.30-06 "Accelerator" .22 sabot handloads

[Have]

Anyone do these?

If so, what loads?

Accuracy?

Hunting experience?

I have been doing for a number of years and am curious about successes and other views on practicality.

[Robert]

Got this a while back from CGI boards   63.0 grs 2230 @ 4089 fps.  It say's to use a starting load 20% less.
  I did a lot of experiments with the sabots years ago, but found them to be very inaccurate unless I used very short bullets that could be mostly contained within the sabot.  The most accurate were 40 gr 22 Jet bullets...little barrel-shaped round-noses.  However, loaded to a max velocity...I wonder if they would even make it to the target... I used slightly lighter loads, but gave up on the whole idea.  What is the sense of having 4,000 fps bullets that  will sometimes hit a paper plate at 100 yds?  A Challenge with an inaccurate rifle?

[jh45gun]

I never tried them and have heard mixed results some claim they work good others like Robert say they stink so I guess the only way to see is buy a box of factory ones and try them first  in your particular rifle before reloading them for it. Jim

[Trapper-Jack]

I bought some of the sabots years ago at a gun show.  The dealer said to load them with the same powder as you normally use.  I loaded them with 50 grains of IMR 4064 in a 30-06.  My experience was the same as Robert, the accuracy sucked.  Since them I have done a little research on them.  They say that the best accuracy will be achieved if the barrel if free of lead and copper fouling, and a relatively fast powder is used.  I loaded up the remainder of the sabots with some 3031 and shot about 10 of them.  They showed promice for a coyote load if the shot wasnt a long one.  I havent taken the time to really clean the barrel of my rifle with a copper solvent to test the remainder of them to see if I want to buy some more or not.

[Have]

miserable experience with them: accuracy off and erractic at best and occasionally the sabots would stay one the bullet to at least 100 yards.

I believe Remington discountinued, also.

Better off with .223 etc right off the bat.


Thanks for added input...

[AZ223]

Most seem to get "so-so" accuracy from the factory ones; I'm not sure you'd do much better loading them yourself. The factors that cause inaccuracy may be beyond your control, such as the sabot not separating cleanly from the bullet.

If you want to load 22 caliber to high velocity, it'd be a lot less trouble to experiment with .223 or .22-250 loads. You can always use 110-130gr loads in the '06 if you want a smaller bullet at higher velocity than a "standard" load.

Just my $.02  

[Rmouleart]

Its a waste of time, If you want to shoot smaller bullets, buy a 222/223/22-250 ect...the accuracy is horrible using the 30/06 shooting sabots, the 30/06 preforms great using 30cal bullets and thats it, any type of sabot will not slug the barrel properly to get any type of accuracy. Now if your intentions is hunting varmints, just use a lighter 30 .308dia cal bullet. Hornady Vmax or something along those lines. Aim small hit small. RAMbo.

[ricciardelli]

Just ain't worth it...

[earschplitinloudenboomer]

Gearing up to give 'er a whirl in a CZ52, 7.62X25. Several guys already working on this, poor results but it's so darn cute.

[Robert]

I worked up a load with 45 gr bullets just to the point that it would work the action.  Long 55 gr spitzers do not work, they hang up in the magazine.  I didn't Chrono these loads, but I know they had to be well over 2000 fps. I tested them in wet newspaper for penetration, compared them to 90 gr XTP's, 85 gr Sierra RN, and  S&B full metal jacket factory loads.  The full metal had about twice the penetration, the sabots were identical to the 90 XTP's and the Sierra rnd nose a little further.  The conclusion was...Why Bother?  If I can get the same penetration with a 90 gr XTP Hollowpoint.....why would I shoot a bad-guy with a little 45 gr 22 caliber bullet?  However, with a pistol....I don't think MOA is an issue for close range self defense, and with the possibility of the sabots tumbling, they could be very deadly.  I would still prefer the .308 projectile.  I like to keep some of the XTP's around, but have mostly settled on the 85 gr Sierra with Old #9 powder.  Accurate had a published load over 1900 fps with this bullet, but have reduced the load in their new revised book.

[Questor]

I didn't see anything about plastic fouling in this thread, but I imagine it must be horrendous? Is it?

[earschplitinloudenboomer]

Robert;
Very sound advice. Looking at this simply as a been there, done that project.

[Have]

Well, I see that my experience was the same as yours. The accelerator is a good idea, like changing SS to private accounts, but not practical.

I had the same troubles as the rest of you and knew down deep it was a futile way to avoid buying a good .22 rifle barrel.

Thanks.

Anyone want a bag of sabots (eabco) and the press device to center bullet, drop me a line. You can have for $6.00, mail included.

[Racepres]

Hive:   YGPM    I'll take 'em  .. My youngest could use the low recoil practice ... Marty