rat tail causting bullet tilt?

[fffffg]

ive read that my patch should not have a rat tail becouse it can deform the base under pressure.. ive had accuracy problems so im gussing that this could be one of my problems..   one thing ive noticed is that im getting  keyholing to a slight degree..  i was wondering if an off center rat tail could be the cause of this..  i also have been using three wraps of .00175 paper so i dont get leading with pure lead bullets.. two wraps havent stopped leading in any way ive tried..  the three wraps give me a bout .003 over bore size.   two wraps with leading give the same accuracy about  2 1/2 inches at 35 yards... ouch!! ..  ive used 8, 9, 10 grains of unique and 21 grains of 4198, clear shot, 2fg with similar or worse accuracy.. ive changed the dies , bullet pressure crimp, no crimp, two bullet designs, slightly harder lead 100-1 and 50-1, and am going to no rat tail, spg lube  on patch, and grease cookie tomorow..  any suggestions welcome..  dave

[Castaway]

I'd snip the tail and find a powder that gives a 100% load density

[45 2.1]

It sounds to me like your not geting enough pressure to bump the bullet up, which is what you need to do IF the patched bullet is only .003" over bore ( not groove) size. If your shooting smokeless, the patched bullet should be a little over groove size, but less than throat diameter.

[fffffg]

pardon me, its .003 over groove diameter..  ive posted this to the modern muzzeloader page so if you have any cmments id appreciated..

.....im interested in  poweders (in 2fg configuration) im not familiar with.. these will be going into a 1926 highly engraved drilling so powders that carrode or rust easily with moisture or other reasons are out of the question.. i was getting inconsistent accuracy with 4198 and unique, so my inquirey...  there is clear shot, ive tried it but seems a little hot ... pyrodex rs, which im about to try, 777, and what others? that is--those that are 100 percent case capacity with same volume as black powder 2fg , and non corrosive.. each powder that you comment on i need to know if it is ok, or recomemnded, or a no no to compact the powder.. thanks dave..

[45 2.1]

Try SR 4759.