Author Topic: Test results on my Smokeless muzzleloader (Read 1256 times)

Dictator · « **on:** June 01, 2006, 02:47:48 PM »

I have been ringing out my new SMI barrel on my H&R Topper action. It is a 50 cal, 28" barrel and it shoots as great as I had hoped. Sub 1" groups @ 100 yards with consitencey and is not finicky with different powder charges. I have tried 67-72 grs. AA 2015 as recomended by SMI and it shoots great. The one thing I have noticed is that @ 67 grs. I get extreme accuracy and 2350 fps w/ a Barnes 300 gr. XFB in one of SMI's black sabots. However, when I go higher, up tp 72 grs. I begin to get flyers every 3-5 shots, They literally will miss the target. I suspected too much pressure on the sabots, & I think this correct as I inspected the sabots from these hotter loads and found some missing petals and some literally torn in half. In 100 shots @ 67 grs. not one flyer. I sigted the 3x9 scope 2" high @ 100 and it drops app. 1.75" @ 200 yards. Now I'm really looking forward to deer season.

simonkenton · « **Reply #1 on:** June 05, 2006, 07:40:21 AM »

Good shooting!
Smokeless guns are finicky about blowing sabots if you get a little too much powder. I shoot 44 gr of VV N110. If I go up to 46 gr, groups go to hell.
With that barrel, do you have to wait for the barrel to cool between shots?
With 2350 fps and a 300 gr bullet the deer are going to be in for a rough time.

Hammerspur · « **Reply #2 on:** June 07, 2006, 06:52:09 AM »

Glad to hear you're having success with the new barrel!

Is your .50 the SMI standard 1:36" twist? As for the sabot failures with high powder loads, have you thought of trying Cecil Epp's magnum sub bases from Precision Rifle?

http://www.prbullet.com/sub.htm

I'm planning to have SMI make me a .45 cal bbl. Thinking of a 1:32" twist and maybe a 30 or 32" long bbl.

P.S: You should post this info on the H&R Huntsman Muzzleloaders page too! :wink:

Dictator · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2006, 01:45:25 AM »

Yes it is a 36" twist barrel. When I talked to Ron @ SMI, he said he could make it in any configuration I wanted. He uses a 36" twist w/ good results, so I stayed w/ that rate. I have heard of these sabots, but have never tried them. Thanks for the info, I'll give them a go in the future. When time allows, i'll post some pics of my rig also. I will put the pics and a write up over on the H&R sight as well.

thanks for the info,
Joe