Author Topic: tight sabots (Read 554 times)

DJay · « **on:** February 03, 2004, 03:53:36 AM »

I need some help, I have a new Encore 209x50 and have been having the hardest time loading sabots. I have tried both the green and black sabot with corresponding 44 or 45 cal. bullets. I swab between shots and all of this doesn't make any difference. The sabots fit so tight I thought I was going to need a hammer at one time. I got so frustrated just before deer season that I ran to WMart and bought a couple of packs of Power Belts. What a difference. Now that I know that Power Belts work fine I still want to shoot sabots, any suggestions? DJay

deredhead · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2004, 04:36:51 AM »

Djay...Can't speak for the encore 209x50, until I get my barrel in..But I can speak for the Knight 50 cal. I had the same problem and this was using knight's sabots. I have a gun cabnet just full of different sabots that I've tried in my rifle. Most was to get the best groups at 100-150 yards. One of the sabots I like the best is T/C PTX power tip express. They loaded smooth, easy, and grouped the best in my rifles. One thing you don't want to do is pound hard on your ramrod to seat the bullet...accuracy would greatly be reduced. I also used Clear Shot powder. Less residue and reloading is easier and smoother.

-Don

Don C. · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2004, 07:34:36 AM »

Djay,

You might have plastic buildup in your barrel from the sabots that is causing a tight fit. After every session at the range, in cleaning my Encore I either use Acetone or regular brake cleaner with a bore brush and scrub the barrel real good. I find it helps my gun shoot better and gets rid of the plastic buildup. However some bullets like the Barnes are going to be hard no matter what you do.

DJay · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2004, 08:12:38 AM »

I just called MMP (Muzzleload Magnum Products), who makes the sabots for T/C. They told me that they make their sabots about .001 smaller for easier loading, especially in the T/C barrels which they say are a little tighter than most. I had not tried their sabots, I bought some others (bulk bag) from Cabelas.

I appreciate your comments and am anxious to hear of any other fixes for my problem. I will certainly try the acetone for a real good cleaning.

DJay

Catfish · « **Reply #4 on:** February 03, 2004, 12:22:46 PM »

I can shoot my 209-50 all day without swabing the barrel. The trict is to rub a small amout of Bore Butter on the sabots. You don`t need much.

rpseven · « **Reply #5 on:** February 04, 2004, 02:27:52 AM »

I have the same problem when I shoot my .45 cal encore mzl. after the first shot I shoot the Hornady xtp's and you can't hardly get the second round down the barrel I am affraid I will break the ramrod. And I still can't get a decent group. Any ideas?

deredhead · « **Reply #6 on:** February 04, 2004, 08:40:51 AM »

I've been shooting black powder for the last 15 yrs. And rather your shooting black powder or a cartridge rifle you'll find every barrel is different. Some barrels favor either a lighter grain or heavy grain bullet.
If you reload powder grains and bullets could make a big different on how your rifle shoots. You just have to find the best combo for your rifle. It's almost like each barrel has it's own personality. I use clean shot in the place of pellets in my rifle..I can normally shooot 3-4 times before cleaning, pyrodex and black powder I'd have to clean between every shot. Try T/C sabots and see if that makes a different...I haven't got my 209x50 in yet, but you can bet I'll try around 8 different brands and combos and different powder charges until I get the best groups I can...It's worth the time, money, effort.