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Offline Biohazard Monk

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Just to make sure!
« on: December 30, 2008, 03:04:10 PM »
Hey everyone,

I am real new to muzzleloaders.  With a Thompson Center Encore 209x50, all I do is pour the powder charge down the barrel and then ram the sabot down to load it...right?  Just want to make sure before I take her out for the first time this week.  Thanks all for the input.

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Offline burntmuch

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2008, 03:15:52 PM »
When you put the saboted bullet down the barrel ,make sure its down all the way, Use a firm hand. Then mark your ramrod so nxt time you load you can load the exact depth,
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Offline Biohazard Monk

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #2 on: December 30, 2008, 03:18:49 PM »
Thanks for the good idea! 

Another question, I have 300 grain powerbelts, what would be a good powder charge to start shooting with?
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Offline flintlock

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #3 on: December 30, 2008, 03:20:32 PM »
In a nutshell, yes...Just make sure sure you use black powder or a sub...Not smokeless...
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Offline Biohazard Monk

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2008, 03:22:02 PM »
Yeah, I have a bottle of triple 7, FFG powder to use
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Offline Swampman

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #5 on: December 30, 2008, 03:26:06 PM »
The Power Belts are ok for targets.  I wouldn't use them on game.  Be sure there is no oil in the barrel.
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Offline Biohazard Monk

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #6 on: December 30, 2008, 03:27:41 PM »
what are the pros and cons of the powerbelts?  Would the shockwaves be a better choice for game?  Also, what powder charge should I begin at?
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Offline mspaci

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #7 on: December 30, 2008, 03:28:30 PM »
I have shot lots of deer with PBelts with no problems. I like the 348 gr.  Mike
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Offline Swampman

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #8 on: December 30, 2008, 03:29:50 PM »
Quote from: Biohazard Monk on December 30, 2008, 03:27:41 PM
what are the pros and cons of the powerbelts?  Would the shockwaves be a better choice for game?  Also, what powder charge should I begin at?

I try 80 grains of 777.  Power Belts tend to go to pieces on contact.
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"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

1st Special Operations Wing 1975-1983
919th Special Operations Wing  1983-1985 1993-1994

"Manus haec inimica tyrannis / Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" ~Algernon Sidney~

Offline Biohazard Monk

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #9 on: December 30, 2008, 03:32:29 PM »
Thanks for all the great info guys, if there is one place I can count on for help it's GBO!!  If there is anything I am missing, or any other suggestions feel free to post!  Thanks again everyone!
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Offline mspaci

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #10 on: December 30, 2008, 03:33:56 PM »
the lighter ones will go to pieces, try the 348 or 405 & you will have no problems with 100 grains of powder.   I get complete pass thru`s on all the game I have shot with them. Mike
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Offline burntmuch

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #11 on: December 30, 2008, 03:35:09 PM »
Just dont push the PBs to hard. 80 or 90 grains 777 will do everything you need .
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Offline mechanic

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #12 on: December 31, 2008, 08:13:57 AM »
Since you are just starting out, I will add to what others have posted this:  Make sure that bullet is well seated against the powder!  The second and third shots and so on will get progressively harder, so you will have to damp patch the barrel or clean it every few shots, but make sure that bullet is seated.

If the bullet is against the powder you have a gun.  If it does not seat and leaves an air gap, you have a pipe bomb.

Have fun!

Ben
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Offline Biohazard Monk

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #13 on: December 31, 2008, 09:13:12 AM »
Thanks for all the great info again, I feel much more comfortable shooting it now!

~Bio Monk
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Offline burntmuch

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #14 on: December 31, 2008, 10:35:57 AM »
If the bullet is against the powder you have a gun.  If it does not seat and leaves an air gap, you have a pipe bomb.


Well said
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Offline Biohazard Monk

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #15 on: December 31, 2008, 11:18:06 AM »
I think I got it now...

Gun is good

Pipe bomb is BAD!!

Have a great New Year's Everyone!
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Offline Biohazard Monk

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #16 on: January 01, 2009, 03:34:34 PM »
Well...

I took her (encore 209x50) out today for the very first time!  It was also my first time shooting a ML.  I am in love with it!  I shot 300gr shockwaves with a 90gr powder charge with open sights at 50 yds, and I had 1-2in groupings. 

After the 2nd/3rd shot I had some problems loading the next sabot, after firing I ran a wet patch down followed by a dry patch.  That seemed to help loading the next round. 

Is it common to have that much difficulty with a barrel only fired a few times?

Thanks again everyone and have a great day!

Bio Monk 
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Offline john keyes

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #17 on: January 01, 2009, 03:51:16 PM »
sounds like you are off to a good start...one thing I do is tap the butt of the gun on the top of my shoe/boot after I drop the powder in to get it to all fall down...necessary?  hell I don't know but I do it.

Also get a good sturdy range rod, I really like the thick black plastic CVA models.

also,unfortunately, I can promise you that:  You will load a bullet w/o powder so be prepared to take the breech plug out and push it out.

 ;D
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Offline MI.sabot

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #18 on: January 01, 2009, 04:35:56 PM »
Biohazard Monk:

Quote
After the 2nd/3rd shot I had some problems loading the next sabot, after firing I ran a wet patch down followed by a dry patch.  That seemed to help loading the next round.

Is it common to have that much difficulty with a barrel only fired a few times?

Not necessarily a problem ...you've discovered what's known as the "crud ring" that forms which can make the next round difficult to load..... it's just the way it is using 777.  You will find many of us clean after every shot with either a spitpatch, windex, alcohol, etc.  Don't be too concerned about getting those shots off too fast at the range.  Get yourself into a slow methodic routine....measure the powder, pour the powder, tap the barrel to settle the powder, load the sabot, prime it, aim, shoot, clean and start over.  That's part of the beauty of muzzleloading. It's a process and it sure beats shooting off a $15/ box sabots in your your shotgun in the span of 5 minutes.  You can comparatively spend an afternoon at the range at a fraction of the cost yet enjoy multiple times the fun that goes along with it.

One other thing....make sure to grease you breach plug before going out and it's a good idea to remove it and clean/regrease it periodically, maybe every 10-15 shots or so.  Those things can and will seize up and are nasty to remove when they do.  Here's another suggestion: http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,160472.0.html
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Offline Biohazard Monk

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Re: Just to make sure!
« Reply #19 on: January 02, 2009, 01:22:55 AM »
Thanks for the details, I am not completely sure on the tape idea yet, I will do more research and see what fits best.  Thanks again!
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