Warning! Graphic photo of gun injury!

[TecHunter]

I hope the shooter recovers. I think there is more to this story based on the level of destruction. The stated load could not build enough pressure to do that if the muzzle was clear and the bullet was firmly seated on charge. The 10MLII is designed for the higher pressure of smokeless powder and published, matched loads of powder, sabot and bullets are within those pressure limits unless something changes. Never use smokeless powder in a muzzleloader that is not designed for it (ie. is not a 10ML). Always follow Savage recommended loads and weigh your powder accurately. You ABSOLUTELY need to use an accurate scale to weigh your loads for a 10ML. There is also common dislike about smokeless muzzleloading. I have had guys harrass and insult me at the range for shooting mine, I think because they don't believe the gun was designed for it. The Randy Wakeman link below is interesting background on one individual who may have personal reasons for discrediting Savage as well.

 

[THE_POPE]

MAN, I hate to see stuff like that, but am glad I look, anyway, teaches a firm lesson that firearms are dangerous tools, and we are "tools", we could end up getting seriously hurt/disabled.

Yikes.

I may never place my hand on a rifle barrel again....I understand that he had some sort of malfunction, including but not limited to his own common sense, but dude, that is an extremely pain-full looking injury.

I will go and hug my pistols now, say a small prayer over them, and ask God to never "bless" me with a lesson like that.

Eye am Aughtte........

 

[catfish101]

There is more to it. I hope the guy is ok.

An air gap shouldn't mess with smokless but it will BP, like others have stated. That should take more then the recommended load. I have been told that gun manufacturers have to build guns to be able to take double the recommended load before a failure like this. Most every thing else is built with a required safety factor.

 

[billybobjoe]

Internal ballistics are complicated; the rate at which smokeless burns is a function of pressure. I never try to invent my own loads. I stick to what is published.