ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 209'S?

[windaji]

Went to the range to sight in my new TC OMEGA Z5 - iron sights. Started off about 8 inch groups. I've tried 100gr of 777 pellets and 100gr of pyrodex pellets but didn't seem to make much difference. Also shot 295 gr powerbelts and 223 gr powerbelts - again not alot of difference.

Just curious if the brand of 209's would have any affect?

Thinking I may try loose powder next to try to gain a little more accuracy. Really figured I would have tighter groups than 8 inches.


Thanks!

[NYBuckhunter]

It sounds to me like there is something else going on if you cant get better than an 8 inch group. What yardage are you shooting? Also, is this free hand or off of a rest, and what type of rest?

[backwoodsman]

Each preformed pellet has a different weight. Sometimes theres a significant difference. 50gr pellets we've weighed have ran as high as 58gr and as low as 42gr. I prefer loose 777. We found the 30gr had the same problems. If you like the pellets I'd invest in a quality scale and weigh them individualy and sort them out to make 100gr. charges. What weve found with 209 primers and what we've read is magnum 209 primers are totaly unnecessary and counter productive. When the magnum primers ignite they actualy push the bullet/projectile forward and eventualy burn a ring in the chamber. We use standard 209's and havent had a misfire yet. Have you used the powerbelts for hunting yet? I hope they work good for you but I am not impressed with their on game performance.

[windaji]

I was shooting at 50 and 100 yards, bench rest with sand bags. 50 yards I had about 4 inch groups.

Currently using the Remington Kleanbore 209's. Have tried the powerbelt 295 gr and 223 gr bullets.

- I am really new to muzzleloading - just bought the gun a month or so ago in hopes to hunt this season but don't feel confident enough yet in the accuracy.

That's why I was hoping to get some tips from some people with experience!

Based on suggestions I think I will try the loose powder. Any recommendations on bullets? Sabots, etc?

[backwoodsman]

Most of the saboted bullets are good. Alot depends on how far you plan on shooting and your budget. I like all lead and/or copper jacketed solid or hollow point .45's with a sabot. The hollowpoints arent quite as flat shooting as the solids but at longer ranges and decreased energy they seem to have a little more violent reaction on game/deer then some of the solids. Usualy they are a little cheaper then the premium sabot loads too. If your planning on shooting at 100 yards or less I'd seriously consider the 385gr Buffalo Bullet. Ive killed alot of deer and yotes with these and they have never failed me, their drawback is weight, they drop quick after 100 yards. In the old synthetic sidelock Bobcats this was my preferred bullet. Inside of 40 yards very few deer even leave their tracks when hit with these. You may see some improvement in your accuracy with the switch to loose powder.

[windaji]

Thanks for the tips. I'll likely be making a trip to Cabela's to pick up some different types of powder and bullets to try out.

[backwoodsman]

Your welcome and good luck. Even with the modern inlines muzzleloading is fun and rewarding. Each deer with a 'loader is fun and a trophy.

[windaji]

Well, I went to the range this past week-end and there was a guy shooting next to me with the same powder and same bullets, getting 3 inch groups @ 100 shooting with a scope. I didn't think I would be that shaking on a bench rest, but decided to invest in a scope. I got the scope mounted today, went to the range to sight in, my last 4 shots were all within about a 2 inch group!

So, I guess it was just user error and not the equipment! Not as steady with open sights as I thought. Plus the scope makes it much easier to confirm you are aiming at the same spot every time.

[Bowhunters]

Cool, sounds like you've got a good one.

[backwoodsman]

Iron sights are alot harder to shoot accurately at longer ranges. Sounds like your about ready to acquire the prime ingredient for deer jerky. Good Luck

[Tenpoint]

I also find that a dirty barrel can influence accuracy. I find the cleaner the barrel, the more consistent it shoots, so don't take too many shots before giving it a good cleaning.

Tenpoint

[HereWeGo]

One thing I found out with my Knight is that to much powder will blow the bullet out before rifling of the barrel takes effect.

[backwoodsman]

I believe you may find for consistent accuracy a "fouled"barrel will produce the best. We foul ours before loading for a hunt. Try it sometime. We take a drive out into the country the day before we hunt and shoot into a ditch etc.

[Bowhunters]

^ A little off topic but i've seen rifles do the same exact thing where the first round out of a freshly cleaned barrel is way off the bull and then the next round and repeated rounds are right back on.

I'm pretty sure it has to do with the film of oil left in the barrel during cleaning.