More testing

[IL-Cornfed]

Just ordered some more goodies to test through my Encore Pro Hunter. I order an assortment of Dead Center sabots (from 200g to 260g) and also their interesting Duplex rounds (.357, 195g). I also ordered a couple hundred Sub Bases to experiment with behind these sabots. I'll also be using loose powder for the first time so I've picked up some Triple 7 FFG.

I've really got this muzzleloading bug and can't believe how excited I am about shooting it as often as I can. I can't wait to get it worked in as well as I believe the rifle is capable of and then the true test,.... IL Whitetails! 

Have any of your experimented much with any of the loads mentioned above?

[oldrookie]

Nope I have not. Pretty much xtps in 250g and 300g with crushed ribbed sabot. I am going to try TC shockwaves for the first time tomorrow.

[Semisane]

I've been playing around with 250 & 300 grain Hornady XTPs, Speer Gold Dots, and Sierra Sportsmasters in Harvester Crush Rib and MMP sabots. 

Bought in bulk, they're a heck of a lot cheaper than those buck-a-bullet models.  Can't afford to shoot those things in my 50-shot range sessions.

[Redhawk1]

I use the 195 gr. PR bullets in my standard Encore. I am using 90 gr. of loose triple 7 and I get great results on paper and in the field. I have kill over 15 deer with this bullet.

[oldrookie]

I was able to get to the range yesterday morning. I was out of xtps so I bought a package of shockwaves to play with until UPS arrives. First time for me on the shockwaves and they grouped well. I shoot an Optima 26" barrel. Loaded with 100g of loose 777 and 777 primer had occasional flyer but 15 loads grouped inside 2 inches at 100 yards. I usually use the crushed sabot but they are on order too. I used the yellow sabots that came with the shockwaves. They loaded easy and not as tight as the crushed. I bet the shockwaves will group even closer with the crushed sabots. All in all I was impressed with the slug. That will be the test tomorrow along as big brown comes today.

[gt2003]

I shoot the PR dead center 220 grain bullet over 80 grains of loose 777 powder out of my knight wolverine, 1:28 inch twist barrel with #11 percussion caps.  Very accurate and deadly.  Find a load that works for you.  From my experience, the PR bullets are lethal.  I think you will like them.  Good luck, Greg

[AndyHass]

I've tried just about everything PR has to offer.  I have been very happy with each and every bullet as long as I stayed under 100gr of 777.  Over that (1800-2000 fps) pure lead stops performing in any gun I have ever owned.

My favorite was the 195gr Duplex DC, shot it over 100gr 777 for a couple seasons.  I got rid of that gun and that bullet is not accurate over 80gr in my newer guns and the 200gr Shockwave will push faster and fly flatter at 110gr so i shoot that now.

I plan to shoot the Keith Nose in my woods gun, however, since I have no reason to push velocities for close-range shots.  Surprisingly, the DC seem to expand about as well as the Keith Nose....I've had deer drop and run 150yds with both types of bullet with lung placement.

[gt2003]

Andy, It sounds like you've shot the keith nose hollow points.  I'd kind of like to try them out but haven't heard much about them.  I'm perfectly happy with the load I shoot now but am just curious to see how those bullets perform.  Should I start with the 80 grains of 777 that I currently shoot and work up a load from there?  The PR webiste suggests the 330 grain bullet.  My shots are generally from 20-50 yds.  Thanks, Greg

[AndyHass]

See my comments in your other thread.  Yes, I'd start around 80gr and work up.  I think 300gr is plenty of bullet for a deer but go for it if you want more.