Why is my Traditions Staghorn in 50 cal so hard to load???

[cynrays]

Since my Staghorn was new, it has nearly been impossible to get Sabots down the barrel. The barrel is cleaned spotless.
The straw that broke the camel's back was today my son shot a six point buck and could not get the follow up Sabot down the barrel without beating on it.
We are using TC 50 cal Sabots. I have a Knight and do not have this problem.
Is the barrel made undersized? What Sabot can I use that will more easily go down the barrel?
Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks

[VTDW]

You might try the Powerbelts.  They are not really sabots but I like them and they sure slide down the barrel much easier.

Dave

[LMM]

Another vote for Powerbelts. My Traditions Tracker loves them.....so do I!

[Keith Lewis]

I have similar problems with both my T/C Omega and my Traditions Pursuit. I have tried polishing the barrel of the Pursuit with JB Bore Paste on a patch over a brass brush and it seems to help. I have done 50 strokes up and down with fair results adding more paste about every 10 to 15 strokes. I am going to do another 50 before I try shooting again. If this works I may try polishing the Omega also. I decided to mess with the cheap rifle first so if I screwed it up I would not be ruining the expensive one. A lot of shooting with non-sabot lead bullets will eventually  accomplish the same but I have not got the time. I also agree the Powerbelt or Blackbelt bullets load a lot easier.

[jhm]

Cynrays :  I believe you can buy thinner sabots that might solve you problem, you will have to find a supplier who has both sizes to compare but at oner of the big buck classics I saw a vendor explaining to a fellow that was having that problem and was saying something about them, wish I could be of more help but I was only partly listening and didnt get the whole story about them.   JIM

[Keith Lewis]

The sabots that are a little thinner are Harvester. I have some and they improve the loading a little but still are not even close to the ease of loading the Powerbelt/Blackbelt bullets. Loading sabots requires a really good ram rod. I carry a seperate rod with loading handle from T/C when I hunt just to simplify the second shot.