Hot loads...anyone got these working?

[AndyHass]

Now that I've gotten sub-MOA out of my muzzleloader now, I'm playing around to see what I can make it do for long range target shooting (300-500 yds).  Just for fun.  :grin:
   With a 250 grain QT solid and 70-75 grains of FFg 777, I get .5-1 inch groups.  With a 195 gr DC Duplex and 100 grains of FFg 777 (my hunting load) I get .75-1.25 groups.  The former load is about 1700 fps, the latter right at 2000 fps.  This is in a Traditions Lightning LD, 28" tube 1:28 rifling.  It has been modified by lightening the trigger and self-floating the barrel.  A cheap gun but my shooting buddies are mad that it outshoots their Encore and Omegas so I keep using it!  I am well aware of the brand's shortcomings (wasn't when I bought it) so we don't need to cover that issue.
    What I am wondering is if anyone has managed to get 100+ grain charges (maybe 120-130?) to shoot accurately out of their guns with 260 grain and under projectiles (and which ones?).  Each gun is a different beast but I'm looking for any possibilities.
    Last weekend I tried charges up to 130 grains of 777, both FFg and FFFg (no higher because of the 15% increase in power advertised).  I only tried the Duplex DC because that's what I had with me; going to try the 250 gr QT polytip next since I have some left.  Groups spread out to around 3.5-4.25 inches.  28 gauge subbases w/a wonder wad closed them up by only about .5".  I won't shoot a load over about 1.5-2" at 100 yards so I'm looking to tighten this up.  I was thinking maybe the 260 grain DC.  Since it is long, maybe it will stabilize better in the rifling at higher velocities than shorter bullets?  Or do the short ones not over-stabilize (I've heard conflicting stories on this one) and maybe a 220-240 grain would perform better?  The SST is another route to try yet.
    Basically I am looking for a load that will out-perform the trajectory of the 100 grain powder/195 grain Duplex DC load I already have worked up.  Any experiences would be appreciated.

[RandyWakeman]

I was thinking maybe the 260 grain DC.  Since it is long, maybe it will stabilize better in the rifling at higher velocities than shorter bullets?  Or do the short ones not over-stabilize (I've heard conflicting stories on this one) and maybe a 220-240 grain would perform better?  

The .40 / 50 260 DC has not shot well at all in 1:28 twist barrels; it does well in a 1:24.

[AndyHass]

Thanks Randy.  I know the PR site said that, but I was curious if anyone had tried it.  They also show great accuracy with their QT and DC bullets up to 150 grains pyrodex...which I don't doubt THEY have done, but I have just never seen it with my own eyes.

[RandyWakeman]

After about 110 grains T 7, and the groups generally open up for me-- in a dozen different rifles.

[Omega]

Hello Andy,
When I start running MV above 1900 fps I have to go to a jacketed bullet. Right now I have two Omegas that shoot sub 1" with 250 grain SST's at 2260 FPS to 2298 FPs depending upon temp that day.

[AndyHass]

Yes, it seems that a copper jacket helps some.
   I got to the range again and tried the 250gr QT over 135 gr FFFg 777 and no luck (5").  Then I tried the 200gr Shockwave and no luck (4.5").  The gun came alive with the 250 gr SST though, shooting 1.5".  This was the best group I managed on the cold, windy day, slightly better even than the normal 100grain load/195gr Duplex DC that usually yields sub-1" groups.  I still want to get ahold of some 260 gr DC bullets to try, though they won't likely work with my twist.
   So here's another question.  I can shoot either of the following two loads:
195gr Duplex DC, 1988 fps
  Pluses- low recoil, flatter trajectory
  Minues- price, long-range energy less (but soft lead, no copper)

250gr SST (250gr QT yields ~2100 fps so it's around there somewhere)
  Pluses - much lower price, more long-range energy
  Minuses - substantial recoil, worse trajectory

   I am comfortable shooting at deer up to 300 yards (I use a rest or bipod, laser rangefinder past 150).  I'm just curious what others would choose to shoot and why you'd prefer that choice.  I'm also interested in target shooting out to 500 yds for the heck of it, and there appears to be 20+ inches difference in trajectory out there.

[AndyHass]

Oops.  Entered my data wrong, the 195 gr overtakes the heavier bullet suprisingly early in the energy department...
   If only they'd try this bullet in a copper-jacketed form... :shock:

[Oldsnow]

Andy Hornady 200gr. SST's shoot well out of my 50 cal. Omega an Encore. Useing two 50gr. and one 30gr. Pyrodex pellets. 1.5" at 100yds. 4" at 200yds.