Muzzle Loader Procedures

[cb223]

There is so many different methods to obtain optimum accuracy in a muzzle loader. Spit patch between shots, never clean between shots, always between shots, ect, ect,ect....

I am wondering what all of you guys do?

How do YOU get YOUR muzzle loader to shoot the best and what is your best?

[HaMeR]

The best way to get the optimum load in a ML is just like reloading for a centerfire. Use loose powder so you can tweak the load. The stiffness of the sabot when being seated makes a difference too. Some like em hammer down the tube tight & others don't mind a slip fit. My Winchester likes em real snug. I use the 250gr T/C Shock Waves or the 250gr Knight Ultimate Slam Copper solids with the poly tips over 90grs of loose  fffg Triple7 powder & any 209 primer. I tried all the 209 primers & the groups weren't affected either way with any. When I seat the bullet/sabot I set it rather tight to the powder.  Also when using loose powder it is important to stand the ML up straight so the powder lays even under the sabot. A few taps will help settle the powder & eliminate a pressure spike from any air spaces that might be there. I'm lucky in that my cold barrel shot & my 2nd  & 3rd shots with a spit patch impact within 1" of each other at 100yds.  Most 3 shot 100yd groups are right close to 1 1/2". All 5 shot groups are always under 2".  This load will open a softball sized exit hole if shoulder bone is hit. Very devestating projectiles for sure.

HTH

[wv_yoter]

cb223, I have tried several different combinations of bullets and primers but always used triple seven pellets. I had the best groups (and still use) Hornaday 240 gr Lock and Load sabots and Remington clean bore primers and 100 grains of Triple 7. Three shot groups in a snuff can @ 100 yards, I clean the barrel every third shot.

[Hawks Feather]

While I have not shot much black powder rifles recently, my experiences were similar to Glen's.  Each rifle liked different approaches.  I found one that liked to be packed down pretty hard when I got mad making some really bad shots.  Smacked the ramrod in using a palm saver and it shot pretty good.  Kept it up as long as I kept smacking the ram rod.  Cleaning - I always tried to clear out some of the crud after each shot when using true black powder.  The newer powders like Triple Seven have changed that.

Jerry

[cb223]

OK guys this is what I do. It might or might not be different than what you do.

I have a Knight Bighorn with a 28 inch barrel and Nikon 3x9 Omega scope . When I was looking for a muzzle loader, I wanted to increase my range over my shotgun.

I wanted a longer barrel(more velocity = longer range, I hunt fields, sometimes), stainless( easier to clean ) and to be able to handle magnum charges.

When I first started to develop a load people kept telling me to down load to achieve the best accuracy. I refuse!!!! I bought a modern muzzle loader to extend my range!!!!!!!! I am NOT going to down load!!!!

After much testing( all with 3 50 grn pellets of pyrodex, winchester 209 primers and around 10 different bullets ) I settled on 3 pyrodex 50 grn pellets(150 grns), 250 grn TC shockwave bullets and winchester 209 primers. Between every shot( even in the field ) I run a patch down the barrel soaked with TC #13 bore cleaner followed by 2 dry patches. This has by far given ME the best results with MY combination. I get around 1 1/4 inch groups at 100 yards, sometimes better sometimes worse.

I have shot about a dozen deer with this combination, the farthest being 175 yards. All but two of them (one of them made it 50 yards the other about 3 steps) dropped in their tracks.

In MY experience this combination has proved to be very accurate and very lethal!