ML loads

[Tenpoint]

So now that I have my new 50 cal muzzle loader (TC Omega) I have a few questions. It seems to be the conscensus that 150 grains of powder is overkill, and my gun seems to shoot well with 100 grains of pyrodex. So assume I'm shooting 100 grains (2 pyrodex pellets).

I bought 240 grain bullets, but the guy at the gun shop highly reccomended the 300 grain bullets over the 240's, so I bought the 300's. Is there a big diference, or am I just a sucker who fell for a sales pitch?

Next question. I want to be able to shoot to 150 yards. Should I be using the synthetic tiped bullets?

Next question. Does brand of ammunitin matter really when it's only a chunk of lead and a sabot? I've got both TC and Hornady bullets.

Last Question. It's REALLY freaking hard to push that bullet and sabot down the barrel. I don't think that's right. I think I just need to clean it more. Any thoughts?

Thanks
Tenpoint

[Tenpoint]

Well, I guess I'll have to answer my own post. A friend of mine took out my ML and tried the different bullets. The Thompson Centre 240 grain bullets definitely go down the barrel easier than the 300 grain Hornadys.

Those Hornadys were so tight in the barrel that I think is was affecting the muzzle velocity. My buddy shot a nice 10 pont buck from about 10 or 15 yards and that 300 grain bullet did not even make it all the way through the deer. He was using 100 grains of pyrodex. Missed one shoulder but broke the other.

Tenpoint

[KwackWacker]

I wish I could help you out man, but the only muzzle loader hunting I have ever done is with a replica Hawkin Rifle and I used before there were pyrodex pellets or sabot rounds. Miniballs and loose grain powder is all I've ever shot.

[Wildwzl]

Seems to me a tight fitting sabot/bullet combo would increase velocity.

What did the bullet look like after the deer was shot. Maybe the bullet failed?
At any rate the deer is dead, right?
I dont think a deer will know the difference between a 240 or a 300 grain bullet, particularly at close range.
Remember that as you shoot your muzzleloader the bore gets dirty between shots and that causes sabots/bullets to be harder to load.

[Whitetail Assassin]

well the tighter the fit the more energy behind the bullet other wise the gases /powder blows by the sabot.When a bullet blows a big exit hole out the other side of and animal that is alot of lost energy.Yes it is nice to have a exit hole for trailing purposes.The the rapid expanding 300 grain bullet that didn't go thru the deer put all the enegry of your gun into the deer that is a lot of shock effect and foot pounds of energy for thats deers body to absorb.The deer usually don't go very far when taking that kinda punch.I have used the powderx for years but the last several years I have been using the 777 pellets it is not near as corrosive to your barrel it cleans up with water no rotten egg smell after shooting.This powder is a little hotter 80 grains of 777 is very close to equal to 100 grains of powderx. Every muzzle loader has there own load or bullet they perfer for best accuracy.My son and I both have 50 cal. pursuits his gun shoots best 1 1/2 inch groups at 150 yards from a rest with 120 grains of loose 777 powder , a 240grain 44mag xtp bullet and a winchester 209 primer.My gun shoots best with two 50 grain 777 pellets , a 250 grain shock wave bullet and winchester 209 primer.My gun will shoot the same hole with this load at 100 yards from a rest.I have tried my sons load in my gun and had a 5 inch group.I tried the 250 shockwave easy slide sabots the other day and I could barely keep it on the target at 50 yards.The littlest things can teak or break a load.We tried the 777 clean burn primers both guns didn't care for them groups spread out.The hornaday balastic tip style bullets will not drop as much as the pistol bullets because the bullet has a better ballistic coeficent longer olive shape and less drag with the plastic tip,this bullet will not drop its foot pounds of energy as rapidly as the pistol style bullets do.I will be getting a gun like you have next year when my other boy starts muzzle loader hunting.My advice is to you is get some of the 777 powder loose or pellets,bring some of the powderx powder,get several different style bullets and weights start around 80 grains of powder and work up in 5 grains incerments you will find a certain load and bullet that your gun likes.When You work a load up run a moist rag then dry rag down the barrel about ever two shots to get optimal accuray you should have and easy 200 yard gun there have fun and good shooting.

[Tenpoint]

Thanks for your tips. I will try the different powder loads and bullets.

About the tightness of the sabot in the barrel, I really think the Hornadys were too tight. It was all I could do to get them down the barrel, and I even broke one of my pushing tips loading it. IT was REALLY HARD.

When I was shooting, I did one wet and one dry patch between shots, but found that we were all over the board (eight inches at 100 yards). I had my tightest groups when I really cleaned it out good between each shot (about eight patches).

Tenoint

[davecz]

The hornadys actually run a little bigger than the barnes. If you are having trouble loading them try the barnes 245 grain spitfire, they usually go in easy for the t/c rifles