loads for sidekick

[jdbe]

I went to the local sportsmans warehouse and was looking at sabots and such and noticed the hornaday (sp) were a decent price in 300grn.  I liked the round shape a little better than the powerbelt.  I then looked in the reloading section and found them in bulk bullets for under $10 for 50.  The sabot cases are like $5 for 50.  This seems very economical for 50 sabots.  I was wondering if anyone builds them this way and how they shoot out of the sidekick.  I had read that they are a little tight to load ( prob due to the .542 diameter).  Powerbelts seem awful pricey - though I read that they shood well in like 285grn with 100 grn pyrodex.

[243tom]

I don't shoot my sidekick as much as some of the posters here I guess,, it's mostly for deer hunting in my case. And I realize the 295 hp Powerbelts are a bit pricey,but they group the best out of my gun, and I'll pay the price.
I also have some 240gr xtp sabots that shot a 3 to 4 inch group,,which is pretty good too, and a bit less cost. They also load a lot tighter.
I used to shoot the maxi ball out of my 54 renegade,,and they did well,,may need to try them from the sidekick someday.

[tscott]

I agree completely with 243tom, and have made similar posts. Being a hunter I shoot 4 shots a year. Three are cloverleafed at 50 yds, the other into a deer. I entered muzzleloading some years ago, because the season
coincided with the rut. I was a gringo thinking muzzleloading was what they called it "primitive arms". Nothing could be further from the truth,
in regards to modern inlines. Anyway I added a Huntsman .50 barrel
to my sb2 frame. With 90gr of 777, and 295 Powerbelt CJ hollow, I was stunned with the accuracy. Sure shoots and feels like a single shot rifle
to me! None of the 7 deer I have shot with this arrangement have gone
5 yards! I bought some Hornady 240's, and did not feel comfortable the
first time jamming those down.. Way too tight for me! This cheap range deal shot no where near as good as Powerbelt. Years ago I tried this same load (powerbelt) in my Hawken 1/48 = similar results!

[mangulator]

I found the combination that works for me is a 240 grain XTP Mag sabot by T/C with two 50 grain pyrodex pellets. I have friend that started using T/C Shockwave bullets and stated he has had good success with the Shockwave.  Both combinations will put deer in the freezer.

[simonkenton]

I know a guy who gets 1 1/2 inch groups with the 250 XTP from the Sidekick.
This is my main ammo for my Savage inline. I buy the bullets from the reloading section of Cabelas, 100 for $13.50. Then I buy the sabots direct from MMP,  $7.50 [including shipping] for 50. So, the sabots cost the same as the slugs. Pretty cheap shooting and a proven deer killer.
I also get 1 1/2 inch groups with the Savage.

[jdbe]

I do plan on shooting more than a couple shots a year.  also plan on doing some coyote hunting with it, so cost is a factor.  I am a proponent of accuracy above all, but always willing to save if possible.  I have heard nothing but good things regarding the pb and 100grain pyro combo out of sidekicks it just seems that they rape us a little on cost on them campared with other manufacturers.  I am sure that is due to the fact that they do not really use a hand gun bullet so they do not move anywhere near the volume that whin, Hornaday... do.  I will have to experiment and see - if the pb proves more accurate, then I will prob go that route.  Thanks

[jdbe]

I found the combination that works for me is a 240 grain XTP Mag sabot by T/C with two 50 grain pyrodex pellets. I have friend that started using T/C Shockwave bullets and stated he has had good success with the Shockwave.  Both combinations will put deer in the freezer.

The t/c sure look exactly like the Hornaday - do they use Hornaday bullets in that?  How hard are they to load?  Have you tried the 300 grn or do most folks who shoot sabot in these guns go with 250 grain and only go closer to 300 with the powerbelts?  Thanks.

[raynor]

My Sidekick favors Nosler bulk sabots with Nosler 45 caliber, 250 grain HP's and  loose 777.