleaning. So here are the things I believe I have learned, but I still have a number of things I still do not understand.
A bullet with the right sabot is much favored over powerbelt style bullets;
Loose powder is preferred over pellets for those that want to control their load and accuracy;
Crushed ribbed sabots are very popular;
Blackhorn 209 is worth the cost because it just that clean when compared to 777/pyrodex, etc.;
Buy bullets and sabots separately - much cheaper;
Lead cast bullets (long colt 45) are a cheap alternative for plinking.
Here are the questions:
Do you guys agree with the above?
Do I need to experiment with sabots, or just match it muzzleloader caliber and bullet caliber?
How do sabot/bullet combo work? In my pistols I want a bullet that i larger than my barrel, but I am doing the opposite here. So, is the sabot the only thing engaging the rifling and does it stay intact until exit? Is there any expansion in the bullet while travelling through the chamber? Should that sabot be really tight? I purchase some xtp/240 grain (.452) and 50 caliber crushed rib sabots (black) for 45 caliber bullets.
Could I hunt with a solid lead cast bullet, or do I need the hollow point for more trauma? Some people seem to prefer a pass through so there is a better blood trail, others want the bullet to bounce around and tear things up. I am a bowhunter, so hunting with a bullet is new to me. I only shoot steel and cardboard IDPA targets. I go for pass through on the carboard
I cannot chrono my loads. When I reload my pistol I typically go for the lowest charge that gives me the best accuracy. I want to do the same here but I need to be sure that it is still effective for hunting deer. I am in pretty thick woods, so I will never shoot 100 yards, most will be less then 50 yards. I was going to start at 80 grains of Blackhorn and work up from there as needed.
Is there a good place to buy sabots in larger quantities, hopefully making it more cost effective?
I am sure I forgot some things, so be prepared for more questions. I am really looking forward to getting comfortable with my gun and playing around with the loads.
Pete
A bullet with the right sabot is much favored over powerbelt style bullets;
Loose powder is preferred over pellets for those that want to control their load and accuracy;
Crushed ribbed sabots are very popular;
Blackhorn 209 is worth the cost because it just that clean when compared to 777/pyrodex, etc.;
Buy bullets and sabots separately - much cheaper;
Lead cast bullets (long colt 45) are a cheap alternative for plinking.
Here are the questions:
Do you guys agree with the above?
Do I need to experiment with sabots, or just match it muzzleloader caliber and bullet caliber?
How do sabot/bullet combo work? In my pistols I want a bullet that i larger than my barrel, but I am doing the opposite here. So, is the sabot the only thing engaging the rifling and does it stay intact until exit? Is there any expansion in the bullet while travelling through the chamber? Should that sabot be really tight? I purchase some xtp/240 grain (.452) and 50 caliber crushed rib sabots (black) for 45 caliber bullets.
Could I hunt with a solid lead cast bullet, or do I need the hollow point for more trauma? Some people seem to prefer a pass through so there is a better blood trail, others want the bullet to bounce around and tear things up. I am a bowhunter, so hunting with a bullet is new to me. I only shoot steel and cardboard IDPA targets. I go for pass through on the carboard
I cannot chrono my loads. When I reload my pistol I typically go for the lowest charge that gives me the best accuracy. I want to do the same here but I need to be sure that it is still effective for hunting deer. I am in pretty thick woods, so I will never shoot 100 yards, most will be less then 50 yards. I was going to start at 80 grains of Blackhorn and work up from there as needed.
Is there a good place to buy sabots in larger quantities, hopefully making it more cost effective?
I am sure I forgot some things, so be prepared for more questions. I am really looking forward to getting comfortable with my gun and playing around with the loads.
Pete